Cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and Dogecoin (DOGE) continue to dominate financial headlines. With the rising value of these digital assets, mining profitability has surged, drawing more enthusiasts to explore GPU mining. For those looking to start or optimize their mining setup, understanding the hash rate performance and potential returns of various graphics cards is essential. This guide provides a detailed comparison of popular GPUs suitable for mining, focusing primarily on Ethereum (ETH) due to its favorable return on investment.
We’ll explore key metrics like hash rate, daily earnings, and payback period to help you make an informed decision. All data is based on tests using a standard desktop setup with an Intel Core i9-9900K CPU, MSI MEG Z390 ACE motherboard, 2x16GB Corsair DDR4-3600 RAM, a 2TB XPG M.2 SSD, and a Seasonic 850W 80 Plus Platinum power supply.
Understanding GPU Mining Metrics
Before comparing specific models, it’s important to clarify the terminology used in mining:
- Hash Rate: Measured in megahashes per second (MH/s), this indicates how many calculations a GPU can perform each second. A higher hash rate generally means better mining performance.
- Daily Earnings: The estimated daily income from mining, calculated based on current network difficulty and cryptocurrency value.
- Payback Period: The number of days required for mining profits to equal the initial cost of the GPU.
Other factors like power consumption, durability, and availability also play a significant role in long-term profitability.
GPU Hash Rate and Profitability Comparison
Here’s a detailed look at the performance of various NVIDIA and AMD graphics cards for Ethereum mining:
| GPU Model | Hash Rate (ETH) | Daily Earnings | Approx. Price | Payback Period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NVIDIA RTX 3090 | 125.0 MH/s | $13.32 | $4199.00 | 315 days |
| NVIDIA RTX 3080 | 100.0 MH/s | $10.65 | $3200.99 | 300 days |
| AMD Radeon VII | 95.0 MH/s | $10.12 | $1999.00 | 197 days |
| AMD RX 6900 XT | 65.0 MH/s | $6.92 | $2000.00 | 288 days |
| AMD RX 6800 XT | 65.0 MH/s | $6.92 | $1600.00 | 231 days |
| NVIDIA RTX 3070 | 60.0 MH/s | $6.39 | $1759.00 | 275 days |
| NVIDIA RTX 3060 Ti | 60.0 MH/s | $6.39 | $1620.00 | 253 days |
| AMD RX 6800 | 61.0 MH/s | $6.50 | $1500.00 | 230 days |
| AMD RX 5700 XT | 56.5 MH/s | $6.02 | $1200.90 | 199 days |
| AMD RX 5700 | 56.0 MH/s | $5.97 | $1180.90 | 197 days |
| NVIDIA RTX 2080 Ti | 55.5 MH/s | $5.91 | $1220.73 | 206 days |
| NVIDIA RTX 2080 Super | 44.3 MH/s | $4.72 | $1049.00 | 222 days |
| NVIDIA RTX 2080 | 44.3 MH/s | $4.72 | $949.54 | 201 days |
| NVIDIA RTX 2070 Super | 44.3 MH/s | $4.72 | $849.00 | 179 days |
| NVIDIA RTX 2070 | 44.3 MH/s | $4.72 | $829.00 | 175 days |
| NVIDIA RTX 2060 Super | 44.3 MH/s | $4.72 | $799.00 | 169 days |
| NVIDIA GTX 1080 Ti | 43.5 MH/s | $4.63 | $580.00 | 125 days |
| AMD RX 5600 XT | 42.2 MH/s | $4.50 | $869.99 | 193 days |
| AMD RX Vega 64 | 40.0 MH/s | $4.26 | $779.90 | 183 days |
| AMD RX Vega 56 | 36.5 MH/s | $3.89 | $735.90 | 189 days |
| NVIDIA GTX 1080 | 35.5 MH/s | $3.78 | $490.69 | 129 days |
| NVIDIA P104-100 | 35.5 MH/s | $3.78 | $480.00 | 126 days |
| AMD RX 580 8GB | 32.2 MH/s | $3.43 | $440.50 | 128 days |
| AMD RX 480 8GB | 31.5 MH/s | $3.36 | $420.00 | 125 days |
| AMD RX 570 8GB | 30.9 MH/s | $3.29 | $390.50 | 118 days |
| NVIDIA GTX 1660 Super | 30.2 MH/s | $3.22 | $630.00 | 195 days |
| NVIDIA GTX 1070 Ti | 30.0 MH/s | $3.20 | $450.90 | 141 days |
