Crypto mining is a process of verifying and adding transactions to a public ledger known as a blockchain. In order to do this, miners need to solve complex computational problems. In return for their efforts, they are rewarded with crypto coins, such as Bitcoin, Shiba Inu, Ravencoin, etc.
While any computer can be used for crypto mining, the process is very resource intensive and can quickly damage hardware that is not designed for it. For this reason, many people use dedicated crypto mining rigs, which are specifically designed for mining. Blockchain mining can be done using a variety of computing devices, although they often fall into one of three categories: CPUs, GPUs, or ASICs. Today, I will talk about the best graphics cards (GPUs) for mining crypto.
How to Choose the Best Graphics Card for Mining?
As the popularity of cryptocurrencies continues to grow, so does the demand for mining rigs — specialized computers designed to mine digital currencies.
For those looking to get involved in the mining industry, one key decision is how many graphics cards to include in their rig. While a single card can be enough to get started, investing in a rig with multiple cards can provide a number of benefits. For one, it can significantly increase the amount of currency that can be mined. Additionally, multiple cards can also help improve stability and reduce the risk of downtime.
As such, for those serious about making money from cryptocurrency mining, a multi-card rig is often the best option. It is worth mentioning that the prices of these rigs are very high — around 9,000 USD — for this reason, they are not affordable to everyone. Because of this, many miners join dedicated mining pools, which are groups of people who come together to mine crypto coins. By joining a pool, you can share the costs and increase your chances of earning rewards.
When choosing a graphics card for crypto mining, there are several things to consider.
First, you need to think of memory speed. This is important because the faster it is, the faster the graphics card is able to mine coins. You also need to contemplate the price of the GPU and how much you can afford to spend. Crypto mining can be expensive, so you need to make sure that you have a budget that can cover the initial investment.
There are various platforms out there that provide comprehensive comparisons between different GPUs if you’re looking for the best graphics card to mine Bitcoins and other cryptocurrencies. For example, Kryptex, which actively monitors the hashrate and profitability of various mining GPUs available in the market. The platform also offers cloud mining options where users can rent the best mining GPU – this can be a great choice if you don’t want to actually buy a mining rig yourself.
Why Are Graphics Cards Used for Mining?
In 2021, sales of graphics cards skyrocketed, and not because of an increase in demand for high-quality gaming visuals: it happened because of the ability of GPUs (Graphics Processing Units) to mine cryptocurrencies. Unlike CPUs that can only run one code in series, GPUs can mine different segments of a cryptocurrency’s blockchain simultaneously and collaboratively operate with different algorithms.
How does it work? A specific piece of software offers the same mathematical problem to both our GPU and other miners connected to the network at the same time; the first mining node to solve it gets a reward in the cryptocurrency being mined. The higher the hash rate (computational power) of the graphics card (or a group of cards), the more chances it has to solve the mathematical problem (algorithm) and get the corresponding reward.
The Best Graphics Cards for Mining Cryptocurrencies
The two main manufacturers of graphics cards are Nvidia and AMD. When choosing the brand and model, we must take into account the return on investment (ROI), i.e., how long it will take us to recover the money invested in the GPU. You can read more about mining calculators in our article.
Here is the list of the most powerful graphics cards on the market for crypto mining:
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090
- AMD Radeon RX 7900 XTX
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3090 Ti
- AMD Radeon VII
- AMD Radeon RX 5700 XT
Now, let’s take a closer look at the best mining GPUs!
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090
The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 is one of the best available GPUs for crypto mining. It further extends the capabilities seen in NVIDIA’s RTX 30 series and is the flagship product in the companies’ latest lineup. Built on the advanced Lovelace architecture, this GPU marks a significant leap in mining efficiency and power.
The RTX 4090 is adept at mining a wide range of cryptocurrencies, including Ethereum (ETH), Flux (FLUX), and Ergo (ERG), among others. It boasts an impressive 24 GB of GDDR6X VRAM and a staggering 16,384 CUDA cores, which makes it excellent not just for mining, but gaming, too.
However, the RTX 4090 comes with a substantial price tag, estimated to be around 1,700 USD. This high cost means that miners will need a longer period, potentially over a few years (depending on current cryptocurrency prices), to recoup their investment and start realizing profits.
Specifications:
- Power Consumption: 450 Watts.
- Hashrate: Approximately 250 MH/s for Ethereum mining.
- Profit per day: Around 1.2 USD (subject to market conditions and electricity costs).
The RTX 4090 can be found at major retailers like Amazon.
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3090 Ti
The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3090 Ti, an upgrade to the already powerful RTX 3090, is a standout GPU in NVIDIA’s RTX 30 series. This card is built on Ampere architecture and enhances the mining process with its elevated performance capabilities. It’s particularly effective for mining various cryptocurrencies, including Ethereum (ETH), Conflux (CFX), and Zano (ZANO). With 24 GB of GDDR6X VRAM and an impressive 10,752 CUDA cores, the RTX 3090 Ti not only excels in crypto mining but also provides an exceptional gaming experience.
