On November 30, 2022, a Twitter user named Ethereumonarm announced that it is now possible to run Ethereum nodes for less than $400.
You can run a full/archive/staking #Ethereum node for <$400. Break down:
✔️@theradxa Rock 5B board (16 GB): $189
✔️Acrylic case with passive heatsink: $13
✔️Crucial P2 NVMe SSD 2TB: $140
✔️MicroSD: $8
✔️Ethernet cable: $6
✔️Power supply: $9✅Total cost: ~$365
Some links👇 pic.twitter.com/bwom18NbiT
— Ethereum on ARM (and RISC-V) 🦇🔊🐼👉👈🐼 (@EthereumOnARM) November 30, 2022
Here is a breakdown of the estimate: The Radxa Rock 5B board (16 GB) costs $189, the acrylic P2 NVMe SSD (2 TB) costs $140, the Micro SD card costs $8, the Ethernet cable costs $6, and the power supply costs $9. Everything together amounts to $365 in total.
Nodes are an essential part of a blockchain because blockchains can only be accessed through them. An Ethereum node is any computer running the required software to connect with the Ethereum network. They communicate with one another to exchange data and verify transactions.
Running your node lets you have your own copy of the blockchain. Hence, an individual can carry out data verification privately.
You can be sure that your transactions will be broadcast over a P2P network by having your node submit transactions. Developers can upload their smart contracts to the Ethereum virtual machine without running the risk of them being blocked, tampered with, or censored for any reason.
Every single node is required to process new blocks added to the blockchain. Depending on the validity of the transaction, each node can accept or reject the most recent block. If the block is approved, it is then distributed to additional nodes until they are all in agreement and a consensus has been reached.
However, validator nodes are a requirement for participating in consensus. To become a validator, at least 32 ETH is needed, and the annual income is 5% of what is stacked.
Nodes are swift to reject invalid blocks and recognize bad nodes that might attempt to break the rules.
Blockchain networks have become decentralized thanks to this consensus among various nodes, which also serves as the foundation of Web 3. The smooth running of the nodes makes the blockchain stronger.
Another advantage of running Ethereum nodes is that users can secure a network without wasting a huge amount of energy. In fact, they consume way less energy than regular home outlets. They require about 30 watts of power, which costs 12 cents per kWh. This amounts to just a few dollars per month. Therefore, the cost still lies in the required 32 ETH.
Securing a network at such a low cost seems really good for the price. Although some users are skeptical about this new development, many are willing to take advantage of it.
