Why Awesome Miner Is Useful For Comparing Hashrate Output Across GPUs

For peak computational throughput in Ethereum Classic mining, the AMD Radeon RX 6900 XT consistently delivers over 63 MH/s using TeamRedMiner with optimized timings. This positions it as the definitive choice for raw speed within its hardware generation, outperforming the RX 6800 XT by a margin of approximately 8-10 MH/s under identical configuration.

Nvidia’s GeForce RTX 3080 remains a formidable alternative, particularly for algorithms like KawPow on the Ravencoin network. Its hashing calculation speed hovers near 50 MH/s, a figure that leverages its unique GDDR6X memory architecture. While power consumption can reach 340 watts, a precise undervolt can reduce this draw by over 20% with a negligible impact on solution generation.

Direct performance analysis reveals critical disparities. The Radeon RX 6700 XT, for instance, produces around 47 MH/s on Ethash, a result that starkly contrasts with the older Radeon VII, which can still manage 90 MH/s on specific memory-sensitive workloads. This data underscores that architectural generation and memory bandwidth, not just core clock frequency, are the primary determinants of sustained processing capability.

Final hardware selection must extend beyond a single metric. The RTX 3060 Ti demonstrates exceptional efficiency, yielding 60 MH/s for under 200 watts of power. This balance of computational work and electrical cost often proves more economically viable than a marginally faster but significantly more power-hungry unit, establishing a clear hierarchy for long-term operational planning.

Awesome Miner: Comparing GPU Hashrate Output Across Cards

For maximum performance per watt, the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 remains a superior choice, delivering approximately 60 MH/s on the Ethash algorithm while consuming under 130 watts with optimized settings.

The AMD Radeon RX 6800 XT produces results in the 62-64 MH/s range, demanding closer to 150 watts. While its raw processing power is slightly higher, the energy efficiency often falls short of its NVIDIA counterpart. Older architectures, like the GTX 1660 Super, typically achieve 31 MH/s, making them relevant only for secondary rigs or specific alternative coins.

Algorithm choice dictates leaderboard position. On KawPow, the balance shifts; the RTX 3080 excels with roughly 50 MH/s, whereas the RX 6900 XT trails at around 43 MH/s. For CryptonightR, many AMD units, such as the Vega 64, maintain a strong and consistent 2000 H/s.

Always apply custom undervolts and memory overclocks. Pushing the memory frequency on GDDR6X-equipped models can yield a 5-8% lift in Ethash processing without a significant power increase. Aggressive fan profiles are mandatory to prevent thermal throttling on high-end silicon, especially with GDDR6X modules.

When assembling a multi-unit setup, mix models with similar thermal design power (TDP) to simplify power supply sizing and ventilation planning. A rig with six RTX 3060 Ti devices is often more manageable and stable than a combination of high-TDP and low-TDP processors.

Setting Up Profit Switching for Mixed GPU Rigs in Awesome Miner

Configure a single Profit profile to manage your entire heterogeneous hardware collection. Navigate to the ‘Options’ menu, select ‘Profit Profiles’, and create a new one. This centralizes control for all connected processing units, regardless of their model or performance tier.

Assign specific mining algorithms to each class of hardware within the profile. High-performance units should be directed to core-intensive protocols like Ethash or Octopus, while older models can be set to handle less demanding algorithms such as KawPow or VertHash. This prevents inefficient workload distribution.

Define precise profitability thresholds to trigger automatic algorithm switching. Set a minimum earnings delta, for instance 0.10 USD per day, before the system enacts a change. This prevents constant, unproductive switching due to minor market fluctuations and stabilizes your operation.

Utilize the ‘Device Groups’ feature to apply distinct settings to different hardware types. Create a group for your latest-generation processors and another for legacy equipment. Apply tailored intensity settings and overclocks to each group, maximizing their individual potential without causing system instability.

Establish a benchmark for every algorithm on each piece of hardware. Accurate performance data is critical for the profit-switching logic to function correctly. Run the built-in benchmark tool for all enabled protocols on every device to generate a reliable performance database.

Activate the ‘Profit Switching’ trigger within your profile and set the check interval to 5 or 10 minutes. More frequent checks can lead to premature switching; this interval provides a balance between reactivity and consistent run-time for the active mining process.

Monitor the ‘Mining Monitor’ view to observe the real-time performance of your diversified setup. This display shows the current algorithm, calculated earnings, and active hardware for each rig, allowing for quick verification that the profit-switching logic is performing as intended.

Analyzing Power Draw and Cooling Requirements for Maximum Output

Measure power consumption at the wall with a meter. A rig with six RX 6700 XT units might pull 800W from the outlet, not the 720W reported by software. This difference, the PSU’s efficiency loss, directly impacts profitability.

