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All Eyez On NerdQX


13. October 2025, 15:00
Germany
Analysis

What happens when a collective of international experts - spanning different time zones - comes together to completely rethink the concept of “this is the only way”? The goal was not to reinvent the wheel, but to make it better: more modern, more sophisticated, and equipped with features that no one had thought of before.

NerdQX is the new standard in home mining, and definitely NOT NerdQaxe++.

Open-source hardware implemented without compromise as the new benchmark in home mining. 

In retrospect, the answer seems almost obvious. Because when you tidy up complex, fragile processes and reshape them into something new that feels both familiar and completely right, magic happens – and in just a few months.

The NerdQX – the “X” stands for many things and at the same time for nothing. It stands for something real, something with meaning. A clear message: that's how it should be. Different, but familiar. Superior on many levels. Sophisticated, reimagined, and ready for the next chapter, where the limit is no longer the hardware, but solely the imagination. Small spoiler: We haven't been able to outsmart physics (yet), but we're damn close. 😉

What is the NerdQX?

Consistently thought through – uncompromisingly different. It builds on the nearly perfect base of the NerdQaxe Rev. 5.1 from @shufps. With many great ideas, they laid the groundwork.

At its core, the NerdQX is based on the proven and popular NerdQAxe++ with four BM1370 ASIC processors. But nothing was simply copied here. The arrangement of the components, the geometry, and the entire architecture have been fundamentally redesigned. New features have been added and existing ones revised – and yes, a few weaknesses have finally been fixed.

NerdQX top view of the entire unit, including custom 3D case, copper anodized VREG cooler at 8.1 Th/s

The “X” stands for performance, stability, and safety - without empty superlatives, but with tangible results. So here are the most important features we are particularly proud of:

  • New PCB and geometry design, which makes many of the new features possible in the first place.
  • Mountable heat sinks on the VREGs - possible for the first time - significantly reduce power consumption, dramatically improve cooling performance, and ensure quiet, efficient operation.
  • XT60 power connector – a robust industry standard with extremely low contact resistance, designed for high currents. Also perfect for mobile or vibration-prone environments.
  • Simplified fuse – more cost-effective, reliable, and visually checkable at a glance.
  • Additional 12V 4-pin fan connector – ideal for extreme overclocking or connecting a water cooling system.
  • Proprietary, specially adapted firmware, optimized for the NerdQX hardware.
  • Powerful 240W power supply that delivers stable 12V even under high load.
  • Direct temperature measurement per ASIC – implemented for the first time. In addition, the temperature diode has been repositioned, enabling significantly more precise measurement. The real highlight, however, is that each individual ASIC processor can now be monitored separately, enabling exact temperature control, targeted fine-tuning, and maximum stability under load.

 

Extensive testing - documented in Article 'NerdQaxe++ evolution or a psychedelic voodoo experience' and "NerdQaxe++ overclocked to 10 Th/s, outside of any specifications"- quickly made it clear that a new development was inevitable.

The requirement was clearly defined: a new PCB layout that would enable a multi-ASIC configuration - stable, efficient, and ready for controlled overclocking without compromising reliability.

Design philosophy

The NerdQX doesn't just follow trends - it sets them. Every detail - from the placement of components to the selection of materials - has been developed with the clear goal of achieving maximum efficiency, stability, and ease of maintenance. But beyond that, there is something more fundamental: the feeling you get when technology not only works, but makes sense.

The design of the NerdQX is not a product of chance, but the result of countless iterations, discussions, and tests. Every circuit track, every heat sink, every connection has been carefully chosen. Where others look for simple solutions, we chose the right one – even if it was more complex.

NerdQX color display with 8.1 TH/s at 1000 MHz, ready to use right out of the box and truly unique among open-source miners.

The result is a device that impresses technically, aesthetically, and functionally. The clean lines, optimized airflow, and logical arrangement of all components ensure performance and a clear, well-thought-out overall picture. Form follows function – but here, the function has been perfected to such an extent that it has become the form.

