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People often consider GPUs to be essential for gaming, but most don’t know how vital they are when mining cryptocurrencies. Crypto Mining is a very intensive process, and having a fast processor determines how quickly you will be profitable. But the question is this – What is the best GPU for mining crypto in 2025? We are about to answer that in detail.

The ‘key takeaways’ section offers a quick summary of what we covered, but if you want to read about the specifications of the mining GPUs you are interested in, then you need to dig deeper. This list is focused on affordability, but if you are not limited, then you need to check out our review on Bitcoin Mining Machines.

Key Takeaways

  • Based on our research, the best GPUs for mining in 2025 that you can get started with immediately are ASUS ROG Strix GeForce RTX 3090, EVGA GeForce RTX 3070 Ti XC3, ASUS TUF GeForce RTX 3090, EVGA GeForce RTX 3080 Ti FTW3, NVIDIA GeForce RTX A4000, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 – to mention a few.
  • Although ASIC miners have made cryptocurrency mining very challenging, choosing an ASIC-resistant coin is still an option for GPU miners.
  • In addition to carefully choosing the coin, GPU miners must choose the ideal GPU for their mining needs and preferences.
  • A great mining GPU should be able to achieve a high hashrate and keep energy consumption low to operate efficiently.
  • Additionally, to ensure continuous operation, a mining GPU needs to be reliable, durable, and able to withstand working in extreme conditions.
  • To support your GPU’s mining efforts, you must ensure it is properly cooled, powered, and optimized with the right software configuration.
  • By continuously monitoring the crypto market trends and developments, you can adjust your mining strategy in a timely manner and capitalize on market changes.

Best GPUs for Mining in 2025

  1. ASUS ROG Strix GeForce RTX 3090 24GB OC Edition - Best For Home Mining Setups
  2. EVGA GeForce RTX 3070 Ti XC3 GAMING 8GB - Best For Budget Miners
  3. ASUS TUF GeForce RTX 3090 24GB - Best Value For Building a 3090 Mining Setup
  4. EVGA GeForce RTX 3080 Ti FTW3 ULTRA GAMING 12GB - Well-suited to Miners With a Moderate Budget
  5. NVIDIA GeForce RTX A4000 - Best For Miners Prioritizing Energy Efficiency
  6. NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 Founders Edition 10GB NON-LHR - Best For Mining Operations with Limited Space
  7. EVGA GeForce RTX 3090 XC3 ULTRA 24GB - Best For Miners Who Prefer EVGA Cooling Systems
  8. Gigabyte GeForce RTX 3090 Gaming OC 24GB- Best For Miners Trying to Save Money
  9. ASUS ROG Strix RTX 3090 24GB - Best For Miners With A High Budget
  10. NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080 Ti - Best For Miners With Limited PCI Slots

10 Most Profitable Mining GPUs in 2025

Profitability in GPU mining is highly dependent on the cost of electricity required to mine a coin. These are the most profitable GPUs in 2025. They are streamlined to fit your budget and crypto-mining needs.

1. ASUS ROG Strix GeForce RTX 3090 24GB OC Edition - Best For Home Mining Setups

ASUS ROG Strix GeForce RTX 3090 24GB GDDR6X Graphics Card
ASUS ROG Strix GeForce RTX 3090 24GB GDDR6X Graphics Card

The overall best graphics card for a home mining setup is the ASUS ROG Strix GeForce RTX 3090 24GB OC Edition. Out of the options we’ve reviewed, it ranks third in terms of price ($3099.99) but first in performance. As such, the card is ideal for people seeking to build a powerful mining operation that prioritizes performance over cost savings.

Users report that Asus RTX 3090s offer some of the best out-of-the-box thermal pads of any manufacturer. This is an advantage to miners, as they can squeeze more power from the card before thermal throttling kicks in without having to dismantle and modify it, which will void its warranty. The card has a boost clock of up to 1,890 MHz, notably faster than most 3090 cards.

With the GPU achieving a top-end hashrate of 122.5 Mh/s in ETCHash and DaggerHashimoto, it packs the most power out of any 3090 card, while its upgraded three-fan cooling system puts people in good standing to tweak settings and clock speeds to try and pull even more performance from the card.

Overall Rating: 4.4/5

Detail Information
Model Name ASUS ROG Strix GeForce RTX 3090 24GB OC Edition
Manufacturer NVIDIA
Hashrate 121 Mh/s
Power Consumption 390W
Memory 24GB
Efficiency 0.31 Mh/s per Watt
Estimated Profit per Day $0.49 USD
ROI 0.0158% per Day
Price $3,099.99
Buy Now

2. EVGA GeForce RTX 3070 Ti XC3 GAMING 8GB - Best For Budget Miners

EVGA GeForce RTX 3090 XC3 ULTRA 24GB GDDR6 Graphics Card
EVGA GeForce RTX 3090 XC3 ULTRA 24GB GDDR6 Graphics Card

Taking second place on our list of the best GPUs for mining is the EVGA GeForce RTX 3070 Ti XC3 GAMING 8GB. Despite being a ‘lower-tier’ card compared to the 3090, the Ti model boasts GDDR6X memory, which offers a higher transfer rate and bandwidth compared to GDDR6 cards at the expense of energy consumption and thermal performance.

