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Mining with a single GPU is a simple process. However, mining with multiple GPUs raises some questions for beginners that are still finding their way through the crypto world.
In this article, we will cover frequent doubts about the matter, so that you can set up your mining rig with enough certainty that everything will work correctly.
Can you mine with 2 different GPUs?
Yes, it is completely possible to mine with more than one GPU. Plenty of miners do this, as mining with more than one GPU is always more effective.
However, you need to pay attention to the brand of your GPUs. It is easier to set up your mining rig with GPUs that use the same driver (Nvidia or AMD), or else you will have to install two of those and that can lead to instability.
Can you mix and match GPUs?
You definitely can. If you have two GPUs made by different manufacturers, you can still install both of them on the same computer and start mining.
Sure, your motherboard should have support to two GPUs, and also you need to make sure you have enough ventilation and power to supply them.
Now talking about software, there is a safe way of doing this without running into issues.
Here is what you can do to ensure that your rig will work fine with an Nvidia GPU and an AMD GPU:
Download the DDU (Display Driver Uninstaller) here. This software will uninstall all of your graphic card drivers if you have any installed.
This way, you can make a fresh install of them later, which is recommended for everything to work accordingly.
Download the driver for each of your graphic cards. Here is the link for Nvidia and here is the link for AMD.
After you downloaded all the programs, disconnect your mining rig from the internet (unplug the Ethernet cable if you are plugged).
Use the DDU to uninstall any drivers. Now, turn your rig off and connect your GPUs.
After making sure they are in place, turn your rig on again and install any of the drivers.
When you install one of them, restart the system so that the changes can have an effect, and then install the other one and restart again.
Now that all is installed, connect your rig to the internet again.
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What GPUs are best to mine with?
GPUs are used to mine because of the computing power that helps them solve the cryptographic equations to validate new blocks of transactions in the blockchain of a cryptocurrency.
Thus, the more powerful the specs of a GPU, the best it is to mine.
Some GPUs might escape this definition, as some of them have been manufactured to be mining-resistant (some Nvidia models fall within this range).
The old Tesla GPUs series, for example, was extremely powerful but not good for mining.
If we want even more data about the power of each GPU for mining matters, we don’t need to personally test each and every one of them.
The site Kryptex already compiles data of mining around the world. Based on this data, we will recommend you some great GPUs you can acquire to mine.
NVIDIA RTX 3090
If you are after full power and great profitability after the card pays itself back, then the Nvidia RTX 3090 should be your choice.
It is not an investment you can make if you don’t have a few bucks to spare, of course.
However, if you can buy it, you will set it up and see it mining a lot right from the start.
Its average hash rate is 125Mh/s mining ETH, and it is able to generate an average monthly profit of $308,54.
During the first 276 days, however, all this earning will cover its own cost. After that, it is genuine profit.
AMD VII
If you like AMD’s functioning too, the best GPU by the brand with attested efficiency is the AMD VII.
Its price is a bit below the RTX 3090, and so is its hash rate, thus making the average monthly profit around 70 bucks less.
However, this is still top-notch considering all GPUs in the market.
Mining ETH, the AMD VII can reach 95Mh/s, being able to generate around $234 monthly.
This graphics card takes more than the RTX 3090 to pay for itself, so you should see that happening in around 304 days.
NVIDIA RTX 2080Ti
If you don’t want the most expensive GPU for mining, but would rather invest in something cheaper however still good, the RTX 2080Ti is a great option.
It is no 3090, so all specs are lowered, but it still is a great mining unit and can generate steady profit after it pays for itself.
This is a really special GPU, as it has an average of 55,5Mh/s and can generate $124,93 monthly mining Ether.
It takes almost one year for its price to be completely paid by mining, but afterward, you will make a good amount each month. If you already have one GPU and are looking to buy one more, this can be it.
AMD RX 5700 XT
Within the same price range as the Nvidia GPU above, you can get the AMD RX 5700 XT. The hash rate on this GPU is 56,5Mh/s when mining Ether, making for a $127,10 average monthly earning.
Fortunately, Nvidia and AMD make GPUs that usually fall within the same price range when they have similar specs or at least specs that make them have a similar hash rate.
That way, you can choose AMD if you like the brand better, or Nvidia if you like this manufacturer.
However, if you don’t care about the brand, the smart move is to go with the product that mines better and lasts longer.
How to use multiple GPUs for mining?
Decide how many GPUs you will use. Multiple GPU rigs are common, but going up to 4 or 5 cards should be enough.
When you are past that number, troubles that happen on your rig make it go offline as a whole and it is harder to figure out what went wrong.
If you are not an expert in hardware and software, stick to a safe number.
Get a proper power supply unit (PSU). Make sure of which GPUs you are going to use and calculate how much power the whole rig is going to need.
When you are sure of that, get a PSU that can handle feeding all that electricity.
Gold and platinum PSUs are optimal for this task as you can run them closer to max output safely.
Motherboard. Any motherboard with a combination of full-size PCI-e slots and Mini PCI-e slots should be fine. Risers are necessary to control the rig’s temperature and make room between cards. 2-3 full-size slots are okay for the task. This shall depend on the motherboard’s layout, though.
CPU, RAM, and HDD. Mining is all about the GPU, so you can get the cheapest CPU, RAM, and also HDD.
For CPU, you can safely go with an Intel i5 6400t. It can stay on while consuming low power while still doing good CPU mining.
As for RAM, 8GB is enough if you are using this machine solely for mining. Storage-wise, go with a 128GB SSD. You really don’t need any more than this.
As for temperature control, there are some things you should consider. The optimal temperature for your GPUs while mining is between 60 and 70ºC.
If it goes up to 80ºC, you should check if everything is fine and try to lower the temperature with some countermeasure.
It should go without saying that temperature control should be done as a preventive measure, so you should already set your rig in a way that there is enough ventilation.
Doing this requires you to buy some fans. Put one large fan in front of the whole rig and smaller ones to put in front of each GPU. This way the heat can be dissipated.
Leave an open window if you can do and get a net that prevents insects from getting in. Air conditioning isn’t cheap and doesn’t do as good a job as fans, so don’t even spend on that.
Can I use one GPU for mining while using the other for gaming?
Yes. This is, in fact, an optimal setup. This way, each GPU will have its power used for only one task. Your gaming GPU will last longer while you can still make money from mining.
Moreover, remember that each task also uses the CPU. You can only do this if you have a genuinely powerful CPU (say, at least an Intel i7 of the last generations) and enough RAM (16GB, minimum) to distribute between tasks.
When using one GPU for gaming and the other for mining, all you have to do is point the mining software to one of the GPUs and configure the other to be used for gaming.
Whether you have AMD or Nvidia, configuring this should be easy on each manufacturer’s software.
Again, if you are running multiple GPUs, make sure you are letting them breathe enough.
Final Thoughts
Multiple GPU rigs are the next step after you started mining with a single GPU or CPU and saw confirmation that this business can be profitable.
Only a few extra worries are necessary when moving towards this configuration.
FAQs
Can you mine different coins on different GPUs? ›
In case you have multiple GPUs and want to mine different coins on each GPU - create one Managed Miner per GPU. Configure each Managed Miner with the pool, mining software and coin you want to mine. Use the GPU Selection section to select which GPU to use for this specific Managed Miner.
Can I mine with mixed GPU? ›Generally speaking, you can run both NVIDIA and AMD cards on the same PC or rig. But keep in mind that you have to install two different drivers for both manufacturers and this is a potential stability issue that should be taken into consideration and avoided if possible.
Do all your GPUs have to match on a mining rig? ›Different GPU can be used in a single mining rig . The issues that may possibly arise are: Dynamic Hash Rate. Temperature fluctuations, since you are using different GPUs each may have different optimum temperatures.
Can you use 2 different GPUs at once? ›Sure. Just depends on what you want them to do, though: If you want the two GPUs to work in tandem to improve performance in a game, that's called SLI (Nvidia) or Crossfire (AMD), and there are some restrictions and caveats depending on which technology you're using and what game you're playing.
Can you crypto mine with 2 different GPUs? ›Can you use 2 different graphics cards in the same PC for Ethereum mining? Assuming they both have more than 4GB VRAM, yes, you can. You can't mine Ethereum with 4GB cards (or less) anymore. If you want to mix and match AMD and nVidia cards, it's a little more complicated, but you can do that too.
Is dual mining more profitable? ›The reward estimates prove that dual mining can be more profitable than regular mining. So it makes sense to use your graphics cards to mine ETH and TON at the same time and get more profit.
Is dual mining harmful to GPU? ›Lucky for them, mining doesn't degrade your GPU any more than a lifetime of l33t gaming. If you're totally new to blockchain, get good with our Gamer's Guide to Blockchain and Crypto.
Can I mix NVIDIA and AMD for mining? ›If so, you don't have to choose between NVIDIA and AMD graphics cards — you can combine them in the same rig. By doing this, you will get the following benefits: You will save some money on paying for Hiveon OS because the computing power will be “located” in one GPU rig rather than in several machines.
Does dual mining damage GPU? ›Mining harms your GPU in the sense that one of its by-products is producing excess heat. If you run your mining setup 24/7 at a high temperature – above 80 oC or 90 oC - the GPU could sustain damage that will severely affect its lifespan. But crypto mining doesnt necsssarily damage your GPU.
What is the lifespan of a GPU when mining? ›How long will a GPU last mining? Decades. Mining has zero impact on a GPU or CPUs lifetime. They are literally designed to run 24/7/365 indefinitely.
Can I mine Ravencoin with 2gb GPU? ›
Here's the answer— you can mine with any GPU/CPU with any Memory card (GB) but that must gain you more raven coins than the cost of electricity of your GPU or laptop. So, yes You can mine but that won't be of any profit, you will completely run on Loss (due to the electricity cost).
Can you mix different GPUs? ›When mixing GPUs, you are limited by the card with the lowest amount of memory. A card's onboard RAM affects how large and complex of a scene can be rendered, so having even just one card with less VRAM could limit your whole system.
Do both GPUs need to be the same? ›Multi-GPU systems usually require you to have GPUs from the same model and series. So, if you have a Radeon RX580 in your current PC, and you want to attach the R9 390 GPU from your old gaming system, it won't work.
Can you use 4 GPUs at once? ›The AMD's CrossFire technology was developed by ATI technologies and it allows up to 4 GPUs to connect to a single computer and deliver improved performance. The technology works the same way Nvidia SLI works and the multi cards are set up in the master-slave configuration.
Will 2 GPUs increase performance? ›Two GPUs are ideal for multi-monitor gaming. Dual cards can share the workload and provide better frame rates, higher resolutions, and extra filters. Additional cards can make it possible to take advantage of newer technologies such as 4K Displays.
How do I get a higher hash rate? ›Again, maxing out fan speeds and memory clocks while dropping the GPU core clocks and power limit are key to improving overall hash rates. Modding the card and replacing the VRAM thermal pads with thicker/better pads is possible and will help cooling and performance.
Can you run 2 different miners? ›Yes, but this only makes sense if they use different resources (e.g. one is a GPU-based Ethereum miner, while the other is a CPU-based Monero miner). Otherwise, you just get two miners that each run half as fast (so, basically, you don't get any benefit). What is 'mining' and how does it work?
What is the best coin to dual mine? ›Best coin to dual mine
To choose the perfect pair, you should also consider the hashrate and the current cost. It is very interesting to mine Ethereum Classic, Ziliqa, Kaspa, Ravencoin, Ergo or even Alephium. If you want to do dual mining, avoid doing it with Ethereum Classic and Ravencoin at the same time.
With merged mining, miners are incited to mine two coins simultaneously. In other words, one network's hashing power is not diminished at the cost of the other. Miners are encouraged to channel their resources toward merged mining because they can grow their income without having to do any extra work.
What is the easiest and most profitable crypto to mine? ›Answer: Monero is the easiest cryptocurrency to mine now because it can be mined via browser extensions and free software over websites. It is even mined via crypto jacking. The mining code can also easily be incorporated into apps and websites to facilitate mining.
Does Nicehash ruin GPU? ›
Yes and no. This depends on the way you set up and optimize your GPU. If you use the right settings, you have nothing to worry about! Like every electrical component, a graphics card will draw power during operation, and the majority of this power will be converted to heat.
How much VRAM do I need for dual mining? ›Dual mining Ravencoin and Ethereum requires at least 10GB of VRAM on Windows and 8GB on Linux. Using a 3080Ti nets us an ETH hash rate of 35 MH/s and 29 MH/s for Ravencoin.
How long does it take to mine 1 bitcoin with RTX 3070? ›It takes about 188 days to mine one bitcoin using an RTX 3070 graphic card. The RTX 3070 graphics card can produce approximately 32 MH/s when mining BTC. So, let's do the math — how long does it take to mine 1 bitcoin with RTX 3070? Around 188 days.
Is AMD blocking mining? ›Unlike Nvidia, AMD will not restrict the cryptocurrency-mining capabilities on its PC graphics cards.
Why is Nvidia better than AMD for mining? ›AMD vs Nvidia
Nvidia cards are almost always easier to use, configure and overclock (i.e. squeeze more juice out of the card). Nvidia cards do not require long time to learn how to configure them, flash a bios or undervolt. AMD cards are also not as powerful as Nvidia's.
- NBMiner. NBMiner is the hottest Ethereum miner at the moment and the preferred choice if you own an NVIDIA LHR graphics card. ...
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- LolMiner.
How much energy does mining take? The Digiconomist's Bitcoin Energy Consumption Index estimated that one bitcoin transaction takes 1,449 kWh to complete, or the equivalent of approximately 50 days of power for the average US household.
Should you mine with 1 GPU? ›Q #6) How many GPUs do I need for mining? Answer: There is no minimum or limit to the number of GPUs you can use when mining, and can even start with 1. However, if you are into a serious mining business, a rig of 6 GPUs is recommended.
Does salad damage your GPU? ›Contrary to common opinion, consumer Graphics Cards (GPUs) and CPUs are designed to run at peak performance 24/7, and Salad won't tax your hardware more than playing Far Cry 5 or Battlefield V would.
Is GPU mining will end? ›It also means cryptocurrency miners can no longer use their PC graphics cards to generate Ethereum. Instead, they'll have to settle for other mine-able virtual currencies worth far less or consider selling their GPUs.
Will mining damage my laptop? ›
You need to factor in the fact that mining is usually a 24/7 process, and you're putting a lot of unneeded stress on your laptop. Not only can you damage your GPU in the long run, but you can also wear out the teeny tiny fans, which can further complicate things.
Can GPU mine 24 hours? ›You can leave your pc mining 24/7 but you should follow some guidelines to not tear your pc as mining involves lot of heat through the GPU's which results in tear or destroy of whole system.
Is Solo mining worth it? ›With solo mining, the chances of getting a higher long-term yield are more. Especially when we compare it to pool mining. Plus, rewards get higher over time as solo mining eliminates the need to pay a pool fee or transaction fee. Solo miners are free from any effects from pool timeouts.
Which coins can I mine with 4gb GPU? ›Haven Protocol (ticker - XHV) a coin based on its own algorithm - Cryptonight-Haven (a variant of the Cryptonight-Heavy algorithm). The coin can be mined well on cards from AMD, including those with 4 GB of memory. It is widely represented on crypto-exchanges, the most famous of which is KuCoin.
What is the minimum GPU for mining? ›A modern Graphic Card (GPU) with at least 3GB of VRAM (Graphic card memory, not to be confused with the system's RAM memory), multi-GPU systems are supported, as long as all GPUs meet the minimum memory requirement.
Can you mix GTX and RTX? ›Can you use a GTX 1060 with an RTX 2060? No. Those two GPU have different architectures with different specifications.
Can you run 3 GPUs at the same time? ›Yes, you can run 3 graphics cards simultaneously without SLI technology. If you want to enable SLI then you have to set up SLI in PCIE_8 and PCIE_16_2. Then install another graphics card to PCIE_16_1.
Can you use 2 RTX 3090? ›The setup in question uses two EVGA GeForce RTX 3090 Ti Kingpin GPUs, one of the best graphics cards on the market in terms of specs. As you'd perhaps expect, this test bench style rig is ravenous when it comes to power, as the card's 1,200W TDP means the setup could draw a whopping 2,400W.
How many graphics cards can a PC have for mining? ›Depending on the motherboard, you can have anywhere between one and eight graphics cards in your mining rig.
Can GPUs be stacked? ›The obvious benefit to GPU stacking is it could double the transistor density, and thus increase a PC graphics card's power while maintaining the same overall footprint.
How many GPUs can you run at once? ›
Most motherboards will allow up to four GPUs. However, most GPUs have a width of two PCIe slots, so if you plan to use multiple GPUs, you will need a motherboard with enough space between PCIe slots to accommodate these GPUs.
Which mining is more profitable? ›Bitcoin is still the most profitable coin to mine with an ASIC, but not GPU. Bitcoin GPU mining is not profitable currently even with a mining pool. But you can mine with pools that allow you to contribute the hash rate to mine other crypto and get rewarded in Bitcoin.
What is the most profitable algorithm for mining? ›Since September 15, Kadena has become the most profitable consensus algorithm this year. Bitmain's application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) mining rig, the Antminer KA3, gets an estimated $69.41 per day with electricity costs at $0.12 per kilowatt hour (kWh).
Which miner is most profitable? ›The Antminer S19 Pro is the most profitable ASIC miner for Bitcoin and the SHA-256 algorithm for now.
How often does 2 miners payout? ›Payouts are processed automatically every 2 hours. To get the payout you need to reach the payout threshold. For most of the coins, you could set it on the "Account Settings" tab.