Another guiding principle was modularity. The NerdQX is not a closed unit, but an open platform. It can be adapted, expanded, and further developed - by the community, for the community. In this case, open-source hardware means not only transparency, but also an invitation to contribute ideas, make improvements, and continue building.

Sustainability also played a central role. Optimized voltage regulators, significantly more copper in the conductor tracks for better heat absorption, more efficient cooling structures, and the ability to replace individual components modularly significantly extend the device's service life. The result is a system that remains up-to-date for years to come, rather than disposable technology – a statement against short-lived hardware cycles.

The end result is a simple idea: technology should inspire again. The NerdQX is more than just a device. It is an expression of attitude. It was built with precision, openness, and a healthy dose of nerd pride.

PCB geometry

In the previous NerdQAxe++, the circuit board was oriented vertically. This design allowed for many setups, but also presented a challenge: the extremely hot area around the VREGs. Although this area could be actively cooled with the NQ-HELIX, the area around the small “hot head” chip remained uncooled under the display. There was simply no practical solution that would fit under the display.

NerdQX is the first open source BTC home miner with horizontal PCB alignment. Here is the back of the unit.

So the geometry of the PCB and the arrangement of the components were completely redesigned. The goal was to eliminate thermal hotspots under the display, create space for more efficient cooling of the VREGs, and at the same time achieve a better balance between airflow and component accessibility.

The result is a horizontal board architecture that is currently unique among all open-source hardware miners. This new geometry opens up completely new possibilities for custom builds, modular cooling designs, and creative DIY setups in the NerdQX universe.

Fuse: safety always comes first

The introduction of a fuse in the NerdQAxe++ Rev. 5.1 was undoubtedly one of the best ideas ever and represents a real safety upgrade that sets new standards. After all, a fuse is not a luxury in a multi-ASIC miner, but a necessity. Precisely because the NerdQX was developed for home use, safety is a top priority.

However, the SMD fuse used at the time also had its limitations. It was unusual, difficult to replace, and did not offer an easy way to visually check its function. This meant that it was not possible to see at a glance whether it had tripped, which often led to troubleshooting and confusion in practice.

With the NerdQX, this concept was consistently further developed. The fuse remains, but has been massively improved. Instead of an SMD variant, a mini automotive fuse is now used: it is robust, standardized, inexpensive, and its function can be checked visually. A quick glance is enough to see if it is intact – without the need for a measuring device or removal.

NerdQX is uncompromising when it comes to safety. Improve your safety concept with an auto motive fuse.

The dimensions were also designed with foresight. Since the NerdQX is designed for performance and stability, it comes standard with a 15 A fuse, which is almost twice as high as the 8 A fuse of the NerdQAxe++. This dimensioning offers enough leeway for controlled overclocking without compromising the protective function.

Enthusiasts who want to go even further can use the NerdQX flexibly: if you want to overclock beyond the standard settings in the so-called “danger zone,” you can use a stronger fuse if necessary. The circuit board is designed so that this is easily possible. However, the cooling concept should also be adjusted accordingly to safely absorb thermal peaks.

This openness is typical of the NerdQX: it protects the user without restricting them. It is a miner that balances safety and freedom – perfectly dimensioned for performance, but open enough for real hobbyists and overclocking enthusiasts.

Change of the power connection

The previous DC round connector, which had long been standard on the Bitaxe and also on the NerdQAxe++, had proven itself in practice. However, it had become outdated, at least since the NerdQAxe++. With a maximum load capacity of around 8 amps, it worked reliably within its technical parameters, but reached its limits when real performance was required, for example during overclocking.

Enthusiasts who wanted to exploit the full potential of their hardware were particularly at risk of causing overheating or contact problems with the classic round connector. In some cases, defects even occurred because the connection was not designed for the currents required by modern multi-ASIC setups.

The NerdQX draws a clear line here and is the first 4-ASIC miner ever to introduce a new standard: the XT60 power connector.

This connector originally comes from the industrial and RC sectors and is designed for currents of up to 60 amps. It impresses with extremely low contact resistance, gold-plated contacts, and a secure, vibration-resistant connection. This makes it ideal for mobile or modular mining setups. The XT60 is not only more efficient, but also significantly more robust, durable, and reverse polarity protected, making it the perfect partner for the NerdQX.

