Ethereum mining has evolved significantly over the years, especially with the transition from proof-of-work (PoW) to proof-of-stake (PoS). However, many users still explore GPU mining for alternative cryptocurrencies or historical understanding. This guide breaks down the essential factors in choosing the right graphics card for mining Ethereum, explains why some cards are no longer viable, and highlights the most cost-effective options available.
Can a GTX 1650 Mine Ethereum?
No, the GTX 1650 is not suitable for mining Ethereum.
The primary reason lies in its 4GB VRAM, which became insufficient starting in late 2020. Ethereum’s mining algorithm, Ethash, requires miners to store a large dataset (DAG file) in video memory. As the blockchain grows, so does this file. By December 2020, the DAG size exceeded 4GB, effectively disabling all 4GB GPUs—including the GTX 1050 Ti and GTX 1650—from participating in Ethereum mining.
While you might mine other privacy-focused or less memory-intensive coins like Ravencoin or Ubiq with a 1650, Ethereum is off-limits due to hardware constraints.
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Minimum GPU Requirements for Ethereum Mining
Before diving into high-end models, it's crucial to understand the baseline:
- At least 6GB of VRAM: This is non-negotiable for Ethereum mining.
- Support for OpenCL or CUDA: Ensures compatibility with mining software.
- Stable power delivery and cooling: Mining runs 24/7, so thermal performance matters.
Historically popular entry-level cards included:
- AMD RX 470 / 480 / 570 / 580 (8GB versions)
- NVIDIA GTX 1060 6GB and above
These were widely used due to their balance of hashrate, power efficiency, and availability. However, today they’re mostly outdated for profitable ETH mining due to increased network difficulty and electricity costs.
Best GPUs for Ethereum Mining: Performance vs. Cost
While Ethereum has moved to PoS, understanding past GPU performance helps inform decisions for other GPU-mineable coins or historical context.
NVIDIA GTX 1660 Super – High Cost-Effectiveness
The GTX 1660 Super stood out as one of the best value-for-money cards during active ETH mining:
- Hashrate: ~32 MH/s
- Power consumption: ~75W (efficient under undervolt tuning)
- VRAM: 6GB GDDR6
Compared to pricier options like the RTX 3060 Ti or RTX 3070, the 1660 Super offered nearly half the cost with strong efficiency. In fact, for the price of one 3060 Ti, you could buy two 1660 Supers—doubling your mining rig density without sacrificing much performance per watt.
High-End Options: RTX 3080 & RTX 3090
For maximum hashrate:
- RTX 3080: ~99 MH/s
- RTX 3090: ~120 MH/s
However, these came with steep price tags—around $1,400 for a 3080 and $2,000+ for a 3090—making them less accessible for average miners. Their high power draw also increased operational costs.
Key Factors When Choosing a Mining GPU
To evaluate whether a graphics card is worth using for mining, consider these four critical metrics:
1. Hashrate (Computing Power)
This determines how fast your GPU solves cryptographic puzzles. For example:
- A card with 30 MH/s would generate approximately 0.0046 ETH per day at historical rates.
- At $2,565 per ETH, that equals about **$11.83 daily revenue** (before fees and electricity).
Higher hashrate = more rewards, but only if balanced with cost and power use.
2. Power Consumption
A GPU drawing 100W continuously uses 2.4 kWh per day. With electricity at $0.36/kWh, that’s **$0.86 in daily power costs**. Efficiency (MH/s per watt) becomes key to profitability.
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3. Upfront Cost & Electricity Rates
Your local electricity rate dramatically affects profit margins. In regions with cheap power (<$0.10/kWh), older or less efficient cards may still break even. Elsewhere, only top-tier efficient GPUs make sense.
4. Return on Investment (ROI) Period
Use this formula:
ROI (in days) = GPU Price / (Daily Revenue - Daily Power Cost)Example:
- GPU price: $300
- Daily revenue: $11.83
- Daily power cost: $0.86
- Net profit/day: ~$10.97
- ROI: ~27 days
⚠️ Note: This is theoretical. Network difficulty, coin price volatility, pool fees, and hardware wear impact real-world returns.
Popular Mining GPUs: Specifications Overview
Below are some historically effective mining cards:
AMD Radeon RX Series
RX 580 8GB:
- Stream Processors: 2304
- Memory: 8GB GDDR5, 256-bit
- Hashrate: ~29 MH/s
RX 590 8GB:
- Slightly higher clock speeds than RX 580
- Similar efficiency; good for multi-GPU rigs
RX 5700 XT:
- Memory: 8GB GDDR6
- Hashrate: ~46 MH/s
- More expensive but highly efficient
NVIDIA GTX / RTX Series
GTX 1660 Super:
- Memory: 6GB GDDR6
- Excellent price-to-performance ratio
RTX 3060 Ti / 3070 / 3080 / 3090:
- Top-tier performance
- High power demands require robust PSUs and cooling
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is GPU mining still profitable after Ethereum’s PoS upgrade?
No. Ethereum no longer supports GPU mining since the Merge in September 2022. Miners have shifted to coins like Ravencoin (RVN), Ergo (ERG), or Nexa (NEXA) that remain GPU-mineable.
Q: Can I use integrated graphics to mine Ethereum?
Absolutely not. Integrated GPUs lack sufficient VRAM and processing power. Even basic mining requires a dedicated GPU with at least 6GB VRAM.
Q: Why did 4GB GPUs stop working for Ethereum mining?
Because the Ethash DAG file surpassed 4GB in size by late 2020. The algorithm requires full DAG storage in VRAM, making smaller memory cards obsolete.
Q: What should I do with an old mining GPU?
Options include:
- Repurpose for gaming or streaming
- Sell secondhand
- Use for mining alternative cryptocurrencies
- Donate or recycle responsibly
Q: How do I check my GPU’s hashrate?
Use mining software like T-Rex Miner, PhoenixMiner, or NBMiner. Run a benchmark to measure actual performance under load.
Q: Are there any risks to mining with consumer GPUs?
Yes:
- Reduced lifespan due to constant stress
- Overheating without proper cooling
- Voided warranties from overclocking
- Potential fire hazard with poor PSU choices
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Final Thoughts
While Ethereum mining via GPUs is now obsolete due to its shift to proof-of-stake, understanding the hardware landscape remains valuable for alternative coin mining and tech literacy. Cards like the GTX 1660 Super, RX 580, and RTX 30-series defined the last era of GPU mining through their balance of performance, efficiency, and accessibility.
If you're entering crypto today, focus shifts from mining to secure storage, staking, and trading—areas where modern platforms offer greater returns with lower risk.
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