A build afternoon turns abstract talk about mining into something attendees can touch. Because Malairte is CPU and GPU mineable, you do not need exotic hardware. A second-hand desktop with a mid-range GPU is plenty for a teaching session.
Source the parts ahead of time
Two weeks before the event, post in local marketplace groups asking for donations or low-cost sales of older PCs, mid-range GPUs, spare RAM, and SATA SSDs. Aim for two complete build kits so two small teams can work in parallel. Test every part on your bench at home before the day. Nothing kills the mood like a dead PSU at minute 30.
Pick a venue with bench space
A makerspace is ideal because it already has anti-static mats, screwdrivers, and good lighting. A garage works if you can set up two folding tables. Avoid carpeted rooms.
The afternoon plan
- 0:00-0:15 Welcome, safety briefing, anti-static wristbands on.
- 0:15-0:30 Walk through each component and what it does. Pass parts around.
- 0:30-1:45 Build. Two teams, one bench each, a host floating between them.
- 1:45-2:15 First power-on, BIOS check, install Linux or Windows from a prepared USB.
- 2:15-2:45 Install the Malairte wallet, set up the miner, start mining.
- 2:45-3:00 Group photo, coffee, and a chat about electricity costs and realistic earnings.
Tools to have on hand
- Magnetic Phillips screwdriver, anti-static wristbands, cable ties.
- A spare HDMI cable, a spare power cable, a spare SATA cable.
- Two prepared USB sticks with a fresh Linux installer.
- A printed BIOS cheat sheet with the boot key for common motherboards.
Talk honestly about the numbers
Before everyone leaves, spend ten minutes on the maths: estimated hash rate, electricity cost per kWh, and what that actually means per month. Attendees should go home understanding what they built, not believing they have a money printer. That honesty is what makes them tell their friends.