NerdQX combines safety and stability with the XT60 power connector and enables high current flows. Also in mobile applications, as the industry standard in home mining.

In addition to pure performance, the new connector offers even more advantages.

  • Easy handling: easy to disconnect and reconnect – even with frequent modifications or test setups.
  • Secure contact: no play, no wobbling, no sparks.
  • Future-proof: compatible with different cable cross-sections and battery systems.

     

The NerdQX thus opens up completely new possibilities for modular power supplies, for example in individual DIY setups or larger home mining rigs. What has long been standard in the industrial sector is now also becoming a matter of course for open hardware developments with the NerdQX.

The combination of the visually verifiable 15A fuse and the powerful XT60 connector forms a solid, future-proof basis for all application scenarios – from efficient standard operation to ambitious overclocking.

In short: where power connections and fuses used to be weak points, they are now a real quality feature of the NerdQX. A system that not only delivers power, but also controls it safely – whether in normal operation or deep in the danger zone.

Cooling the VREGs

Since the Bitaxe Supra - and especially since the Gamma with the BM1370 chip - it has become clear that it is not only the ASICs that need cooling. A lot of test data, especially from PlebBase, has shown that the VREGs (voltage regulators) are among the most critical components in multi-ASIC miners. If they get too hot, not only does efficiency suffer, but the service life of the entire hardware is also drastically reduced.

Until now, however, there has been no real solution to this problem. Neither in the open hardware nor in the commercial segment has there been a well-designed, production-ready cooling system for VREGs. Previous approaches were improvised at best: small heat sinks, provisionally attached, often without sufficient airflow or thermal contact.

The NerdQX changes this fundamentally. During the design phase, the printed circuit board (PCB) was redesigned so that the VREGs could be moved to a thermally optimal position. Only then was it possible to develop a completely new cooling system specifically for this area.

The first prototypes were made of aluminum, as this material is lightweight, easy to work with, and ideal for the early testing phases. This version was also presented in the first press release to demonstrate the progress made. However, internally it was already clear at this point that the team did not want a half-baked solution.

NerdQX is the world's first home miner to deliver an industry standard for VREGs, a copper anodized custom cooler.

After extensive comparative tests, temperature measurements, and material analyses, the development team made a conscious decision to take the next step and set an example: All NerdQX series devices are shipped with a copper-anodized VREG cooler.

This decision was not a marketing ploy, but a question of standards. Copper conducts heat much more efficiently than aluminum, enabling lower operating temperatures with the same noise level. The anodized surface also provides corrosion protection, improved heat distribution, and a distinctive, high-quality look. Compared to the aluminum version, temperature improvements of 5 to 10 °C were measured – with more stable voltage and lower overall power consumption.

Pure solid copper variants showed hardly any measurable advantages in the tests, but were significantly more expensive. The copper-anodized cooler thus proved to be the perfect balance between efficiency, stability, and economy.

The result is a real game changer: no more worries about overheated VREGs. Even under high load or overclocking, the area remains within the optimal temperature range, so the board runs more stably, the ASICs are more consistent, and efficiency increases noticeably.

The advantages are measurable and immediate:

  • Significantly lower power consumption due to reduced heat loss.
  • Cooler circuit board, more stable ASIC performance.
  • OC-ready ex works, no additional cooling required.
  • Longer service life and higher operational reliability.

 

Whether passive or active, the new VREG cooler in the NerdQX is a unique selling point in the field of open hardware home mining. The decision to go with the copper-anodized version instead of the aluminum one was a conscious one by the team-driven by the desire to deliver a perfect product, not just a functional one.

The NerdQX thus proves that open-source hardware can not only keep up with industrial standards, but even surpass them in some areas.

Additional fan connector

With the NerdQAxe++, two 4-pin fan connectors were usually sufficient. However, anyone who wanted to use more complex cooling concepts or even water cooling had to resort to Y-splitters. This makeshift solution quickly made the interior cluttered and was neither elegant nor reliable in practice.