The EVGA 3070 Ti's most notable advantage is its exceptional price-to-performance ratio. The card boasts an out-of-the-box hashrate of around 80 Mh/s, which is around 66% of the 3090’s performance. However, at $599.99 and with a 290W TDP, it can be more efficient to purchase multiple 3070 Ti units if the additional power costs are insignificant.

Alongside Asus, EVGA’s thermal pads and cooling systems are well-regarded by users. As such, the cards are well-suited to people who like to tweak settings and over- or under-volt their cards to balance performance, power consumption, and thermals.

Overall Rating: 4.2/5

Detail Information
Model Name EVGA GeForce RTX 3070 Ti XC3 GAMING 8GB
Manufacturer NVIDIA
Hashrate 80 Mh/s
Power Consumption 290W
Memory 8GB
Efficiency 0.27 Mh/s per Watt
Estimated Profit per Day $0.35 USD
ROI 0.058% per Day
Price $599.99
Buy Now

 3. ASUS TUF GeForce RTX 3090 24GB - Best Value For Building a 3090 Mining Setup

ASUS TUF GeForce RTX 3090 24GB GPU Graphics Card
ASUS TUF GeForce RTX 3090 24GB GPU Graphics Card

With a boost clock of 1,695 MHz, the ASUS TUF GeForce RTX 3090 24GB is not quite as powerful as the ROG OC edition, but it’s the best-value mining GPU for people building a 3090-based setup. While the hashrate is approximately 2.6% lower, the card is priced at $2,299.99, offering a 25.8% discount versus the premium OC edition.

Asus’s The Ultimate Force (TUF) line is priced slightly cheaper than its Republic of Gamers premium brand. While the discount can be alluring, it’s important to understand the differences before selecting a specific model. While TUF cards are durable and built to last, the ROG series offers more advanced cooling and superior chips, which allow for greater overclocking potential.

Being the cheapest 3090 card we’ve looked at and providing only slightly worse performance, it’s a great choice for miners wishing to build a cost-effective setup consisting of RTX 3090s. However, people seeking to optimize performance through overclocking should consider whether the TUF 3090 is the best choice for them.

Overall Rating: 4.2/5

Detail Information
Model Name ASUS TUF GeForce RTX 3090 24GB
Manufacturer NVIDIA
Hashrate 119.3 Mh/s
Power Consumption 350W
Memory 24GB
Efficiency 0.34 Mh/s per Watt
Estimated Profit per Day $0.46 USD
ROI 0.02% per Day
Price $2,299.99
Buy Now

4. EVGA GeForce RTX 3080 Ti FTW3 ULTRA GAMING 12GB - Well-suited to Miners With a Moderate Budget

EVGA GeForce RTX 3080 Ti FTW3 ULTRA GAMING 12GB GDDR6X Graphics Card
EVGA GeForce RTX 3080 Ti FTW3 ULTRA GAMING 12GB GDDR6X Graphics Card

The EVGA GeForce RTX 3080 Ti FTW3 ULTRA GAMING 12GB is a step up in performance from the standard 3080. The card can output a hashrate of approximately 100 Mh/s, placing its performance directly between a 3070 Ti and a 3090.

The card is priced at $2,199.99, which is $100 cheaper than the 3080 Founders Edition, despite offering a performance jump of roughly 10%. The card provides more memory, a larger memory bus, and a higher boost block than a 3080. However, it requires three slots instead of two and has a 30w higher TDP, resulting in roughly 10% more energy consumption.

With EVGA’s superior thermal pads and the use of three fans instead of a dual-fan system, the 3080 Ti FTW3 can effectively dissipate heat. This results in superior performance and gives users room to tweak settings and adjust clock speeds to attain more performance, making it a well-rounded card for miners with a moderate budget.

Overall Rating: 4/5

Detail Information
Model Name EVGA GeForce RTX 3080 Ti FTW3 ULTRA GAMING 12GB
Manufacturer NVIDIA
Hashrate 100 Mh/s
Power Consumption 350W
Memory 12GB
Efficiency 0.28 Mh/s per Watt
Estimated Profit per Day $0.31 USD
ROI 0.014% per Day
Price $2,199.99
Buy Now

 5. NVIDIA GeForce RTX A4000 - Best For Miners Prioritizing Energy Efficiency

NVIDIA GeForce RTX A4000 Graphics Card
NVIDIA GeForce RTX A4000 Graphics Card

In contrast to consumer-focused cards like the 3070 Ti, the NVIDIA GeForce RTX A4000 is an enterprise-grade graphics card tailored to professional workloads like rendering video, artificial intelligence, and 3D design. It boasts similar technical specifications to a 3070 Ti but lacks GDDR6X memory and offers a lower hashrate of around 61 Mh/s.

While the A4000 offers worse performance than the 3070 Ti for a significant premium (priced at $1,699.99), it leverages efficiency to its advantage. The card boasts a TDP of just 140W, so it consumes roughly 51% less electricity than a 3070 Ti, with a performance hit of 23.75%.

With Nvidia’s A4000 GPU requiring such little electricity to operate, it’s a solid choice for warmer climates where it’s much more challenging to dissipate heat and manage thermals. Moreover, the card is equipped with Error-Correcting Code (ECC) memory, which could contribute to continued stability during intense, long-term workloads like crypto mining.

Overall Rating: 3.9/5

Detail Information
Model Name NVIDIA GeForce RTX A4000
Manufacturer NVIDIA
Hashrate 61 Mh/s
Power Consumption 140W
Memory 16GB
Efficiency 0.43 Mh/s per Watt
Estimated Profit per Day $0.17 USD
ROI 0.01% per Day
Price $1,699.99
Buy Now

6. NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 Founders Edition 10GB NON-LHR - Best For Mining Operations with Limited Space

NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 Founders Edition 10GB GDDR6X NON LHR - Open Box
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 Founders Edition 10GB GDDR6X NON LHR

The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 is a step down in performance from the enthusiast-grade 3090, but the cost and space savings could make it worthwhile. It offers a hashrate of around 91 Mh/s at the cost of $2,299.99 and a 320W TDP, meaning it provides an energy saving of almost 10% compared to 3090 cards, which could make a large difference if electric costs are high.

Nvidia’s flagship line of graphics cards, dubbed the ‘Founders Edition’, offers a good balance between performance, noise, thermals, and size. However, Lite Hash Rate (LHR) cards were released to combat GPU demand. They offer diminished performance, so it’s crucial to acquire a non-LHR card to maintain GPU mining profitability.

While Founders Edition cards seldom offer the performance of those equipped with aftermarket coolers, they save on size by eliminating large coolers. As such, the RTX 3080 Founders Edition could be ideal for miners looking to maximize output from a small space.

Overall Rating: 3.8/5

Detail Information
Model Name NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 Founders Edition 10GB GDDR6X NON-LHR
Manufacturer NVIDIA
Hashrate 91 Mh/s
Power Consumption 320W
Memory 10GB
Efficiency 0.28 Mh/s per Watt
Estimated Profit per Day $0.39 USD
ROI 0.017% per Day
Price $2,299.99
Buy Now

7. EVGA GeForce RTX 3090 XC3 ULTRA 24GB - Best For Miners Who Prefer EVGA Cooling Systems

EVGA GeForce RTX 3090 XC3 ULTRA 24GB GDDR6 Graphics Card
EVGA GeForce RTX 3090 XC3 ULTRA 24GB GDDR6 Graphics Card

With the 3090 being our choice as the best GPU for mining, it makes sense to feature a few different versions of the card. The EVGA GeForce RTX 3090 XC3 ULTRA is EVGA’s top air-cooled 3090. It is slightly smaller in width than the ROG Strix 3090 and offers a reduced boost clock of 1,725 MHz versus 1,860 MHz.

With a slightly lower boost clock and EVGA’s reputable thermal pads, the RTX 3090 XC3 Ultra responds well to tweaks, enabling miners to attain additional performance or improve their hashrate-to-energy consumption ratio.

Along with its lower clock speed, the EVGA 3090 is audibly quieter and has a TDP of just 350w, which equates to a roughly 10% lower power draw. Its slightly slimmer profile and superior efficiency make the card compelling for use cases where volume and heat are key.

Overall Rating: 3.8/5

Detail Information
Model Name EVGA GeForce RTX 3090 XC3 ULTRA 24GB
Manufacturer NVIDIA
Hashrate 119 Mh/s
Power Consumption 350W
Memory 24GB
Efficiency 0.34 Mh/s per Watt
Estimated Profit per Day $0.47 USD
ROI 0.014% per Day
Price $3,199.99
Buy Now

8. Gigabyte GeForce RTX 3090 Gaming OC 24GB- Best For Miners Trying to Save Money

Gigabyte GeForce RTX 3090 Gaming OC 24GB GDDR6 Graphics Card
Gigabyte GeForce RTX 3090 Gaming OC 24GB GDDR6 Graphics Card

The Gigabyte GeForce RTX 3090 Gaming OC is a lower-tier 3090 card offering strong albeit slightly reduced performance. It’s the second-cheapest 3090 card we’ve looked at, so it could be a suitable choice for people unable to get their hands on our top pick, the ASUS ROG Strix GeForce RTX 3090 24GB OC Edition, but still wanting a 3090-based mining setup.

The Gigabyte Gaming OC card has a moderate boost clock speed of 1,770, which puts it toward the middle of the 3090 line. The card outputs around 117 Mh/s, the lowest of any 3090 we’ve reviewed. That said, users should be able to increase performance slightly with a few tweaks thanks to Gigabyte’s powerful Windforce triple-fan design.

Priced at $2,999.99, the Gigabyte GeForce RTX 3090 is much more expensive than the ASUS TUF 3090 and similar in cost to the more powerful ASUS ROG Strix GeForce RTX 3090 24GB OC Edition. Although it's a powerful card, Gigabyte’s 3090 offers a poor value proposition compared to alternatives.

Overall Rating: 3.6/5

Detail Information
Model Name Gigabyte GeForce RTX 3090 Gaming OC
Manufacturer NVIDIA
Hashrate 117 Mh/s
Power Consumption 350W
Memory 24GB
Efficiency 0.33 Mh/s per Watt
Estimated Profit per Day $0.46 USD
ROI 0.015% per Day
Price $2,999.99
Buy Now

9. ASUS ROG Strix RTX 3090 24GB - Best For Miners With A High Budget

ASUS ROG Strix GeForce RTX 3090 24GB OC Edition GDDR6X Graphics Card
ASUS ROG Strix GeForce RTX 3090 24GB OC Edition GDDR6X Graphics Card

While one 3090 model took first place on our list, some other models like the ASUS ROG Strix RTX 3090 24GB offer reduced performance at a similar or greater price point. The card boasts a hashrate of 121 Mh/s, which makes it the second most powerful GPU on our list, yet its price tag renders the card inefficient compared to other 3090 models.

An advantage of the ASUS ROG Strix RTX 3090 is its thermal pads and triple-fan design, which result in impressive thermal performance. This enables users to overclock the card to unlock additional performance. However, its out-of-the-factory boost clock speed of 1,695 MHz lets the card down for people seeking a plug-and-play solution.

The ASUS ROG Strix RTX 3090 is a powerful but expensive option for GPU mining. Its slightly lower clock speeds result in marginally worse performance, albeit with a reduced TDP of 350w. However, at $3,399,99, the card is around 10% more expensive than the OC model. As such, it is best avoided unless you can't get your hands on any other 3090.

Overall Rating: 3.2/5

Detail Information
Model Name ASUS ROG Strix RTX 3090 24GB
Manufacturer NVIDIA
Hashrate 121 Mh/s
Power Consumption 350W
Memory 24GB
Efficiency 0.34 Mh/s per Watt
Estimated Profit per Day $0.48 USD
ROI 0.014% per Day
Price $3,399.99
Buy Now

10. NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080 Ti - Best For Miners With Limited PCI Slots

NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080 Ti
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080 Ti

When building a mining setup, it can be tempting to opt for older-generation components, as they’re typically cheaper and offer comparable performance in applications where technology like DLSS is unimportant. However, the RTX 2080 Ti is priced the same as or below two 3090 models, and with a hashrate of 59 Mh/s, it offers about half the performance.

While the 2080 Ti offers a hashrate of just 59 on a card priced at $2,999,99, it does have a few advantages. As it boasts a 250w TDP and requires only two PCI slots, the card can be effective in setups where energy efficiency and form factor are priorities, although it will be difficult to accept such a significant performance drop when paying a premium price.

Overall Rating: 2.6/5

Detail Information
Model Name NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080 Ti
Manufacturer NVIDIA
Hashrate 59 Mh/s
Power Consumption 250W
Memory 11GB
Efficiency 0.23 Mh/s per Watt
Estimated Profit per Day $0.23 USD
ROI 0.007% per Day
Price $2,999.99
Buy Now

Why Trust Us?

To compile our top list of the best graphics cards for mining, we analyzed and evaluated the GPUs on several important criteria and metrics, including mining performance, energy efficiency, durability, and cost efficiency.

You can rest assured that our recommendations were thoroughly assessed and selected based on their excellent results in the following key areas:

  • Reliability of the GPU – Each of the GPUs we recommend is developed by reputable manufacturers known for producing high-quality, reliable, and durable products that can withstand operating in extreme conditions.
  • ROI Ratio – We did the necessary calculations and determined that the GPUs on our list have the potential to recoup your investment and allow you to start mining for profit within a reasonable time frame.
  • Ease of Access – We know how hard it is to find a deal on a quality GPU in today’s competitive market, so we compiled a list of GPUs you can get your hands on today at a reasonable price.

In simpler terms, to save you tons of valuable time and effort, our team of experts did the necessary research, analysis, and hands-on testing, so that you can easily identify the ideal GPU for your mining operation.

To help you find the best-suited GPU for your specific needs and preferences, we created this comparison table to easily compare the best mining GPUs and their most important specs and features.

GPU Memory Size Power Consumption (TDP) Hashrate (Mh/s) Price Daily Profitability (No Electric)
ASUS ROG Strix GeForce RTX 3090 24GB OC Edition 24GB 350w 122.5 $3,099.99 $0.49 Buy
EVGA GeForce RTX 3070 Ti XC3 GAMING 8GB GDDR6X 8GB 290w 80 $599.99 $0.35 Buy
ASUS TUF GeForce RTX 3090 24GB 24GB 350w 119.3 $2,299.99 $0.46 Buy
EVGA GeForce RTX 3080 Ti FTW3 ULTRA GAMING 12GB GDDR6X 12GB 350w 100 $2,199.99 $0.31 Buy
NVIDIA GeForce RTX A4000 16GB 140w 61 $1,699.99 $0.17 Buy
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 Founders Edition 10GB GDDR6X NON-LHR 10GB 320w 91 $2,299.99 $0.39 Buy
EVGA GeForce RTX 3090 XC3 ULTRA 24GB GDDR6 24GB 350w 119 $3,199.99 $0.47 Buy
Gigabyte GeForce RTX 3090 Gaming OC 24GB 350w 117 $2,999.99 $0.46 Buy
ASUS ROG Strix RTX 3090 24GB 24GB 350w 121 $3,399.99 $0.48 Buy
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080 Ti 11GB 250w 59 $2,999.99 $0.23 Buy

Main Features of Good GPUs for Mining

Main Features of a good GPU
Main Features of a Good GPU

A great mining GPU is a graphics card that can achieve a high hashrate, while keeping the energy consumption levels at a relatively low and efficient level. It is also reliable and durable and able to withstand long periods of operating under heavy loads.

With that in mind, here are the key features you need to look for in a GPU to ensure it is suitable for mining.

Memory

The graphics card’s memory, also known as VRAM (Video Random Access Memory), is an important factor in determining whether a GPU is a good miner.

While the GPU’s clock speed is a metric that measures how quickly the card processes data and largely affects mining hashrate, the GPU’s memory has a much more essential role, particularly in mining GPU-friendly coins. 

For example, mining ETC, which is a popular ASIC-resistant coin, and mined by most GPU miners, requires handling large datasets called DAG files. These files require a substantial amount of VRAM to store and process efficiently, which means mining ETC with a VRAM of less than 6 GB, while possible, is severely limited and impractical.

Therefore, while it is nice to mine with a fast card, mining with a card with a large memory is a must, so try to buy a mining GPU with at least 8 GB of VRAM.

Cooling

As you may already be aware, mining is a resource-intensive process that requires your GPU to work at near-maximum capacity for long periods of time, often running 24 hours a day for several days at a time. 

For it to be able to operate under such extreme conditions, your GPU must be supported by an efficient cooling system that will effectively reduce its temperature and dissipate heat.

Now, the best mining GPUs often come with a powerful stock cooler that is more efficient than the average cooling fan. However, if you decide to overclock your GPU, the stock cooler may not be enough to deal with the increased heat output.

Our advice is to keep temperature issues in mind while you are shopping for GPUs and go for a card that has suitable aftermarket solutions that will allow you to cool your system efficiently.

Return on Investment

Return on investment is not a feature, but it is still a major consideration that you have to think about when selecting the GPU for your mining operation.

When researching mining GPUs, you probably noticed a pattern – more expensive GPUs tend to be able to produce higher hashrates than more affordable options. But what may not be so obvious is that some of the more expensive GPUs are also highly energy efficient.

If you don’t have the capital to invest in a high-end graphics card, not only will you buy a GPU that produces a subpar hashrate, but it will also do it at a similar power consumption level as the high-end GPU.

This means that the card will generate less income for you while subjecting you to the same, or maybe even higher, electricity costs as the more expensive GPU.

Brand Reliability

Finally, you must not overlook the build quality of the card when choosing a mining GPU. While buzzwords like “durable” and “reliable” may not sound as flashy as “fast” and “efficient”, these two qualities are essential for a successful mining operation.

As we mentioned above, your GPU will work at its maximum load for long, consecutive periods, and if they are not built to withstand such conditions, there is no cooling system in the world that can save it.

Unfortunately, there is no foolproof way to ensure that the GPU you are buying will perform perfectly under heavy mining conditions, but buying from a reputable brand can certainly increase your chances of getting a high-quality, reliable product. 

We suggest you take your time and read up on the manufacturer’s background and track record, but also see what other miners are saying about it. Naturally, they need to be taken with a grain of salt, but you can actually learn a lot from reading user reviews and ratings.

Is GPU Mining Profitable?

How to Calculate your profitability
How to Calculate your profitability

Even though the environment for GPU miners has become a bit of a struggle due to the rise of ASIC miners, with the right strategy, GPU mining is still viable and has the potential to be profitable if done right. 

In essence, your GPU mining profitability can be calculated using the following formula:

Profit = Mining Income - Mining Costs

To put it in words, your mining profit is the difference between the money you make and the money you spend on mining. To better understand the variables of this formula, let’s break down the mining costs and earnings into more detail and see which factors can affect their value.

