The Best GPU for Mining Bitcoin & Ethereum Crypto in 2024

A detailed analysis of the Top Graphics Cards for Mining Bitcoin and Ethereum. Compare and pick the best GPU for mining based on your needs for high performance:

GPUs or Graphic Processing Units are high-performance computer graphics cards specifically designed to alter and manipulate memory to accelerate image creation to accelerate or give a higher frame rate when processing images to a display device.

They are in mobile phones, computers, game consoles, workstations, VR headgear, and other devices. Modern GPUs have a large number of arithmetic logic units that perform mathematical computations.

Graphics Cards for Mining Bitcoin and Ethereum

Their operation involves matrix and vector calculations such as accelerating texture mapping, rendering polygons, accelerating geometric calculations like rotation and translation of vertices into different coordinates, high-precision color spacing, reducing aliasing, and other forms of manipulating these vertices and textures.

GPU applications in a non-graphical calculation like crypto mining are not new given the potential of their arithmetic logic units. They can take diverse forms of instruction from other programs for visual rendering.

GPUs, which come with their dedicated RAMs or VRAMs, are made not for the speed of operation but for increased throughput and hence are faster for repetitive tasks that require running the same code on a huge number of different data points.

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How to Choose and Mine Cryptocurrency With a GPU

Step #1: Research on GPUs: GPUs come in all shapes, performances, pricing, models, and forms. The most common are AMD and Intel GPUs. The most important thing is matching performance with mining needs as regards which crypto and algorithm to mine.

• Consider core clock, overclocking capability, memory, and memory clocks because these determine the hash rate, which is a measure of the mining processing power of the GPU. The core clock is measured in Hertz and measures the graphics processor speed. It can be overclocked on most GPUs to boost hash rates directly.
• Consider the VRAM size in GB. VRAM holds the memory of data items that the GPU must render. At least 6 GB is effective for most crypto-mining operations today.
• Consider the memory clock or the frequency of the VRAM which influences the memory bandwidth.
• Consider power consumption, input and output, as well as power efficiency. This defines the power bill on the device.

Most online mining calculators can help determine the hash rates a GPU can generate, the top cryptos that can be used to mine, power consumption, and the profitability it can generate. Simply visit one and enter or select the target GPU.

Step #2: To mine with a GPU, simply construct a rig by connecting multiple GPUs or connect only one on the motherboard alongside other components. Install drivers and mining software, set up a crypto wallet, connect the miner to a mining pool you have signed up with, and proceed to mine.

List of the Best GPU for Mining

Popular and top Graphics Cards for mining:

1. ASUS TUF Gaming Nvidia GeForce RTX 3090
2. ZOTAC Gaming GeForce RTX 3060
3. EVGA GeForce RTX 3060 XC Gaming
4. MSI Gaming GeForce RTX 3060
5. ASUS TUF Gaming NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070
6. ZOTAC Gaming GeForce GTX 1660 Super
7. MSI Gaming GeForce GTX 1660 Super VENTUS XS OC
8. MSI Gaming GeForce GTX 1660 Super Gaming X
9. Maxsun AMD Radeon RX 550
10. Gigabyte GV-N1030D4-2GL GeForce GT 1030

Comparison Table of Top Mining Cards

Detailed Reviews:

#1) ASUS TUF Gaming Nvidia GeForce RTX 3090

ASUS TUF Gaming Nvidia GeForce RTX 3090 features Ampere Streaming Multiprocessors that deliver fast GPU, throughput, and power efficiency. It is the fastest of all the GeForce RTX 3090 and 3080 categories of GPUs.

Furthermore, it is used alongside the GPU Tweak II software that allows for easy tweaking of performance – core memory clocks, memory frequency, voltage settings, and thermal controls, as well as for monitoring the system performance.

It has three fans that feature the Axial-tech design. The three work in tandem to satisfy the cooling needs of the device. Besides, the fans use dual ball fan bearing to ensure consistent performance and longevity compared to sleeve bearings and other bearing types.