The NerdQX offers a clear improvement in this regard: it has an additional 4-pin fan connector (M3) that is specifically designed for overclocking setups, additional fans, or water cooling systems. This connector currently supplies a constant 12 V voltage without PWM control, making it ideal for additional fans or pumps that are to be operated at a fixed speed.

NerdQX is the world's first home miner to implement an additional 4-pin fan connection for custom cooling solutions or AiO.

It is important to note that the NerdQX hardware is designed so that the M3 connector is PWM-capable. This means that it can be controlled via a firmware update in the future. Currently, however, a constant 12 V output is used. As soon as the firmware is expanded accordingly, the M3 port can be integrated into the software and precisely controlled.

In addition, the entire fan connection section has been redesigned in terms of safety and robustness. In earlier models, connecting a fan during operation – especially in the event of accidental polarity reversal – could cause the fuse to blow or a short circuit. In the NerdQX, the circuit has been physically modified so that a short circuit can no longer occur, even if a fan is connected or disconnected during operation.

The result is greater flexibility, greater safety, and significantly more options for individual cooling designs – whether classic, active, or experimental.

The additional fan connection is therefore not only a technical addition, but also an expression of the attitude that the NerdQX is made to evolve. It gives enthusiasts and hobbyists the freedom to implement their own ideas without encountering limitations – that's what real open hardware is all about.

Own firmware profile

As has often been said: there's no need to reinvent the wheel, but you can perfect it. The NerdQX relies on the proven ESP Miner NerdQAxePlus firmware. This is actively developed and maintained by the open source community. However, it has been extensively adapted, expanded, and optimized for the NerdQX in order to fully exploit its special hardware features.

One of the most striking innovations is that, for the first time, a frequency of up to 1000 MHz can be selected directly in the firmware via a drop-down menu – without modifications, without additional tools, simply natively in the interface. This is a milestone in the home mining segment and an expression of the philosophy behind the NerdQX: maximum control without obstacles.

NerdQX is the world's first home miner that allows a frequency of 1000 MHz, or 8.1 Th/s, right out of the box.

But it's not just a software gimmick. The hardware itself is so robust, precise, and thermally stable that the development team deliberately decided to set the standard clock speed to 777 MHz - a frequency that would be well above the limit for most other NerdQAxe++ models. By way of comparison, while earlier generations reached their limit at 600 MHz (approx. 4.8 TH/s), the NerdQX delivers an impressive 6.3 TH/s at 777 MHz – straight from the factory, stable, quiet, and energy-efficient.

NerdQX is the world's first home miner that allows a frequency of 777 MHz, or 6.3 TH/s, out of the box. This is the default setting.

Each of these settings was carefully and extensively tested before being included in the official firmware. The goal was absolute reliability, even under continuous load or in demanding overclocking scenarios. Particular attention was paid to the integrity of the shares – an area where many devices reach their limits at high hash rates. Targeted optimizations in signal and voltage management have completely eliminated these problems: there are no more “rejected shares,” even at high frequencies.

A completely new and optimized firmware profile impressively reflects the relentless performance of the NerdQX.

The NerdQX firmware is therefore not just another update, but the result of precise development work, consistent testing, and genuine passion. It combines performance, efficiency, and stability in a way that has never been seen before in an open hardware miner.

Finally, a sufficient PSU!

A powerful device deserves a suitable power supply. This was often the weak point of the NerdQAxe++: the 120 W power supplies that came with it were simply too small, overheated, or failed during operation. Many users therefore had to switch to Mean Well power supplies on their own.

The NerdQX puts an end to this chapter. It comes standard with a 240 W power supply that delivers a stable 12 V even under high load and overclocking. This virtually eliminates failures and users no longer have to deal with retrofits, adapters, or DIY solutions.

Plug it in, start it up, forget about it-that's how it should be.

ASIC temperature measurement at a new level

The best comes last. One of the biggest advances in the NerdQX concerns temperature measurement and control, an area that has often been underestimated in home mining devices.

Previously, sensors were limited to rough estimates: a single diode, usually placed next to or on an ASIC chip, provided only approximate values. Precise, reproducible measurements were therefore hardly possible, which made efficient tuning and safe overclocking difficult.

