Read time: ≈ 13 min • Last updated: November 25 2025
I plugged a $499 mini-DOGE miner under my desk for 60 days. Here’s the exact kWh, heat, noise and net profit after power bills—plus the 2025 halving hit that shaved 18 % off the block reward.
No warehouse fairy-tales: this is a 285 W box you can actually run in a studio flat (and explain to your landlord).
Why I re-tested home mining in 2025
In 2021 I ordered a $12 k Dogecoin miner that sounded like a jet engine and tripped the flat’s breaker. This cycle GoldShell shipped a 285 W “mini-DOGE” box for $499—quieter than a PlayStation 5. Challenge accepted.
- Power draw < 300 W (landlord-friendly)
- Noise < 45 dB (bedroom-friendly)
- Shipped in 3 days (Netherlands warehouse)
- Halving already priced in (April 2025)
If it tripped the breaker or topped 50 dB, I would return it. Spoiler: I kept it.
Unboxing & first impressions
GoldShell mini-DOGE v2, 285 W ± 5 %
Power brick 220 V, CAT-5 cable, quick-start card
Size: 15 cm cube, weight 1.9 kg
Fan: single 120 mm, RGB (yes, it mines in style)
First plug-in: fan spins at 40 %, 42 dB measured on my phone app—quieter than my fridge.
Setup in 15 min (no tech degree)
- Plug power brick into wall.
- Connect Ethernet (Wi-Fi dongle optional but I used cable).
- Find IP on router → open web GUI (username admin / password admin).
- Enter your DOGE wallet address (I used Ledger native address).
- Choose pool: I picked Binance Pool (lowest latency 12 ms).
- Hit “start” — hashrate shows 185 MH/s ± 2 %.
Total time: 13 min including firmware update downloaded automatically.
60-day kWh & noise log
| Week | Avg Power (W) | kWh Used | DOGE Mined | Electricity Cost (€) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 283 | 47.8 | 98.4 | 4.11 |
| 2 | 281 | 47.5 | 96.1 | 4.08 |
| … | … | … | … | … |
| Total 60 d | 282 | 406 | 836 | 34.92 |
Noise averaged 43 dB (bedroom shelf). After 2 weeks I moved it to the living-room—no sleep loss.
Profitability after halving
Electricity: €34.92
DOGE sold at avg €0.067 (Binance sell orders) = €56.01
Net = €21.09
Return on hardware: 4.2 % in 60 days ≈ 25 % APR if nothing changes.
Not Lambo money—but it covers my Spotify + Netflix. And the cat loves the radiant heat.
Heat & noise survival tips
- Tilt miner 15° so hot air rises away from fan.
- Place on ceramic tile, not carpet—drops surface temp 4 °C.
- Use $10 USB fan pointed at exhaust → noise +1 dB, temp -6 °C.
- Mine at night only if your tariff is 30 % cheaper (mine is).
EU 2025 tax note (< 1 kW home-mining rebate)
Netherlands allows < 1 kW home-mining to be declared as “hobby income” at €0 if annual profit < €2 300. I track income in Koinly and set aside 32 % just in case.
Keep power invoice PDFs—tax office loves proof.
Download my Excel sheet
Auto-imports pool CSV + current DOGE price via API:
Open Sheet Download XLSXFrequently Asked Questions
Yes, if you pay < €0.10 kWh and use efficient < 300 W hardware. My 25 % APR beats most savings accounts.
Not really—ASICs > 3 kW are too loud/expensive. Stick to scrypt (DOGE/LTC) or low-power alt-coins.
GoldShell allows opening; warranty stays valid unless you damage the hash-board.
Library whisper level. My fridge is 45 dB; I sleep 3 m away without issues.
I am not a financial advisor. Mining involves hardware, electricity and market risks. Always check local regulations and your lease agreement before plugging in.