Nvidia GeForce RTX 3090 can generate a hash rate of up to 268.31 MH/s at a power consumption of 232W depending on which crypto you are mining. It can mine Ergo coins at that hash rate and power consumption, Ethereum Classic at 120.26 MH/s, and is also used to mine Ravencoin, Beam, Flux, and Firo coins.

How to mine with the ASUS TUF Gaming Nvidia GeForce RTX 3090:

Step #1: Research which coins and algorithms can be used to mine with the device as well as the mining pools to which you should connect the device. Connect GPUs and other components to the motherboard.

Step #2: Install device drivers and mining software. Proceed to set up the crypto wallet, mining pool, device (including overclocking them), and software. Start mining.

Operating System: Windows 11

Features:

• Nvidia GeForce RTX 3090 co-processor GPU card.
• 24 GB RAM of GDDR6 type.
• Base clock 1,400 MHz; boost clock 1,700 MHz.
• Memory clock 9,750 MHz.
• Max memory bandwidth: 936 GB/s
• Max temperature: 93 degrees C
• GPU power 350 W.
• Output: DisplayPort, HDMI
• Cuda cores: 10 496

Pros:

• MaxContact technology, fan axial-tech design, and heat sink design allow for an efficient and cool mining operation.
• Auto-Extreme manufacturing process employed in soldering components to the PCB, top-shelf chokes, MOSFETs, military-grade certified capacitors, and 144 flawless performance validation trials ensure longevity.
• Cooler, low-noise tech.
• AI rendering on AI processing Tensor Core boosts frame rates.
• GPU Tweak II software offers easier and better tweaking, thermal control, and system monitoring.

Cons:

• Pricey compared to most GPUs.

Price: $1,083.

Website: ASUS TUF Gaming Nvidia GeForce RTX 3090

#2) ZOTAC Gaming GeForce RTX 3060

The RTX 3060 drivers will detect if your cards are mining cryptocurrency and therefore reduce mining performance by 50% automatically while optimizing game performance.

That means the hash rate drops from 41.5 (or 49.1) MH/s to 26-24 MH/s within no time. The option would be to use other drivers that remove the hash rate limiter which may also not work well with gaming features.

The card features an adjustable speed/rotation fan to increase/reduce airflow when needed. It also features an 11-blade fan that increases airflow by 10% compared to the previous model. The best cryptocurrencies used for mining with this card include Cortex, Neoxa, Ravencoin, Beam, Bitcoin Gold, Ethereum Classic, Callisto Network, and Zcoin.

Nevertheless, the GeForce RTX 3060 can manage a maximum hash rate of up to 122 MH/s at a power consumption of 98 W.

How to mine with ZOTAC Gaming GeForce RTX 3060:

Step # 1: Install GPUs on the motherboard together with other components. Power on the computer.

Step #2: Install drivers and mining software and complete setup. Setup includes overclocking, signing up and connecting with mining pools, and adjusting the software.

Step #3: Start mining

Operating System: Windows 10 64-bit

Features:

• NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060.
• RAM 12 GB GDDR6 type
• GPU base clock speed 1320 MHz, boost 1807 MHz.
• Memory clock 1875 MHz.
• Memory bandwidth 336 GB/s.
• Cuda cores 3,584.
• GPU power 170 W.
• Video output: DisplayPort.
• 2.25 pounds weight.

Pros:

• Ample 12GB VRAM which is higher than most listed GPUs can offer.
• Great price-to-performance.
• Can be used for both mining and gaming.
• Efficient and compact design.

Cons:

• Throttling mining performance is a minus.
• Low performance compared to predecessor 3060 Ti performance.

Price: $520

Website: ZOTAC Gaming GeForce RTX 3060

#3) EVGA GeForce RTX 3060 XC Gaming

The EVGA GeForce RTX 3060 XC Gaming is poorly rated for crypto mining because the CUDA cores and hash rates are reduced discourages mining. For this reason, you can expect a hash rate of 24 MH/s but 50 MH/s if you manage to go around the hash rate limit for instance using the 470.05 beta driver. The limit was put by Nvidia to discourage mining with GPU.

With the highest possible and unlimited hash rate, you can generate ROI in under 100 days. Theoretically, it could generate a hash rate of up to 122.09 MH/s at 98 W power consumption.

How to mine with EVGA GeForce RTX 3060 XC Gaming:

Step #1: Mount GPU/s on the motherboard alongside other components like RAM, etc. Power on the computer.

Step #2: Research and decide which crypto and algorithms to best mine with the hardware. Install drivers and mining software. Set up hardware including overclocking, connecting to the mining pool, and other things. Start mining.

Operating System: Windows 10 64 Bit, Windows 7 64 Bit.

Features:

• NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060.
• 2 pounds weight.
• RAM 12GB, GDDR6 type.
• Core clock 1,320 MHz, Boost clock 1,777 MHz,
• Memory clock 1,875 MHz.
• Power 113 W to 150 W.
• Efficiency between 0.417 MH/w to 0.417 MH/w.
• Video output: HDMI
• Dual fan for extra cooling capacity.

Pros:

• Great RAM space of 12 GB is not easy to find with most mining cards.
• High-performance cooling performance. This rating is impossible with most GPUs in the market.
• Quieter acoustic noise.
• Great price-to-performance.
• Power delivery equivalent to 2070 Super.
• Can be utilized for both mining and gaming at the same time as the mining performance is reduced.

Cons:

• No RGB LED lighting to match with other accessories.

Price: $520

Website: EVGA GeForce RTX 3060 XC Gaming

#4) MSI Gaming GeForce RTX 3060

The MSI Gaming GeForce RTX 3060 features the MSI Center for those who want to tweak the memory clock speed in real time when mining with this GPU device. Otherwise, it is an improved RTX device that features new streaming multiprocessors, high-speed G6 memory, enhanced Ray Tracing cores, and Tensor cores.

The GPU features a twin Frozr 8 thermal design system, Air Control, and Core Pipes heat sink that all combine to keep the device cool and also achieve a quieter operation.

Based on the online mining calculators, the RTX is profitable for mining SERO, Cortex, Neoxa, and Kaspa coins and can generate around -$0.14 per day hence you need to combine multiple GPUs for profitability.

It can generate a hash rate of up to 122.09 MH/s at 98W power consumption when mining Ergo coin but can mine Ethereum Classic, Ravencoin, Beam, and Flux at a lower hash rate.

How to mine with MSI Gaming GeForce RTX 3060:

Step #1: Connect a single or multiple GPU of this kind on an appropriate motherboard alongside other components. Power on the computer. Research the most appropriate and profitable coins to mine with this GPU, the best mining pools on which to mine the said coin, and the places to buy the device at the best price.

Step #2: Install drivers and mining software. Set up the mining hardware and software—this includes connecting to an appropriate mining pool with an appropriate payment model, creating a crypto wallet based on the coin you want to mine and adding it to the mining pool, and tweaking the GPU memory clock and other settings. Start mining.

Operating System: Windows 10 and above

Features:

• GeForce RTX 3060 GPU card.
• Base clock – 1,320 MH/s, Boost clock 1837 MHz.
• Memory clock 1,875 MHz,
• CPU power 170W.
• Max memory bandwidth 336 GB/s.
• Cuda cores 3,584.
• 12 GB RAM of GDDR6 type.
• Output: HDMI

Pros:

• Features over-clocking capability alongside the MSI Center to help you achieve overclocking quickly and easily.
• Highly capable RAM compared to the most high-performing devices on this list.
• Low noise.
• Low heating.
• Color lighting to synchronize with other devices.

Cons:

• Low profitability for a single device.

Price: $369

Website: MSI Gaming GeForce RTX 3060

#5) ASUS TUF Gaming NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070

The ASUS TUF Nvidia GeForce RTX 3070 features second-generation RT Cores, third-generation Tensor cores, and NVIDIA’s Ampere streaming multiprocessors that make the GPUs efficient.

It also features GPU Tweak II, which makes it possible to tweak performance (core memory clocks, memory frequency, and voltage settings), thermal control, and system monitoring all in real-time.

It also has three fans that feature the company’s axial-tech fan design and are optimized to halt at a low temperature of 50 degrees Celsius, hence reducing noise further, and a thick heat sink that utilizes the MaxContact technology to further keep low the temperatures.