With the NerdQX, this situation has been completely rethought. The temperature diode has been specifically repositioned: exactly between the four ASIC processors, the point with the highest thermal load. This provides realistic and reproducible measurement data for the first time, giving an accurate picture of the actual temperatures on the circuit board.

But that was only the first step: for the first time, the temperatures of each individual ASIC processor can be measured separately in an open hardware multi-ASIC miner.

For the first time at NerdQX, all ASIC temperatures will be measured individually and precisely for each processor.

This means that no estimates are made, no averages are calculated, and no approximations are used-real, precise measurements are determined for each chip in real time.

To validate this function, intensive and extensive test series were carried out under various load scenarios, ambient temperatures, and cooling configurations. The goal was to no longer provide only rough temperature ranges or inaccurate values from the old PCB diode, but rather correct, calibrated, and reliable data. The latter has not yet been implemented in any home miner – not even approximately.

Extensive testing for accurate temperature measurement and output was carried out on the NerdQX, which has not been done on any home miner to date.

The results speak for themselves: While previous diode measurements could deviate by 7 to 12 °C, the NerdQX now provides nearly exact measurements with minimal tolerance. This enables an unprecedented level of control over thermal performance, which is crucial for efficiency, stability, and safe overclocking.

These measurements are displayed directly in the user interface: four ASICs, four precise temperature values, clearly visualized and accessible at any time. This feature goes far beyond convenience – it is a decisive step toward professional transparency and reliability in home mining.

Test data and results

In the end, it's not what you write or plan that counts, but what the hardware actually delivers. That's why the NerdQX was not only developed, but also tested intensively and in a practical manner. Because numbers on paper are one thing, but real results under real conditions are another.

The test environment was exactly the same as in previous comparative tests: the ambient temperature was kept constant at 23 °C, the test room was the same, the measuring instruments were identical, and the same thermal paste Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut extreme was used to ensure absolute comparability with the tests of the previous models. The fan control was set to manual and 100% fan speed so that previous tests would be on a level playing field.

The key difference this time was that the NerdQX was tested completely “out of the box” – exactly as it is delivered. No other power supplies, alternative fans, or modified cooling configurations were used. Simply connect the series device in its original, functional 3D-printed case to Wi-Fi, and the test course could begin.

The following table summarizes the most important measurement data and results of the test series. It shows the measured hash rates, voltages, temperatures, and power consumption in the various operating modes - from ECO to OC.

Mode

ASIC Voltage (mV)

Hashrate (TH/s)

ASIC temp (°C)

VREG temp (°C)

Power W/UI

Power W/Smartmeter

ECO mode at 495 Mhz

1085

4.0 Th/s

31.8

28.2

59.3

68.4

Default at 777 MHz

1200

6.3 Th/s

38.9

34.8

105.0

112.1

OC mode at 1000 Mhz

1250

8.1 Th(s

45.5

42.5

144.5

153.8

Almost forgot, so you can also compare the results with the usual NerdQAxe++ at the default setting of 600 MHz at 4.8 Th/s. The data is taken from the test article: NerdQaxe++ evolution or a psychedelic voodoo experience.

However, since the NerdQX features direct temperature measurement in each individual ASIC processor, a direct comparison with older models such as the NerdQAxe++ would not be entirely fair.

In order to create an objective basis for comparison, the temperature data from the external diode on the PCB was used – just as in previous tests.

The difference, however, lies in the positioning of this diode: In the NerdQX, it was deliberately placed in the middle between all four ASIC processors in order to obtain a more realistic, more uniform temperature picture. As a result, the measurements not only provide more stable but also significantly more accurate values than with the NerdQAxe++, where the diode was placed closer to a single chip. Of course, the values of the direct ASIC temperature measurement are also interesting – especially to show how precise the new system is.

At a frequency of 600 MHz, the measured temperature of the warmest ASIC processor is only 35.5 °C – an outstanding value that impressively demonstrates how efficiently the new measurement and cooling architecture of the NerdQX works.