One notable aspect of the RTX 3090 Ti is its compatibility with a wide range of operating systems, making it a versatile choice for miners with different setup preferences. However, the card’s cost is still relatively high, typically around 900 USD.
Specifications:
- Power Consumption: 450 Watts.
- Hashrate: Around 125 MH/s for Ethereum mining.
- Profit per day: Approximately 0.75 USD, depending on market conditions and electricity rates.
The RTX 3090 Ti is available for purchase at most major retail platforms.
AMD Radeon RX 7900 XTX
The AMD Radeon RX 7900 XTX uses AMD’s RDNA 3 architecture and is optimized to handle the mining process efficiently, supporting the mining of cryptocurrencies like Ethereum (ETH), Ravencoin (RVN), and Beam (BEAM). It comes equipped with 24 GB of GDDR6 memory and a robust compute unit structure, making it not only a strong choice for mining but also an excellent GPU for gaming.
The RX 7900 XTX is compatible with various operating systems, providing flexibility for different mining setups. However, it’s important to note that while the RX 7900 XTX is still quite expensive – it is priced around 1,000 USD.
Specifications:
- Power Consumption: 355 Watts.
- Hashrate: Approximately 95 MH/s for Ethereum mining.
- Profit per day: Around 0.55 USD, subject to fluctuations in cryptocurrency values and energy costs.
You can buy it on Amazon.
AMD Radeon RX 5700 XT
A GPU launched by AMD in 2019, the RX 5700 series uses FinFET (fin field-effect transistor). This technology reduces power consumption by having few electronic components. AMD Radeon RX 5700 XT can mine ETH, GRIN, RVN, ZEL, XHV, ETC and BEAM.The RX 5700 series, the GPU launched by AMD in 2019, uses a FinFET (fin field-effect transistor).
Specifications:
- Power consumption: 225 Watts
- Hashrate: 21 MH/s
- Profit per day: 0.2 USD
You can purchase it on Amazon.
AMD Radeon VII
AMD Radeon VII is the first GPU to use a 7nm processor. It also has 16GB of memory, which makes it ideal for mining cryptocurrency.
Specifications:
- Power Consumption: 250 Watts
- Hashrate: 93 MH/s
- Profit per day: 0.69 USD
You can buy it on Amazon by clicking here.
Comparison Table of Graphics Cards for Mining
| Graphics card model | Power consumption | Hashrate | Estimated profit p/day |
| Nvidia GeForce RTX 4090 | 450 W | 250 MH/s | 1.2 USD |
| AMD Radeon RX5700 XT | 225 W | 21 MH/s | 0.2 USD |
| Nvidia GeForce RTX 3090 Ti | 450 W | 125 MH/s | 0.75 USD |
| AMD Radeon RX 7900 XTX | 355 W | 95 MH/s | 0.55 USD |
| AMD Radeon VII | 250 W | 93 MH/s | 0.69 USD |
Top Affordable Graphics Cards for Mining
It requires at least 4 to 6 graphics cards to build a basic rig, which makes it quite a hefty expense that not all people can afford.
If you want to make money from crypto mining but are hesitant to spend that much on hardware, don’t fret! Here’s a list of cheap graphics card models that can be perfect for cryptocurrency mining.
Nvidia GeForce RTX 2080 Ti
The Nvidia GeForce RTX 2080 Ti remains a strong contender among the best GPUs for mining, particularly for those seeking a balance between affordability and efficiency. Operating on the Turing architecture, this GPU is adept at mining popular cryptocurrencies like Ethereum (ETH) and Ravencoin (RVN). It offers 11 GB of GDDR6 VRAM and a substantial memory bandwidth, which contributes to its effective mining power.
One of the RTX 2080 Ti’s advantages is its relatively affordable price compared to newer models. Its compatibility with pretty much any operating system adds to its appeal for a diverse range of miners.
Specifications:
- Power Consumption: 250 Watts.
- Hashrate: Around 55 MH/s for Ethereum mining.
- Daily profit: Approximately 0.30 USD, varying with market trends and electricity costs.
The RTX 2080 Ti is available at most major retailers.
NVIDIA CMP 90HX
The NVIDIA CMP 90HX is specifically designed for cryptocurrency mining, providing robust mining power without the additional features necessary for gaming. This card caters to dedicated miners focusing on the cryptocurrency market, especially for mining Ethereum (ETH) and other altcoins. It boasts 10 GB of GDDR6X VRAM and a high memory bandwidth, enhancing its mining capabilities.
Specifications:
- Power Consumption: 320 Watts.
- Hashrate: Around 100 MH/s for Ethereum mining.
- Daily profit: Near 0.60 USD, depending on the current state of the cryptocurrency market and energy prices.
