How to Set Up Your Nerdqaxe++ Hydro Miner: Firmware, Settings & Hydro Cooling

How to Set Up Your Nerdqaxe Miner: Firmware, Settings, and Cooling Guide

Summary

The Nerdqaxe++ Hydro is a water-cooled ASIC miner engineered for quiet, efficient, and stable Bitcoin mining in home environments. Unlike air-cooled versions, the Hydro model uses a dedicated liquid-cooling block and external pump system, offering significantly better temperature control and more overclocking headroom.

In this post, we’ll walk you through everything required to set up and optimize your Nerdqaxe++ Hydro — including initial installation, water-cooling loop preparation, pump and radiator setup, firmware configuration, power settings, and best practices for long-term stable operation.

 

Unboxing & Preparing the Hydro Unit

Nerdqaxe Hydro cooling system

Inside the package, you will find:

  • Nerdqaxe++ Hydro miner

  • Pre-installed water block

  • Inlet/outlet tubing connectors

  • Mounting screws

  • Optional PSU (if included)

Placement Tips

To maximize water-cooling performance:

  • Place the miner higher than the pump and reservoir

  • Avoid bending or pressing the tubes

  • Keep airflow clear around the radiator

  • Avoid high-humidity rooms

 

Setting Up the Hydro Cooling Loop

Setting Up the Hydro Cooling Loop

This is the most important part of the Hydro model.

A proper loop includes:

  • Pump

  • Radiator (240mm or 360mm recommended)

  • Reservoir

  • Tubing

  • Coolant (distilled water or non-conductive PC coolant)

 

Connecting the Tubes

Connect OUTLET from miner → pump inlet

Pump outlet → radiator inlet

Radiator outlet → reservoir

Reservoir outlet → miner INLET

📌 Recommended Flow: Pump → Radiator → Miner → Reservoir → Pump

Tips: Correct flow ensures stable temperatures and avoids trapped air.

 

Filling the Loop

  1. Fill reservoir with coolant (distilled water recommended)
  2. Tilt the miner gently to release trapped air
  3. Run the pump before powering the miner itself
  4. Continue topping up until bubbles disappear
  5. Check all fittings for leaks

Tips:  Never power the miner without coolant circulation. This can burn the cooling block instantly.

 

Hydro Cooling Performance Settings

The Hydro version reacts differently to temperature compared to air-cooled models.

Recommended Operating Range

 
ParameterValue
Coolant Temperature22°C – 38°C
Maximum Safe Temp45°C
Optimal Pump Speed800–1500 L/h
Radiator Size240–360mm (dual or triple fan)
 

Network Connection & Accessing the Control Panel

Step 1 — Connect Miner to Router

Use one of the following:

✔ Ethernet (recommended) ✔ Wi-Fi (if supported by your firmware version)

 

Step 2 — Find the IP Address

Check router → “Connected Devices” → Look for:

nerdqaxe-hydro / nerdqaxe++ / hydro-miner

 

Step 3 — Login

Browser → http://192.168.1.xxx

Default login:

          user: admin

          pass: admin

Change password immediately.

 
Nerdqaxe++Accessing the Control Panel

Firmware Upgrade for the Hydro Version

Hydro firmware contains:

  • mproved water-cooling control

  • Better voltage stability

  • Enhanced thermal protection

  • More precise clock steps for overclocking

 

Upgrade Steps

 
 

      Tips: Do not power off during upgrade.

If you are interested in Nerdqaxe++ 4.8Th/s, you can check out my other article, which details how to set up Nerdqaxe++ 4.8Th/s.
 

Power & Overclock Settings (Hydro-Optimized)

The Hydro version allows safer and more stable overclocking because water cooling controls chip temperature more effectively.

 

4.8 TH/s – 72–80W – Quietest operation, best longevity

 

Hydro Overclock (Optional)

  • 6.2–6.5 TH/s achievable

  • 110–120W power consumption

  • Requires strong pump + 360mm radiator

 
Tips for OC Stability

Maintenance for Hydro Models

To keep your Nerdqaxe++ Hydro performing well:

Weekly:

  • Check coolant level

  • Verify pump is running

Monthly:

  • Clean radiator fins

  • Check tubing color and texture

Every 2–3 months:

  • Replace coolant (if not using long-life premix)

  • Dashboard monitoring:

  • Hashrate

  • Water temperature (if sensor supported)

  • Error rate

  • Pump RPM

 

Dashboard Monitoring

Check:

  • Hashrate

  • Water temperature

  • Fan/pump RPM

  • Error rate

 
IssuePossible CauseSolution
No hashrateNetwork errorReboot miner + router
High temperaturePump blockage / low coolantRefill coolant, check pump
Low hashrateOverheating / unstable PSUReduce power mode
UI not accessibleIP changedScan network again
 

FAQ — Nerdqaxe++ Hydro Setup

Q1. What’s the main difference between Nerdqaxe++ and Nerdqaxe++ Hydro?

The Hydro version uses liquid cooling, offering lower noise, higher thermal stability, and more overclocking headroom.

Q2. Does the Nerdqaxe++ Hydro require a special power supply?

Yes. The Nerdqaxe++ Hydro works best with a stable 12V 300–400W power supply, especially if you plan to adjust power settings or enable overclocking. A high-quality PSU ensures reliable hydro cooling performance and stable Bitcoin mining operation.

Q3. How do I check if my Nerdqaxe++ Hydro cooling loop is working properly?

You should see continuous water flow in the tubing, stable coolant temperature, and no air bubbles. If the miner overheats or the hashrate fluctuates, verify pump speed, coolant level, and radiator airflow. Proper hydro cooling is essential for Nerdqaxe hydro miner stability.

Q4. What are the best firmware settings for the Nerdqaxe++ Hydro?

Use the latest Nerdqaxe firmware from the official repository. For most users, default power settings offer the best balance of performance and temperature. Advanced users can fine-tune clock values for improved hashrate, but only with strong hydro cooling and a reliable PSU.

Q5. Can I use the Nerdqaxe++ Hydro miner in a small room or apartment?

Yes. One of the main advantages of the Nerdqaxe++ Hydro is its extremely low noise. With proper radiator placement and cooling settings, the hydro miner is quiet enough for home or office Bitcoin mining environments.

Q6. Why does my Nerdqaxe++ Hydro show lower hashrate after setup?

This usually indicates insufficient cooling, trapped air inside the water loop, or incorrect Nerdqaxe settings. Check the coolant flow, pump operation, and ensure the firmware is updated. Once temperatures stabilize, the Nerdqaxe++ Hydro should return to full hashrate.

Q7. What is the safest overclock range for the Nerdqaxe++ Hydro miner?

With proper water-cooling, the Nerdqaxe++ Hydro can safely reach around 6.2–6.5 TH/s. Keep coolant temperature below 40–42°C and monitor error rate frequently. Hydro cooling allows higher performance, but always adjust Nerdqaxe overclock settings gradually to avoid damage.

Leave a Comment