If you do not want to use it for home mining, you can even leverage Quantumcloud to earn extra income with it when it is idle and receive the earnings in PayPal or WeChat accounts. Otherwise, it delivers a performance of between 50 and 60 MH/s hashrate range.

Nvidia GeForce RTX 3070 can generate a hash rate of up to 173.51 MH/s at 120W power consumption. It can be used for the best mining of Ethereum Classic (61.74 MH/s), Ravencoin, Ergo (173 MH/s), Beam, Firo, and Flux.

How to mine with the ASUS TUF Gaming NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070:

Step #1: Research the coins you can make mine with the device, its profitability, and the mining pools you can connect with the device. Connect the GPU to the motherboard alongside other components. Make sure to power the device after everything is ready.

Step #2: Install the drivers and mining software. Set up a mining pool, hardware, and software including any necessary tweaking. Start mining.

Operating System: Windows 10 and above.

Features:

• Nvidia GeForce RTX 3070 card.
• PCI Express 4.0 motherboard support.
• OpenGL 4.6 and 8GB RAM of the GDDR6 type.
• Base clock 1,500 MHz; Boost clock – 1845 MHZ in OC mode or 1815 MHz in gaming mode.
• Memory clock 9,500 MHz.
• Output: DisplayPort, HDMI, and HDCP support.
• ASUS GPU Tweak II software.
• CUDA core
• Three fans using the Axial-tech design.
• Weight: 1,096 g

Pros:

• Quite mining operation.
• Good, overclock capability and software to help with this.
• High RAM performance compared to most GPUs.
• More display outputs.
• Excellent price-to-performance ratio.

Cons:

• Priced too close to budget RTX 3080 options.

Price: $678

Website: ASUS TUF Gaming NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070

#6) ZOTAC Gaming GeForce GTX 1660 Super

The GTX 1660 Super falls in between the 1660 and 1660 Ti and outperforms its earlier predecessor 1660 by 20%. It can be used to mine Zcoin, Ravencoin, Beam, Ethereum Classic, Grin, and Neoxa, among other cryptocurrencies.

It generates a hash rate of between 30 and 32 Mhs while the power usage is between 70-80W although it can attain a max of 62.86 MH/s at the same power consumption.

However, it generates around $20 in monthly profit from mining and you, therefore, need a number of them to generate significant returns and avoid losses. According to mining calculators, the best coins to mine with this GPU are Nimiq, Alephium, Kaspa, and ZelHash algorithm.

How to mine with ZOTAC Gaming GeForce GTX 1660 Super:

Step #1: Build the rig by attaching multiple GPUs and the rest of the components (processor, RAM, etc) to the motherboard and frame. You can also attach a single GPU. Power on the computer after attaching GPUs/rig.

Step #2: Install mining software which could depend on the pool you want to connect to. Make sure to research which crypto and algorithm to best mine with the device and pool to which you can connect.

Step #3: Complete the setup and start mining. Setup includes connecting to the mining pool and overclocking the GPU.

Operating system and software compatibility: Windows 10 and above.

Features:

• NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Super.
• Base clock 1,530 GHz; boost clock at 1,785 MHz;
• Memory clock 1,750 MHz.
• Max memory bandwidth 336 GB/s.
• GPU power 125 W.
• 0.035 ounces weight.
• RAM: 6 GB
• Video output interface: DisplayPort, HDMI.
• 4K, HDR, and VR-ready.
• Dual fan design.

Pros:

• Low temperature and heating.
• Low noise output.
• Comparatively more affordable than most GPUs here.

Cons:

• Low profitability and hence needs multiple GPUs to mine.

Price: $229

Website: ZOTAC Gaming GeForce GTX 1660 Super

#7) MSI Gaming GeForce GTX 1660 Super VENTUS XS OC

The MSI Gaming GeForce GTX 1660 Super VENTUS XS OC is based on the Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 Super co-processor. It features one-click overclocking support, the capability to stop the fan in low-load situations to keep the noise low, and an optimized heat sink.

The MSI Gaming GeForce GTX 1660 Super VENTUS XS OC can reach up to 62.86 MH/s hash rate at a power consumption of 70 W.