Mode

ASIC Voltage (mV)

Hashrate (TH/s)

ASIC temp (°C)

VREG temp (°C)

Power W/UI

Power W/Smartmeter

NerdQX at 600 Mhz

1150

4.8 Th/s

42.3 (35.5)

31.1

76.9

85,9

NerdQAxe++ at 600 Mhz

1150

4.8 Th/s

53,8

52,2

77,4

86,7

Since the NerdQX is the first quad multi-ASIC miner ever to offer the option of increasing the clock speed to 1000 MHz, a direct comparison with the NerdQAxe++ was obvious. However, to be fair, it must be said that the NerdQAxe++ was not designed for this performance class.

In order to bring it into this range at all, extensive adjustments to the cooling, power supply, and firmware were necessary. Nevertheless, this test was carried out in order to obtain a realistic picture.

The measurements of the overclocked NerdQAxe++ (at around 10 TH/s) produced comparative data that, despite different conditions, provide valuable insights.

Here, too, the NerdQX deliberately used the data from the external temperature sensor diode to ensure comparability. This keeps the test methodologically fair and clearly shows how stable and thermally balanced the NerdQX is, even at 1000 MHz – without modifications, without risk, and with impressive efficiency.

Mode

ASIC Voltage (mV)

Hashrate (TH/s)

ASIC temp (°C)

VREG temp (°C)

Power W/UI

Power W/Smartmeter

NerdQX at 1000 Mhz

1250

8.1 Th/s

50.2 (45.5)

42.5

144.5

153.8

NerdQAxe++ at 1000 Mhz

1275

8.1 Th/s

51.7

59.9

157.0

191.3

These measurement results underscore that the combination of a new PCB layout, optimized VREG cooling, precise temperature measurement, customized firmware, and stable power supply is convincing both in theory and in practice. While other miners reach their limits, the NerdQX runs quietly, stably, and efficiently - exactly as intended by the development team.

Thermal testing

Let's move on to one of the most exciting tests of all – thermal analysis. I have to admit: I love the magic of thermal cameras. There is hardly anything more satisfying than making the invisible world of heat flows visible.

Exclusive and first-ever thermal camera measurement of the NerdQX from the front.

As a reminder, the NerdQAxe++ was measured at a standard clock speed of 600 MHz and 1150 mV – which corresponds to around 4896 GH/s or 4.9 TH/s.

With the NerdQX, the results are even more impressive. Here, too, the measurement was taken at the standard clock speed – but this is now 777 MHz at 1200 mV, which is noticeably higher.

In pure numbers, this means that the NerdQX delivers 6340 GH/s, which is 1444 GH/s more than the NerdQAxe++ – corresponding to a performance increase of around 30%.

Or, to put it more clearly: this corresponds to almost an additional Bitaxe Gamma integrated into the same system – with improved efficiency and cooling at the same time.

However, the measurement itself was a bit of a challenge.

In order to record the temperatures as accurately as possible, the camera had to be positioned at a slight angle – this was the only way to clearly capture the heat flow on the PCB.

Exclusive and first-ever thermal camera measurement of the NerdQX from the front with color spectrum.

The thermal image from the front impressively shows that the hottest area of the NerdQX is not the board itself, but the display with the ESP, which generates a certain amount of heat due to its own electronics.

The VREGs, on the other hand? Barely visible.

The new copper-anodized VREG cooler does a great job here – the areas that used to glow red hot on the NerdQAxe++ (regardless of the revision) now remain pleasantly cool.

Anyone who has ever operated an older NerdQAxe++ knows that you could literally get “hot fingers” if you accidentally touched the wrong place.

With the NerdQX, that's a thing of the past.

Exclusive and first-ever thermal camera measurement of the NerdQX from behind

I actually wanted to skip the thermal photo of the back – simply because there are hardly any hot spots there anyway thanks to the active cooling. But it's still worth taking a quick look:

The included 92 mm fan, perfectly integrated into the 3D housing, ensures an even airflow across the entire back. Even under prolonged full load, the measurements here show no abnormalities.

Exclusive and first-time thermal camera measurement of the NerdQX from behind with color spectrum.

