Key Points
- Our choice for the #1 Best Overall GPU for Mining is the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080.
- The appeal of GPU mining lies in its potential for high profitability. This is done by making use of the computational power of GPUs to mine cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum.
- With a top-tier GPU for mining, you’ll not only be able to support the blockchain technology that underpins cryptocurrencies but you’ll also have a chance to earn a passive income.
- When choosing the best GPU for mining you must keep in mind important factors like hashrate, energy efficiency, price, and availability.
GPUs, or graphics processing units, are an integral component of the cryptocurrency mining world. They provide the necessary computational power to solve complex algorithms. Therefore, supporting the blockchain technology that underlies cryptocurrency. Miners are looking for high-performance GPUs as they offer high hash rates. This is the speed at which a GPU can complete an operation in the Bitcoin code. However, selecting the best GPU for mining is not only about performance. It’s also about energy efficiency, price, and availability are all crucial factors.
Learn more about GPUs in our GPU vs CPU guide!
In our thorough examination, we have ranked and reviewed the top GPUs for mining based on these factors. Here are our top picks:
- Best Overall: MSI Gaming GeForce RTX 3080
- Best for Energy Efficiency: AMD Radeon RX 5700 XT
- Best for Hash Rate: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3090
- Best for Affordability: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Super
- Best for Availability: AMD Radeon RX 580
#1 Best Overall GPU for Mining: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080
- 2nd-Gen RT Cores and 3rd-Gen Tensor Cores
- 8704 CUDA cores
- 10GB GDDR6X RAM
- 320-bit memory interface
- 1.71 boost clock
The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 stands as our #1 Best Overall GPU for Mining. This graphics card strikes an ideal balance between hashrate, energy efficiency, and price. With a hashrate of approximately 95 MH/s for Ethereum mining and an energy draw of 320 W, the RTX 3080 provides a remarkable level of performance while maintaining reasonable energy consumption.
However, as with any product, it has some drawbacks. The RTX 3080 can be quite expensive, particularly due to its high demand among both gamers and miners. Furthermore, it can run quite hot, which may require additional cooling measures for optimal operation.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| This GPU has a high hashrate which is suitable for Ethereum mining. | The GPU has a high cost due to significant demand. |
| It has fairly reasonable energy consumption. | It can sometimes run hot and may require additional cooling. |
| It also provides excellent gaming performance as a bonus. |
Check out our guide to the Most Powerful NVIDIA GPUs here!
Buy the MSI Gaming GeForce RTX 3080 on Amazon.
Best for Energy Efficiency: AMD Radeon RX 5700 XT
- Base clock 1605 MHz and boost clock 1925 MHz
- 8GB GDDR6
- 256-bit memory interface
- 2133 MHz memory speed
- PCI-Express x16 graphics card interface
The AMD Radeon RX 5700 XT is our winner for energy efficiency. This GPU offers a hashrate of around 50 MH/s for Ethereum mining. While also only drawing about 130 W of power. This makes it an excellent option for those looking to maximize their mining profitability by reducing energy costs.
While it provides excellent energy efficiency, it may struggle to keep up with higher-end GPUs in terms of raw hashrate. Additionally, the availability of the 5700 XT can sometimes be limited due to its popularity among miners.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| The GPU has excellent energy efficiency. | It has a lower raw hashrate compared to high-end GPUs. |
| It offers a reasonable hashrate for Ethereum mining. | The GPU has limited availability due to high demand. |
| This GPU has a competitive price point. |
Buy the MSI Gaming Radeon RX 5700 XT Boost Clock on Amazon.
Best for Hash Rate: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3090
- Memory speed is 19.5 Gbps.
- Max resolution is 7680x4320
- NVIDIA Ampere architecture
- 2nd Gen ray tracing cores
- 3rd Gen tensor cores
- 24GB 384-bit GDDR6X, boost clock 1710 MHz
- 8K, 4 Displays, and VR compatible
When it comes to raw power and performance, the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3090 outshines the competition. With a staggering hashrate of around 120 MH/s for Ethereum mining, this GPU is the king of performance. But with great power comes a great electricity bill – the RTX 3090 can draw upwards of 350 W of power.
Availability can be a significant downside for the RTX 3090. Due to its popularity among gamers and miners alike, it can often be hard to find at a reasonable price.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| This GPU has an unrivaled hashrate for Ethereum mining. | The GPU has very high power consumption. |
| It also provides excellent gaming performance. | It has limited availability and a high price. |
| It’s made with high-quality components and boasts great durability. |
Buy the ZOTAC Gaming GeForce RTX™ 3090 Trinity OC 24GB GDDR6X on Amazon.
Best for Affordability: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Super
- Turing architecture
- 6GB GDDR5
- 192-bit
- 1785MHz boost clock speed
- Play games in 1080p at 60fps
- 3 x DisplayPort 1.4, 1 x HDMI 2.0b
For those looking for a more affordable option, the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Super is a great pick. While it doesn’t have the raw power of high-end GPUs like the RTX 3080 or 3090, the GTX 1660 Super offers a respectable hashrate of around 26 MH/s for Ethereum mining with a power draw of about 120 W.