| AMD RX 470 8GB | 29.7 MH/s | $3.16 | $380.00 | 120 days |
| NVIDIA GTX 1660 Ti | 29.1 MH/s | $3.10 | $640.50 | 206 days |
| NVIDIA RTX 2060 | 28.6 MH/s | $3.05 | $700.49 | 229 days |
| NVIDIA RTX 3060 | 26.0 MH/s | $3.26 | $950.00 | 291 days |
| AMD RX 5500 XT 8GB | 26.5 MH/s | $2.82 | $639.00 | 226 days |
| NVIDIA GTX 1070 | 25.2 MH/s | $2.68 | $420.50 | 156 days |
| NVIDIA GTX 1660 | 24.5 MH/s | $2.61 | $530.90 | 203 days |
| NVIDIA GTX 1060 6GB | 22.5 MH/s | $2.40 | $299.51 | 124 days |
| NVIDIA P106-100 | 22.5 MH/s | $2.40 | $279.00 | 116 days |
| NVIDIA P106-90 | 13.4 MH/s | $1.43 | $199.00 | 139 days |
Note: Some GPUs listed with a hash rate of 0 MH/s are not suitable for Ethereum mining but may support other alternative cryptocurrencies.
Key Considerations for Selecting a Mining GPU
Selecting the right graphics card isn’t just about raw hash rate. To maximize your return on investment, consider these factors:
- Power Efficiency: A GPU with a high hash rate but excessive power consumption may reduce net profitability.
- Initial Investment: Higher-priced cards may offer better performance but often come with longer payback periods.
- Market Availability: GPU prices can fluctuate significantly due to demand, affecting both initial cost and potential profit.
- Cooling and Maintenance: Efficient cooling solutions can enhance performance and extend the lifespan of your hardware.
👉 Explore more strategies for optimizing your mining setup and improving overall efficiency.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most important factor in choosing a GPU for mining?
While hash rate is crucial, it's equally important to consider power consumption, upfront cost, and market availability. The ideal GPU balances high performance with reasonable operating expenses.
Can I use multiple GPUs for mining?
Yes, many miners use multi-GPU setups, or "rigs," to increase their total hash rate. This requires a compatible motherboard, adequate power supply, and efficient cooling.
How often do mining profitability metrics change?
Mining returns can vary daily due to fluctuations in cryptocurrency value, network difficulty, and transaction volume. It’s advisable to use updated calculators for accurate estimates.
Is Ethereum the most profitable coin to mine with a GPU?
Ethereum is among the top choices for GPU mining due to its value and mining algorithm. However, profitability can change, and some miners alternate between different coins.
What does a payback period of 200 days mean?
It means that, under current conditions, it would take approximately 200 days of mining for the earnings to cover the initial cost of the GPU. This period can change based on market factors.
Are there risks involved in GPU mining?
Yes, risks include hardware wear and tear, volatile cryptocurrency prices, and changes in mining difficulty. It's important to research and plan accordingly before investing.
Conclusion
Choosing the right graphics card for mining involves evaluating multiple factors, including hash rate, cost, energy efficiency, and overall market conditions. While high-end models like the NVIDIA RTX 3090 or AMD Radeon VII deliver impressive performance, mid-range options often provide a better balance of cost and efficiency. Always use current data and mining calculators to assess profitability, and consider starting with a smaller setup to gain experience. For those looking to dive deeper into cryptocurrency mining, 👉 view real-time tools that can help track performance and optimize your mining strategy.