In short:

The thermal stability of the NerdQX is outstanding. No overheating, no critical zones – neither at the front nor at the rear.

The combination of efficient cooler design, well-thought-out housing, and precise airflow makes the NerdQX one of the most thermally balanced multi-ASIC miners currently available.

The conclusion of the test series is clear: the NerdQX delivers what it promises and sets a new standard in home mining. No tricks, no fine-tuning, and no aftermarket tuning are necessary. Just unpack, plug in, and be amazed.

Analysis

What NerdQX offers as a complete package is unique in this form - not only in the open hardware sector. No other device in its class combines so many well-thought-out details, practical improvements, and genuine engineering work into a finished, well-rounded product.

Sophisticated, attractive, and efficient custom 3D case for the NerdQX with 92mm fan ventilation.

As soon as you unpack it, you can see that every component has been designed with passion, precision, and attention to detail. The high-quality, 3D-printed case is not only attractive to look at, but also perfectly designed in terms of functionality: it is sturdy, fits perfectly, and comes pre-assembled. Simply plug it in, connect to Wi-Fi, and get started. There is no tinkering or guesswork involved, just pure functionality.

Sophisticated, attractive, and efficient custom 3D case for the NerdQX with 92mm fan ventilation, view of the entire unit from behind.

The included 240 W power supply is finally sized as it always should have been: stable, reliable, and with sufficient power reserve - even when overclocking to 1000 MHz and beyond in the so-called danger zone. A power supply you don't have to think about - it just works.

The best part is that the NerdQX allows you to set the clock speed to 1000 MHz directly in the firmware via a simple drop-down menu – without any additional tools or tricks. The result: a hashrate of 8.1 TH/s from a home miner that runs quietly, stably, and almost bored. While other systems struggle with temperature or voltage issues, the NerdQX continues to operate confidently, efficiently, and precisely.

Sophisticated, attractive, and efficient custom 3D case for the NerdQX, side view.

Another highlight is the cooling system. The original press release featured a smaller heat sink with a more compact fan, which was functional but looked rather conventional. However, the team deliberately opted for a different solution: a significantly larger, more efficient, and aesthetically perfect cooler design with a 120 mm fan. This solution ensures quiet and even cooling of the ASIC processors and optimal heat dissipation throughout the entire case. Even the back of the NerdQX is specifically cooled by the directed airflow of the custom 3D case. The result: no thermal overload – at any time, even during prolonged full load or overclocked operation.

Sophisticated, attractive, and efficient custom 3D housing for the NerdQX, front view. With display and VREG copper anodized cooler at 8.1 Th/s.

And as if that weren't enough, a copper-anodized VREG cooler is also included as standard at no extra charge. What was presented as an aluminum prototype in the press release was replaced in the final version by a conscious team decision to deliver a truly perfect product. The anodized copper cooler is not only visually impressive, but also a technical game-changer: it enables significantly better heat dissipation, a more stable power distribution, and measurably lower power consumption. Whether operated passively or actively, the cooling works perfectly right away, even with moderate overclocking.

All of this combined results in a product that sets new standards in its category. I would like to mention a point of criticism, as I have done in previous tests, but I can't find one. And even if there were something to criticize, it would only be at a level that no other open hardware miner has achieved so far.

Personal note

This review will undoubtedly be followed by comments such as: “I can buy two NerdQaxe++ for that!” or “I can achieve the same performance with a little overclocking.” 

Unfortunately, I have to disappoint you here. If you have really read and understood this review - i.e., both the physical changes to the hardware base and the optimizations at the software level - then you will know why this comparison is flawed. Let me put it this way: Yes, you can drive a car with three wheels, brake with an anchor, and pour sand into the engine instead of oil. It kind of works - but the result is a whole different story. 

No matter which revision of the NQ++ you have, even with slightly improved conductor tracks: It has not been tested and optimized nearly as intensively as the NerdQX. The firmware is the final straw - usually at around 750 MHz. If you want more hashrate, you have to compile your own firmware. And so far, there isn't a single NQ++ that runs stably above 800 MHz out of the box. 

