The recent surge in Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) values has reignited interest in cryptocurrency mining. With ETH peaking at ¥1,800 and a market cap of $24 billion—over half of BTC’s $46 billion—miners are scrambling for efficient hardware. This guide compares popular GPUs for mining profitability, ROI timelines, and performance metrics.
Why GPU Mining Matters
Ethereum mining relies heavily on GPU computational power. Unlike BTC’s ASIC-dominated mining, ETH’s algorithm (Ethash) favors graphics cards, making it accessible to home miners. Key factors to consider:
- Hashrate (MH/s): Determines mining speed.
- Power Efficiency (Wattage): