Rack Shelf Ventilation Checklist for 0.05+ TH/s Units
The intake and exhaust checks we run before logging hash-rate on any half-rack shelf.
Before we connect our hash-rate logger on any shelf visit, we walk through a ventilation checklist. Skipping these steps means your per-U hash-rate numbers may reflect airflow problems rather than hardware capability.
Intake Side
- Front door or panel clearance — Measure from the unit bezel to the nearest obstruction. Under 50 mm and intake suffers.
- Dust filter condition — A clogged filter can raise intake temperature by 4–6°C on compact shelves.
- Blanking panel integrity — Missing panels on empty U-positions pull air away from active units.
Exhaust Side
- Rear grille to wall distance — Our 80 mm minimum applies to units in the 0.05–0.30 TH/s range. Larger units may need 100 mm or more.
- Cable bundle behind the unit — Thick power cables pressed against the rear grille act as insulation.
- Shelf above exhaust path — Hot air from a lower shelf should not rise directly into the intake of the shelf above.
Room-Level Factors
- Ceiling height below 2.4 m can trap a heat layer above the rack
- HVAC vents blowing warm air toward the rack front raise intake temps
- Closed doors in small rooms reduce overall air exchange
What We Log
After the checklist passes, we record ambient temperature at rack front (1 m height), at each shelf intake, and at each shelf exhaust. A delta above 15°C between intake and exhaust on a single unit warrants investigation before blaming the ASIC itself.
If your shelf fails two or more items on this list, remediate before spending money on replacement hardware.