It can be used to mine multiple cryptocurrencies at a profitability of around -0.04 USD daily and 20 USD monthly depending on your local electricity cost, hence you would need a rig of them to mine profitably. It can be used to best mine Nimiq, Kaspa, Alephium, and Swap.

How to mine with MSI Gaming GeForce GTX 1660 Super VENTUS XS OC:

Step #1: Connect the GPU/s to the motherboard with other components.

Step #2: Install the necessary drivers and mining software. Make a cryptocurrency wallet as per the crypto you want mine.

Step #3: Complete the setup including signing up with a mining pool and connecting the miner to it, overclocking, and starting mining crypto.

Operating System: Windows 10 and above.

Features:

• Base clock 1,530 GHz; boost clock at 1,785 MHz;
• Memory clock 1,750 MHz.
• Max memory bandwidth 336 GB/s.
• GPU power 125 W.
• RAM 6 GB GDDR6 type
• OpenGL4.5 and DirectX12 support.
• 1.47 pounds
• Output: 3 DisplayPorts, HDMI.
• 2 fans – dispersion and traditional fan blade.
• Afterburn overclocking utility with OC scanner to find the highest stable overclock settings. One-click overclocking facility.

Pros:

• Easy one-clock overclocking of the memory clock for better mining hash rates.
• Quieter mining experience with the capability to switch off the fan.
• Low temp mining with the capability to switch off fans at low-load situations.
• Comparatively affordable.

Cons:

• Low profitability hence you need a rig with many GPUs.

Price: $252

Website: MSI Gaming GeForce GTX 1660 Super VENTUS XS OC

#8) MSI Gaming GeForce GTX 1660 Super Gaming X

The MSI Gaming GeForce GTX 1660 Super Gaming X features Turing shaders which increase performance in today’s GPU standards and concurrent execution of floating point and integer operations. It also features an adaptive shading technology and the memory architecture is unified. The GPU rivals the GTX 1070 in terms of performance.

Another benefit of using this mining card is that it features MSI Afterburner over-locking software that also enables you to monitor GPU performance in real time. It also has an automatic OC Scanner that helps you find the highest stable overclock settings.

When mining cryptocurrency, the device generates a hash rate lower than 1660 Ti’s 48.48 MH/s at 87 W power consumption.

How to mine with MSI Gaming GeForce GTX 1660 Super Gaming X:

Step #1: Connect the mining GPU card to the motherboard and other devices and power the computer.

Step 2: Install drivers and mining software. Set up the mining card, optimize the card mining properties using software, make a crypto wallet, connect the crypto wallet to mining pools, and then start mining.

Operating System: Windows 10 and above.

Features:

• NVIDIA GeForce GT 1660 Super.
• Video memory: 6 GB GDDR6 type
• Base clock 1,530 MHz, Boost clock 1,785 MHz.
• Memory clock 4,000 MHz.
• Output: 3 DisplayPorts, 1 HDMI.
• Double fans for extra cooling capacity.

Pros:

• Can be employed for both mining and gaming at the same time.
• Afterburn and OC Scanner make overclocking an easy one-click operation.
• Nice cooling solution
• Silent

Cons:

• Lower price-to-performance ratio compared to 1660 Super.

Price: $273

Website: MSI Gaming GeForce GTX 1660 Super Gaming X

=> Check Latest Price on Amazon

#9) Maxsun AMD Radeon RX 550

The Maxsun AMD Radeon RX 550 is a budget-friendly mining GPU trading at nearly $110 for the 4GB model. It will fit even in the smallest PC cases at 7.2 inches long, 4.4 inches wide, and 1.7 inches deep.

A single fan design may not appear much compared with other GPUs but it helps keep the card smaller. The AMD Radeon RX 550 comes in two RAM options – 2 GB and 4 GB at a price difference of just $20. However, compared to most other GPUs, it comes with a single fan. Putting the card in silent mode will lower the clock speed by about 20 MHz.

The device can be used to mine Ethereum Classic, RavenCoin, Expanse, and Ubiq among other cryptocurrencies at an estimated annual profitability of around $100 per year based on mining calculators.