Breaking Down Mining Costs

Mining costs are all the expenses you will incur to start mining, as well as the ongoing expenses to maintain and support your mining operation. These include:

  • The Initial Investment – The money you will spend on buying the GPU or GPUs and the power and cooling systems, cables, storage, and other components you might need to maintain a stable operation.
  • Electricity Costs – Mining is an energy-consuming process, and your electricity bills will likely experience a significant rise after you start mining. Depending on your local rates, this may be manageable or a substantial cost that can largely affect your profits.
  • Internet Costs – You probably already have an internet connection, but if you are serious about mining, you might want to upgrade your plan and secure a stable connection to minimize the chance of network disruptions.
  • Mining Pool Fees – You might want to try mining solo, but you will quickly learn that mining in a pool is the only viable way to mine with a GPU. Joining a pool will secure you a steady and consistent income, but it will also cost you a small mining pool fee.
  • Maintenance, Repairs, Upkeep – Not everything will go smoothly at all times, as you might have to deal with different technical difficulties to continue your mining operation. Unexpected expenses is another operational cost entry in your mining budget.

The sum of these expenses can give you an idea of what your mining cost should be. Granted, some of these expenses can be hard to estimate, but calculating the profitability of any mining operation is a complex and ongoing process.

Breaking Down Mining Income

Your mining income is the amount of money you earn by mining. Depending on several variable factors, your mining income can fluctuate significantly. Here are the main factors that can largely affect your mining earnings:

  • The Choice of Coin You Are Mining: All cryptocurrencies have different values. Some are worth more, and some are worth less. Depending on which coin you are mining, your earnings can be lower or higher.
  • The Current Value of the Coin You Are Mining: In addition to having different values from one another, the value of any given cryptocurrency can fluctuate and be higher or lower based on the current market conditions and trends.
  • Your Hashrate: Not even the best graphics card for mining can operate at an optimal hashrate at all times. Your hashrate will also fluctuate or even stall temporarily when disrupted and hugely affect your mining income.
  • The Mining Difficulty: The effort your GPU needs to put in to successfully solve a block and earn a mining reward can also fluctuate. When more miners join the network, it will be harder for you to mine, even if you maintain a consistent hashrate.

Overall, estimating your mining earnings is even harder than calculating your expenses, as cryptocurrencies are volatile and unpredictable. This is why it is so important to carefully create your mining strategy, consistently monitor your performance and the wider market, and adjust your approach to adapt to market conditions.

Choosing the Right Coin to Mine

Beyond estimating costs and expenses, there is one thing you have to get right to give yourself the best chance to run a profitable GPU mining operation, and that’s deciding what to mine with your GPU

Namely, cryptocurrency mining has evolved over the years, and nowadays, there are powerful machines specialized for mining specific coins called ASICs that can achieve hashrates thousands of times higher than those of GPUs.

This development has rendered the GPU mining of those coins completely obsolete, as GPUs stand no chance of competing with ASICs. The coins you should never try mining with a GPU include:

  • Bitcoin (BTC)
  • Litecoin (LTC)
  • Bitcoin Cash (BCH)
  • Dogecoin (DOGE)
  • Dash (DASH)
  • Zcash (ZEC)
  • Bitcoin SV (BSV)

The list goes on and on, but we cannot list them all here. Try to research before you decide whether or not you should mine a certain coin with a GPU.

On the other hand, there are certain cryptocurrencies whose algorithm is specifically designed to promote decentralization, and these coins are inherently ASIC-resistant or GPU-friendly. Some of the more popular cryptocurrencies you can consider mining with a GPU include:

  • Ethereum Classic (ETC)
  • Ravencoin (RVN)
  • Monero (XMR)
  • Ergo (ERG)
  • Vertcoin (VTC)
  • Firo (FIRO)
  • Beam (BEAM)

While there are numerous other things you should consider, the choice of coin to mine is arguably the most important when mining on a GPU.

Here’s How GPU Mining Works

Here’s How GPU Mining Works
Here’s How GPU Mining Works

If you have already purchased your mining GPU and you are eager to start mining, don’t worry, the process is relatively straightforward and can be broken down into four key steps:

  1. Step 1  Set up your mining rig
  2. Step 2  Install the mining software
  3. Step 3  Join a mining pool
  4. Step 4  Start mining

Let’s look closely at each of these steps and see exactly what you need to do to start mining today.

Step 1 - Set Up Your Mining Rig

You can start by attaching your GPU to your motherboard using the appropriate PCIe slots. Here is the safe way to do it:

  1. Shut down your computer and unplug it from the power outlet
  2. Remove the side lid or case panel to gain access to the motherboard
  3. Insert the GPU in a suitable slot and secure it in place
  4. Connect the GPU to power by attaching the appropriate PSU cables
  5. Re-attach the side lid, plug the PC back into power, and turn it on.

If you purchased any additional aftermarket fans or other cooling systems, install them on your computer by following the manufacturer's instructions.

Step 2 - Install Software

Now that the GPU is in place and you’ve verified that it is properly connected and working, you can move on to step two and install the mining software on your PC:

  1. Go to the official website of the software you want to use
  2. Download the software and follow the installation instructions to install it
  3. Start the mining software program and configure the mining settings
  4. Make sure you add your crypto wallet to the software using its public address
  5. Select the best-suited algorithm for mining the coin you want to mine.

If you know how, you can also optimize and fine-tune your mining settings during this step, but don’t close the mining program yet, as there is one more important thing we need to take care of before we start mining.

Step 3 - Join a Mining Pool

To make sure you consistently earn a steady stream of mining income, you will need to join a mining pool and combine your GPU’s hashrate, with that of other miners. Here is how you can do this:

  1. Choose the most profitable pool for the coin you want to mine
  2. Create an account on the mining pool’s website and log in
  3. Get the pool’s server address and port number from the website
  4. Enter the information you gathered in the mining software program
  5. Set the mining pool settings (payouts, thresholds) to your liking.

This is it. You have done everything you need to do, and all that is left is to give the command, and your GPU will start mining.

Step 4 - Start Mining

After double-checking that all the mining settings are set as you intended, you can now click on the launch button and start mining with your GPU. 

The GPU will do the hard work, while you will ensure that everything runs smoothly by maintaining the operational temperature and power supply.

Additionally, constantly monitor your mining performance and energy consumption levels to maintain your operation efficiently and optimize it to make profits.

Finally, do your best to keep up with the latest crypto market trends and developments to quickly adjust your strategy and capitalize on shifts in market conditions for better earnings.

How to Optimize Your GPU for Maximum Mining Profitability

To ensure you get the maximum possible returns with your GPU mining operation, you will have to optimize your hardware to get the highest possible hashrate at the lowest power consumption. Additionally, there are a few other strategic choices that can help you mine smarter and increase your overall profitability. 

Let’s see how you can boost your profitability and maintain your operation at the optimal efficiency point.

Choose the Right Coin to Mine

Even though there are GPU-specific algorithms, not every GPU is suitable for mining every coin. Faster and core-heavy cards typically excel at compute-intensive coins, while those that run cooler, but feature abundant VRAM perform better with memory-intensive algorithms.

Instead of jumping on the bandwagon and mining the most popular coin, be sure to do your research and choose the coin that’s best suited for your GPU. There are tons of profitability calculators available online that can help you make a more informed decision regarding this.

Join the Right Mining Pool

As we mentioned earlier, solo GPU mining nowadays is not a good idea, so you want to join a mining pool to maximize your returns. When selecting the pool, don’t just go for the most popular one, but be sure to review their payout schemes, fees, and other important details.

You can consider joining a pool that offers a profit-switching feature. It can save you the headache of choosing the right coin, and it will automatically change the settings to mine the coin that is most profitable for you from one moment to the next. 

Overclocking and Undervolting

If you’ve never overclocked and undervolted a GPU before, we strongly advise you to ask for help from a more experienced user, as these settings can damage your hardware.

Changing the clock speed and memory frequencies of the GPU can force it to run faster and more efficiently than its stock configuration. For mining, this can strike the perfect balance between maximal performance and minimal power consumption. 

However, if you go overboard with voltage or clock speeds, you risk crashes, overheating, or even permanent damage, so once again, tread very carefully. 

Keep Things Cool and Clean

If you are forcing your GPU to run at its maximum capacity day by day, the least you can do is keep it cool and clean. Even though most GPUs come with their own built-in fans, we strongly suggest you invest in an aftermarket cooling solution. Additionally, if necessary, replace its thermal pads and ensure it gets a flow of cool air at all times.

Finally, make sure your rig is squeaky clean at all times. Dust can accumulate on the cooler’s fan blades and prevent the GPU from dissipating heat properly. Cleaning it regularly can prolong its lifespan and ensure your operation is stable.

Monitor and Adjust Accordingly

Optimizing GPU mining performance is not a set-it-and-forget-it task, and requires constant monitoring and fine-tuning to maintain efficiency, stability, and profitability. 

While auto-profit switching can help you maximize returns by adapting to market conditions, you still need to take care of temperatures, power supplies, driver updates, and other system-level variables that directly impact mining performance and uptime.

You can use mining monitoring and management software to get remote access to the real-time performance of your rig and quickly respond to any issues that may arise.

Conclusion

To sum it all up, GPU mining is an interesting investment opportunity that has the potential to generate profits. Like any other investment, GPU mining requires heavy research and preparation to give yourself the best chance to succeed.

To ensure you get the best graphics card for mining, you must compare different models based on performance, power consumption, and cost-effectiveness. You will also need to read up on the best crypto for mining with a GPU, the most profitable and best mining pools, and the best mining apps that will allow you to get the best out of your GPU.

Additionally, you must stay updated with the wider crypto market to make informed decisions when creating and adjusting your mining strategy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What GPU is best for mining?

The best GPU for mining is a completely subjective choice that depends on several factors, like investment goals and preferences, budget limitations, mining strategy, which coin will be mined, and other important considerations.

If you have the capital-heavy, Nvidia’s RTX 4090 seems to be quite a popular choice due to its excellent performance-to-power demand ratio. However, this GPU is priced between $1,500 and $2,000, and many miners decide to go for its predecessors, the RTX 3090 or the RTX 3090 Ti, due to their lower price.

Alternatively, there are also GPUs from AMD’s lineup, like RX 6900 XT and RX 6800 XT, that are significantly lower investments but also produce considerably lower hashrates.

What GPU has the highest hashrate?

According to the latest benchmarks and miner reports, Nvidia’s flagship graphics card of the current series, RTX 4090, seems to be the best-performing mining GPU on the market, with reported hashrates of around 120-130 MH/s when mining Ethereum Classic (ETC). 

Moreover, Nvidia’s previous-gen flagships RTX 3090 and RTX 3090 Ti are also reported to produce a similar hashrate, though at a notably higher power consumption level.

It is worth pointing out that although these are the top-performing GPUs, the hashrates that they are capable of achieving are still miles behind the specialized ASIC miners that can hashrates exceeding 2.4 GH/s, or more than 20 times the performance of the best mining GPUs.

How long does it take to mine 1 Bitcoin with a GPU?

In today’s competitive mining environment, mining 1 BTC with a GPU is practically impossible, even if you buy the best mining GPU on the market. Thanks to ASIC miners, Bitcoin’s network difficulty has increased so much that you can forget about mining BTC with a GPU.

To illustrate, Nvidia’s RTX 4090, widely considered to be the best GPU miner in the world, is only capable of achieving a hashrate of 0.1 TH/s when mining Bitcoin. In comparison, top-notch ASICs can easily mine BTC at more than 100 TH/s, or 1,000 times faster.

To mine one whole BTC by yourself, you will have to ‘outmine’ every single ASIC miner on the network, and this isn’t very likely.

How many GPUs are needed to mine 1 Bitcoin?

In theory, you only need one GPU to mine 1 BTC. If the network difficulty is extremely low and there is no one else mining on the network, your GPU will eventually solve a block, and you will get the reward and earn 6.25 BTC at once, not only one.

In practice, you will need a couple of thousand RTX 4090s to match the BTC mining performance of a single ASIC. Keep in mind, even if you do match one ASIC, you will still have to compete with all the other ASICs and outmine them to earn the reward.

How much can a 6 GPU mining rig make?

About six times more than what a 1 GPU mining rig can make. And how much can a 1 GPU mining rig can make? It depends on several variable factors that can change over time, so it can’t be predicted with certainty.

It depends on which coin is mined, its current price, the hashrate you use to mine it, and the block reward for successfully solving a block. 

Just to give you an idea of how large profits you can expect from GPU mining, after they break even, most GPU miners consider earning $1 per day a reasonable target. With a six GPU rig, you should make $6 per day, or around $200 per month, on a good month.

Can you still make money GPU mining?

While mining Bitcoin with a GPU is completely out of the picture, thanks to ASIC-resistant cryptocurrencies, GPU mining is still viable and has the potential to be profitable. 

If you plan on mining with a GPU, we strongly recommend mining a coin that uses a mining algorithm that is designed for GPU mining, like Ethereum Classic, Ravencoin, Monero, Grin, Beam, Aeon, Ergo, and other ASIC-resistant cryptocurrencies.

Granted, these coins are less popular and less valuable than BTC, but at least they give you a real shot at earning consistent, albeit smaller, profits.

What is the minimum GPU for mining?

GPU mining, or mining in general for that matter, doesn’t have minimum requirements in terms of hardware specs. Theoretically, every GPU can be used for mining. 

That said, to generate an income large enough to cover your costs, and if luck is on your side, to make a profit, you will need a GPU with at least 4GB or preferably 6GB or VRAM. You also need to ensure that the GPU isn’t very resource-intensive to make mining worthwhile.

GPUs like AMD’s RX 580 and Nvidia’s GTX 1660 Super are widely considered to be the entry-level GPUs, while Nvidia’s RTX 3060 Ti or AMD’s RX 6700 XT are the GPUs recommended for mining on a budget.

Best GPUs for Mining
Best GPUs for Mining

With over 7 years of experience in the cryptocurrency industry, I have developed a strong expertise in market analysis and emerging trends. My deep understanding of the crypto space, combined with a unique blend of technical knowledge and exceptional communication skills, allows me to simplify complex concepts and present them in a clear and engaging way for diverse audiences.

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