One of the major drawbacks is its limited performance for high-end gaming or heavy computational tasks outside of mining.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| The GPU has good value for price. | This GPU has lower performance in comparison to high-end GPUs. |
| It also offers a reasonable hashrate and power consumption. | It’s not suitable for high-end gaming or heavy computational tasks. |
| This GPU is often available. |
Buy the ZOTAC GeForce GTX 1660 6GB on Amazon.
Best for Availability: AMD Radeon RX 580
- Based on the Polaris 20 graphics processor
- Supports DirectX 12
- Equipped with 2048SP and 8GB GDDR5 memory with a 1750 MHz (8 GB)
- 3 monitor support output included 2X DisplayPort 1.4a. +1X HDMI 2.0b
- Supports up to 8K display
- Semi-automatic intelligent fans system, which can automatically sense the GPU temperature.
- Draws power from 1x 8-pin power connector, with power draw rated at 185 W maximum
In terms of availability, the AMD Radeon RX 580 takes the top spot. Although it may not be the newest model, it’s widely available due to its long-standing popularity among both gamers and miners. This GPU has a hashrate of around 30 MH/s. Making it suitable for Ethereum mining and consuming around 185 W of power.
The downside, of course, is that this is an older model. Therefore, it may not be able to match the performance or efficiency of newer GPUs.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| This GPU is widely available. | It’s an older model. |
| It has a respectable hashrate for Ethereum mining. | The GPU is not as efficient or powerful as newer GPUs. |
| It’s suitable for gaming as well as mining. |
Buy the AISURIX Radeon RX 580 Graphic Cards GPU on Amazon.
Here are our top 10 alternatives to the AMD Radeon RX 580.
How to Pick the Best GPU for Cryptocurrency Mining: Step-by-Step
Choosing the right GPU for cryptocurrency mining can be quite a challenge. This is due to the variety of options available. The key considerations when choosing a GPU for mining are:
- Hashrate
- Energy Efficiency
- Price
- Availability
Let’s dive into each of these factors for a clearer understanding.
Hashrate
Hashrate is the computational ability of a GPU. It’s the speed at which the GPU can solve cryptographic puzzles related to mining. A GPU is more effective at mining cryptocurrency with a higher hashrate. However, the higher the hashrate, the higher the price tag and power consumption.
Energy Efficiency
Cryptocurrency mining uses a lot of power. Therefore, GPU energy efficiency is a significant factor. This is measured by the amount of power a GPU consumes relative to its hashrate. Look for GPUs that provide the best ratio of hashrate to power consumption.
Price
The cost of a GPU is another major factor. The high-performing GPUs often cost the most. On the other hand, budget GPUs will likely have lower hashrate and efficiencies. The perfect GPU for you depends on your budget and willingness to invest in a good setup.
Availability
Due to the increased cryptocurrency mining popularity, certain GPUs are difficult to obtain due to demand. If you plan to build a mining rig with multiple GPUs, availability is key.
What to Know Before Buying a GPU for Cryptocurrency Mining
Before investing in a GPU for mining, there are a few things to keep in mind. First of all, is the type of cryptocurrency you plan to mine. Some cryptocurrencies are best suited to specific GPUs. For example, mining Ethereum is highly optimized for AMD cards, while other cryptocurrencies may perform better on NVIDIA cards.
You must also consider the setup. Where will the GPU be installed? Ensure you have adequate space for the GPU to cool. Mining can generate a lot of heat and reduce the lifespan of the GPU if it isn’t provided with adequate cooling.
Finally, you should consider market conditions for the cryptocurrency you plan to mine. Profitability can significantly fluctuate. Therefore, it’s crucial to consider the current and projected difficulty of mining and the price of the cryptocurrency.
Using a GPU for Cryptocurrency Mining: What It’s Like
Using a GPU for mining cryptocurrency involves constant operation under high loads. GPUs, which are designed for gaming, are being used to solve complex cryptographic puzzles. They were not originally designed for this, but they manage to perform well. However, during the process, the GPUs produce a lot of heat. To handle this, miners will set up dedicated cooling systems in a separate room or dedicated mining shed to try to prevent overheating.
The mining operation can be loud due to the GPU’s fans and the cooling systems put in place. Some miners will have their rigs in separate locations to control noise. One crucial part of mining is the need to constantly monitor the process. This can involve keeping an eye on the GPU temperature, the efficiency of the mining, and the current market prices of the cryptocurrency being mined.
Although mining is typically done to make money, it requires a significant upfront investment and maintenance costs. Despite these challenges, many find the process rewarding, especially when the mined cryptocurrencies increase in value.
Read our guide to The Best Graphics Card Today!
Summary Table
| GPU | Strengths | Weaknesses |
|---|---|---|
| NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 | High hashrate, reasonable energy consumption, excellent gaming performance | High cost, can run hot |
| AMD Radeon RX 5700 XT | Excellent energy efficiency, reasonable hashrate, competitive price point | Lower raw hashrate, limited availability |
| NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3090 | Unrivaled hashrate, excellent gaming performance, high-quality components | High power consumption, limited availability, high price |
| NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Super | Good value for price, reasonable hashrate and power consumption, often available | Lower performance, not suitable for high-end gaming or heavy computational tasks |
| AMD Radeon RX 580 | Widely available, respectable hashrate, suitable for gaming | Older model, not as efficient or powerful as newer GPUs |
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