That tells of the need to use multiple GPU pieces instead of one. Mining hash rates appear to be limited to around 14.5 MH/s after overclocking up to 1825 MHz.

How to mine Maxsun AMD Radeon RX 550:

Step #1: Research the best cryptocurrencies and algorithms to mine with this device. Research which mining pools you can connect to. Connect one or multiple GPUs to the motherboard alongside other components and power on the computer.

Step #2: Install card drivers and mining software. Set up the mining card – create a crypto wallet, connect to a mining pool, tweak the device, and start mining.

Operating System: Windows Vista, 7 and above. Ubuntu x86 and above.

Features:

• AMD Radeon RX 550 GPU card.
• PCI Express X16 3.0 motherboard support.
• 4 GB RAM of GDDR5 type.
• Base clock speed: 1,100. Boost the clock up to 1,183 MHz.
• Memory clock 1,750 MHz.
• OpenGL and DirectX 12 support.
• Output: DisplayPort, DVI, and HDMI.
• AMD Radeon software allows accessing performance reports.
• TDP: 50 W
• Weight: 15.8 ounces

Pros:

• Cool and quiet.
• No auxiliary power connectors.
• Affordable compared to most GPU cards.

Cons:

• A bit lower RAM compared with most GPUs on this list.
• You can opt for better performance cards like the GeForce GTX 1050 for much better performance and at nearly the same pricing.

Price: $139

#10) Gigabyte GV-N1030D4-2GL GeForce GT 1030

The 2GL Low Profile D4 2G features a low-profile design/form factor with one slot and a length of 150 mm and hence saves more space to fit slim or smaller systems. It also features an AORUS Graphics engine utility that allows users to tweak clock speeds, voltages, fan performance, and power targets in real-time.

The one-click overclocking facility can be used by any miner or gamer without any prior knowledge of overclocking GPU memory speeds.

How to mine with Gigabyte GV-N1030D4-2GL GeForce GT 1030:

Step #1: Research the most profitable coins or algorithm to mine with this device. You can use mining calculators that take into consideration local electricity costs and other inputs.

Step #2: Connect one or more of these GPUs to the motherboard alongside other accessories and power on the computer.

Step #3: Install drivers and mining software on the computer. Set up the device and software – including creating a crypto wallet, signing up and connecting to a mining pool, overclocking, and then starting mining.

Operating System: Windows 7 and above

Features:

• NVIDIA GeForce GTX-1030 card
• PCI Express 3.0 x4 motherboard
• 384 Cuda cores
• 2GB RAM of DDR6type.
• One-clocking via the AORUS Graphics Engine.
• Base clock speed: 1177 MHz, boost clock 1417 in OC mode. The base is 1151MHz and the boost is 1379 MHz in gaming mode.
• DirectX support. OpenGL support.
• Output: HDMI

Pros:

• One-click overclocking allows for overclocking memory even for beginners who do not have any experience with how to do it.
• Low profile and form factors allow it to fit on smaller systems.
• One of the cheapest mining options on the market today.

Cons:

• Very low RAM power compared to most GPUs on this list.

Price: $95

Website: Gigabyte GV-N1030D4-2GL GeForce GT 1030

FAQs on Crypto Mining GPU

Conclusion

This tutorial on GPU for mining discussed some of the best GPU devices you can employ in mining proof-of-work cryptocurrencies. We have listed some of the top-performing GPUs that you can use to generate mining income – some work profitably on lone mode but most will require making rigs to generate sustainable income or for industrial and commercial applications.

Consider the memory clock, base clock, boost clock speeds, and RAM or VRAM size when buying GPUs for use in mining. It is also possible to easily determine the hash rates, potential income, and profit that can be generated by a specific GPU using mining calculators.

The ASUS TUF Gaming Nvidia GeForce RTX 3090 is the highest-performance mining GPU but comes at a price (of $1,083 per piece) while the Maxsun AMD Radeon RX 550 is one of the cheapest you can get at only $110 per piece.

Further Reading => Complete guide about How to Mine Ethereum

Research Process:

• No. of GPUs initially listed for review: 16
• Total products shortlisted: 10
• Time taken to write this tutorial: 19 hours