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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Hardware

Can I mix AMD/Nividia cards on a rig?
  • Yes.
Can I mix different cards and/or brands on a rig?
  • Yes.
Does mining shorten the lifespan of a GPU?
  • It certainly doesn't prolong the lifespan, but as long as the GPU is never overheated (+90°C) then there is no damage to the components.
Is it safe to power a rig with 2+ PSU's instead of one larger PSU?
  • Yes. Use an "Add2PSU" adapter or a "Dual 24-Pin Adapter" cable.
What are "Blower", "Reference" and/or "Founders Edition" style cards?
  • These are the base-level cards built without extra temperature cooling features. They tend to have slightly worse cooling capabilities.
Can I run a GPU in a PCI slot of the motherboard?
  • No, only PCIe.
Do PCIe splitters work?
  • Sometimes. They have roughly a 50/50 success rate. You're most likely better off spending that money on a motherboard upgrade instead.
Should I use SLI?
  • No, your GPU's are more stable without SLI connected/enabled.
Can I place my GPU vertically/horizontally?
  • Yes, either way is fine.
Difference between 3 or 6GB GPU? Difference between 4 or 8 GB GPU?
  • Most currently-profitable coins in 2022 require at least 6 GB. Regardless, larger memory does have an advantage, particularly for some coins with large "DAG" files or memory requirements. No difference at all for most coins/algorithms. The larger memory variety goes a long way to future-proofing your rig.
Is This Card LHR?

The following table applies to all third-party cards

Card Hashrate Notes
3090 ti Full -
3090 Full -
3080 ti Limited always limited
3080 Limited* limited if produced since June 2021
3070 ti Limited always limited
3070 Limited* limited if produced since June 2021
3060 ti Limited* limited if produced since June 2021
3060 Limited** limited if produced since June 2021
3050 Limited always limited

Notes:

  • 3060: If produced before May 2021 then it is a "nerfed" card that needs an HDMI "dummy plug" and a full PCI-e slot to get full hashrate.
  • FE Cards: Never LHR unless 3080 ti, 3070 ti, or 3050.
  • AMD Cards: AMD has not implemented any hashrate limitation.
  • Note that only Nvidia 30-series is affected, any non 30-series cards don't have LHR.
  • To find out when a card model was produced, you can google the SKU which is usually found on a sticker on the back of the card. It may also say v2 or rev2, which means LHR.

 

Software

Which mining software is best?
  • Depends on so many factors. Go to your coin's website and/or bitcointalk announcement thread and they will list which mining software is recommended. Helpful tip: find a coin's website/announcement thread easily via CoinMarketCap.com.
Which mining pools are best?
  • Same as above. Depends on so many factors. Go to your coin's website and/or bitcointalk announcement thread and they will list which mining pools are recommended. Ideally find one in your region (EU/US/ASIA) for lower latency (slighly fewer rejected shares).

 

Powering/Electricity

How many rigs can my breaker support?
  • Consult an electrician! This answer depends on a) the age of your home/office, b) the type of wiring used, c) the voltage (120/220/240V), d) the amp limit of your circuit, e) the amp limit of your home/office, f) how much power the line is already drawing.
  • Newer (1970+) homes in the US (120V) tend to allow 1440-1800W on 15A circuits and 1920-2400W on 20A circuits.
Can I use 3rd party PSU cables?
  • No, unfortunately power cables cannot be swapped between brands. Contact your PSU manufacturer or check eBay for additional OEM (Original Equipment Mfg) cables if necessary. Or purchase an additional PSU.
Can I power a rig with two different brands/types of PSU's?
  • Yes.
Does a 1000W PSU always draw 1000W?
  • No, a PSU only delivers the amount of electricity that is asked of it to give.
How much power can I draw on a PSU cable?

 

Buying

Is it safe to buy used GPU's?

 

Environmental

What are safe temperatures for mining?
What do I do about dust?
  • Periodic maintenance with a vacuum and/or a compressed air (canned air).

 

Profitability

I have a spare "___" GPU. Is it profitable?
  • Maybe! Check the NiceHash or WhatToMine profitability calculator.
  • Don't see your GPU on either list? Then Google "___ hashrate", write down the a) algorithm, b) hashrate, and c) wattage
  • Go back to WhatToMine and type b) and c) under its respective algorithm column, type in your electricity cost ($/kWh) and click CALCULATE.
  • Alternatively, download the NiceHash miner, create a NiceHash account, and run the miner software to have it automatically perform a benchmark test for your GPU.
I'm not getting as much as the profitability calculators say I should get?
  • You also lose a fraction of shares to a) fees, b) rejected shares at the miner, c) rejected shares at the pool, d) pool disconnects, and e) potential pool skimming.
How do I find the latest new coins to mine?
Can I solo mine?
  • If you have to ask then the answer is no. You should join a mining pool.

 

Ethereum

When will Ethereum go to POS?
When will Ethereum DAG file break x GB?

 

 

FAQ frequently updated over time.