The problem starts with the power supply, continues with the cables, and ends with the cooler. You also need two fans and a case to hold all this chaos together. The NQ++ costs between $400 and $650, but no model achieves the precision and performance of a NerdQX.

If you then add the “tuning parts” for overclocking beyond 750 MHz, you'll quickly spend another $100–200—and still have a car with three wheels, an anchor for a brake, and sand instead of oil in the engine. 

Don't get me wrong: the NQ++ (regardless of the revision) is a great device – but it does have clear weaknesses and limitations. Anyone who knows me knows what I've been working on for over a year and a half – and that's exactly why this assessment hits the nail on the head.

  • Away from complaining, towards ideas

 

Before the big grumbling starts, I have one more tip for all NerdQX owners:

Winter is just around the corner - and with a few tricks, you can use your NerdQX as a quiet mini radiator! At 1000 MHz or 8.1 Th/s, it runs almost silently if you set the PID temperature control to 68 °C.

The magic of the system does the rest all by itself.

 

  • The question of all questions: 10 Th/s?

 

And yes, many will ask: "Can the NerdQX also achieve 10 Th/s? "

Let's put it this way: for enthusiasts, there is still plenty of room beyond the danger zone. With a few adjustments to the cooling system and some DIY magic, the NerdQX can achieve 99% of what you want.

So: Surprise us with your custom setup and your NerdQX records! 😎

The team behind NerdQX

The NerdQX is not an anonymous product, but the result of an international collaboration between enthusiasts, developers, and engineers from the US, France, and Germany.

What began as an idea in a chat room became a real community project – with countless hours of testing, discussion, and fine-tuning across multiple time zones.

All participants are documented in the public GitHub repository, and their names can even be found in the firmware itself – under the menu System.

This is a clear sign that open source is not just a concept here, but a lived conviction.

Back of the NerdQX PCB with all those involved in the development of the project listed.

This collaboration also gave rise to the ORIGINAL NerdQX Initiative – a clear stance within the project. Its goal is to enable the replication and further development of the NerdQX for all users, in the spirit of true open hardware. At the same time, it aims to ensure that manufacturers and sellers who do not contribute to the project do not receive a platform or support through the initiative. Because open source here does not mean that everyone benefits – but that everyone contributes.

The NerdQX thus stands not only for technological innovation, but also for a philosophy:

Develop together, share fairly, and remain honest.

A device that was created by the community for the community – with the clear goal of making home mining accessible, transparent, and inspiring again.

Closing remarks

The NerdQX is more than just a home miner. It is the result of passion, precision, and genuine conviction. A statement that open source and quality are not contradictory - but can complement each other perfectly. 

It was not built to follow trends, but to set standards.

And it has succeeded in doing so.

The NerdQX - developed by nerds, built for plebs, designed for the future.

Official NerdQX logo

Availability

Just one last question remains:

Where can you get your own NerdQX?

The answer is as simple as it is clear - and yet special: The NerdQX is available exclusively through Ix Tech, a small, highly specialized US company that is uncompromisingly focused on quality, precision, and customer satisfaction.

Ix Tech is one of the initiators and active supporters of the project and has played a decisive role in making the NerdQX a reality.

And here is the direct link to NerdQX from Ix Tech. Join in and stay informed.

However, it pays to be quick. The first production batch is deliberately small, as each device is manufactured with the utmost care and by hand. 

The team at Ix Tech currently has its hands full meeting demand and maintaining high quality control. So if you want to make sure you get one of the first NerdQX devices, be sure to activate the notification function in the shop.

Ix Tech logo

This way, you'll be notified as soon as sales start – and you can jump right in.

We know from a very reliable source that the official launch is imminent.

The entire team - from the developers and testers to the contributors on GitHub - is already looking forward to the first reviews and impressions from the community.

Your feedback is what drives this project, and we are deeply grateful that you are part of it.

PlebBase

Knowledge transfer, services and products for the Bitaxe ecosystem. Primarily focused on cooling concepts and optimisations of hardware and software. 

Contact
Andreas
Founder

Interested in digital progress, alternatives in finance, Bitcoin mining processes, in particular open source developments.