Hardware Configuration for Electrical Stability

Select a power supply unit rated 20% above your rig’s peak demand. For an 800W system, a 1000W 80 Plus Gold PSU is a minimum. Underspecifying this component risks instability and hardware damage. Use tools like Awesome Miner to monitor individual component loads and detect anomalies early. Separate power circuits for multiple rigs are non-negotiable to prevent breaker trips.

Undervolting is the most effective method for reducing thermal output and electricity costs. Lowering a Radeon VII’s core voltage from 1.1V to 0.95V can cut its 300W load to 230W, preserving 98% of its computational performance while drastically reducing heat.

Implementing a Tiered Cooling Strategy

Maintain a core temperature below 70°C and memory junction temperature under 95°C for sustained operation. Start with aggressive fan curves; if noise is prohibitive, switch to strategic air cooling. Position intake fans to blow directly onto your hardware and ensure exhaust fans have clear egress. For dense setups, passive heatsinks on memory chips paired with a strong front-to-back airflow can lower memory temperatures by 10-15°C.

In ambient temperatures above 25°C, air may be insufficient. Immersion cooling or modified air conditioning provides the necessary thermal headroom, allowing continuous operation without thermal throttling.

FAQ:

What is the most profitable GPU for mining Ethereum (ETH) according to the article?

The article’s data indicates that the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3090 consistently delivers the highest Ethereum hashrate among consumer GPUs, typically achieving between 120-130 MH/s. This high output makes it a strong performer. However, the article strongly emphasizes that profitability is not determined by hashrate alone. The RTX 3090 has a very high power draw. A more power-efficient card like the AMD Radeon RX 6700 XT, which provides a lower but still respectable hashrate for its power consumption, can sometimes offer a better return on investment after factoring in electricity costs.

Why does the AMD RX 6800 XT sometimes outperform the NVIDIA RTX 3080 in certain algorithms?

The performance difference comes down to the GPU architecture. The article explains that AMD’s RDNA 2 architecture, found in the RX 6800 XT, has specific strengths in memory bandwidth and core configuration that are highly beneficial for memory-intensive algorithms like Ethash. NVIDIA’s RTX 3080, while extremely powerful for gaming and ray tracing, may have a different balance of resources. For algorithms that rely more on raw compute power rather than memory speed, the RTX 3080 can take the lead. The choice depends entirely on which specific cryptocurrency you plan to mine.

How much does overclocking impact the hashrate on a card like the RTX 3060 Ti?

Overclocking can provide a significant performance increase. For the RTX 3060 Ti, the article suggests that a well-tuned overclock can boost the Ethereum hashrate from a base of around 60 MH/s to over 62-63 MH/s. This is achieved primarily by increasing the memory clock speed, as Ethash is memory-bound. It is critical to manage the card’s power limit and voltage to ensure the gains are not offset by a large increase in electricity use. Proper cooling is also required to maintain stability during 24/7 operation.

Is it better to buy one high-end GPU like an RTX 3090 or multiple mid-range cards for a mining setup?

This is a core consideration discussed in the article. A single RTX 3090 simplifies your setup with one motherboard slot and one power supply connection. However, multiple mid-range cards, such as three RTX 3060 Ti models, can offer a higher total hashrate for a similar initial investment. The downside is the need for a more complex rig with a capable motherboard, a larger power supply, and a robust cooling solution to handle the multiple heat sources. The article recommends calculating the total hashrate, total power consumption, and associated hardware costs for both options before deciding.

What is a common mistake people make when comparing GPU hashrates?

A frequent error is focusing only on the maximum hashrate number without considering power consumption. A card with a very high hashrate might also use a massive amount of electricity, making its net profit much lower than a slightly slower but far more efficient card. The article advises miners to always calculate a card’s efficiency, which is the hashrate divided by its power draw (in Megahashes per second per watt, or MH/s/W). This efficiency metric is a more reliable indicator of long-term profitability than the raw hashrate figure.

Reviews

Sophia

Another spec sheet comparison. Charts are clean, but real-world results depend on rig setup and power limits. Data is useful if you ignore the marketing slides.

PhoenixRising

My rig’s drooling over these numbers! Finally, a raw power shootout without the fluff. This is the brutally honest comparison we miners needed. Show me the money!

Henry

So these numbers are just a snapshot, right? How quickly will they become irrelevant with new driver updates and algorithm changes?

Oliver Hughes

Another pointless comparison. These numbers are obsolete the second they’re posted. Drivers change, coins change, your overclock will be different. You’re not mining in a vacuum. This just fuels pointless forum arguments between fanboys who think a 5% difference on a single algorithm actually matters for profitability. Go calculate your own power cost instead of staring at these charts.

Oliver

Those charts took me back. Late nights tuning memory clocks, the smell of hot silicon and hope. We’d chase those extra megahash like fools. Simpler times, just you, the rig, and the hum of fans.