The NVIDIA CMP 90HX is available through select retailers and is a preferred choice for serious miners seeking a GPU dedicated exclusively to mining.
Extra Tips for Choosing Mining Hardware
- Consider gaming performance. If you’re planning on using your mining rig for gaming as well as mining, you’ll want to make sure it can handle the demands of gaming.
- Estimate your budget. AMD GPUs tend to be more affordable than Nvidia GPUs, so if you’re working with a limited budget, AMD may be the way to go.
- Decide whether you want to mine with a GPU or a CPU. While GPU mining tends to be more efficient than CPU mining, it requires more expensive hardware.
- Choose which cryptocurrency you want to mine. There are many different cryptocurrencies out there, and each one has its own specific algorithm. Do some research and choose the coin that best suits your needs.
By keeping these factors in mind, you’ll be able to select the best mining hardware for your needs.
Mining Crypto in 2024: Why the Struggle?
Mining has been a popular method of acquiring cryptocurrency for many years. However, in 2024, mining has become less profitable due to several factors.
Firstly, the increased competition in the mining industry has made it more difficult for individual miners to generate profits. Additionally, the high costs associated with mining equipment and electricity consumption make it challenging to break even, let alone turn a profit. On the other hand, buying cryptocurrency has become a wiser choice in 2024. With the rise in the popularity of cryptocurrencies, buying crypto is now more accessible and convenient than ever before. Furthermore, investing in cryptocurrency has the potential to yield significant returns, especially in the long term.
As the market continues to grow, so does the value of many cryptocurrencies, making them a potentially lucrative investment. Ultimately, while mining may have been a viable option in the past, buying crypto is now a much wiser choice for anyone looking to invest in this exciting and rapidly growing market.
On the other hand, bear markets present an opportunity for those interested in mining cryptocurrency. The prices of mining GPUs may drop, making them more economical to buy. However, miners may not be rewarded as much due to market conditions. Prices may be lower, but returns could take longer. It is wise to assess the market when making investment decisions before investing in mining GPUs during a bear market. Ultimately, prudent investors should weigh current market conditions and analyze possible returns before committing resources.
Conclusion
There is no such thing as one universal best-mining GPU. Different types of mining require different hardware, and the best way to find the right hardware for your needs is to do your research and ask fellow miners for advice. There are many online platforms where crypto miners share their thoughts and experiences, so make sure to check them out before making any decisions. And if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask! Fellow miners are usually happy to help out and offer advice.
What do you think is the best mining GPU? Don’t forget to share your own take on the best graphics cards for mining in the comment section below!
FAQ
Is GPU mining still profitable?
GPU mining profitability is determined by various factors, such as the current cryptocurrency price, electricity costs, equipment efficiency, and algorithm difficulty.
With the bearish market of cryptocurrencies in full swing, many miners have no choice but to abandon their rigs and face the fact: crypto mining is simply not profitable. At current incredibly low price points, some miners are finding it increasingly difficult to cover their electricity costs and make a profit. The situation is only becoming worse, especially among those using lower-end hardware with increased difficulty levels. Mining is clearly unprofitable while the bear market lasts, yet some still remain hopeful that if they can hold on long enough, prices may eventually rise again.
In certain cases, GPU mining can still be profitable — that’s mostly true for cryptocurrencies with low mining difficulty or a lack of popularity. However, due to the increase in the difficulty of algorithms and competition, today’s profitability is significantly lower than in past years.
The electricity expenses should also be taken into consideration since GPU mining requires a lot of power draw. In areas where electricity prices are high, potential profits may not outweigh the running costs. Hence, one must contemplate all variables before attempting GPU mining — other ways to invest in crypto may offer more profit.
When choosing the best graphics card for mining, you should consider the most important factors, such as power consumption, hash rate, and price-performance ratio.
How much can RTX 3060 mine a day?
The mining performance of the RTX 3060 graphics card may vary depending on the algorithm, the current difficulty level, and the crypto’s market value. According to NiceHash calculations, at the time of writing, this GPU can bring you as much as $0.24 daily.
Is pool mining profitable?
Pool mining can be a very profitable option for miners, as it is less competitive than solo mining. With pool mining, several miners combine their hashing power and split the rewards among themselves. Joining a mining pool is a great way to get involved in the cryptocurrency industry and increase your chances of generating revenue. The downsides of this approach are that each miner has a smaller share of the reward and that they have no control over which transactions are included in the block. Even though the rewards are lower when compared to solo mining, pool mining usually enables miners to get consistent payouts rather than having to wait out long dry spells between finding blocks.
Disclaimer: Please note that the contents of this article are not financial or investing advice. The information provided in this article is the author’s opinion only and should not be considered as offering trading or investing recommendations. We do not make any warranties about the completeness, reliability and accuracy of this information. The cryptocurrency market suffers from high volatility and occasional arbitrary movements. Any investor, trader, or regular crypto users should research multiple viewpoints and be familiar with all local regulations before committing to an investment.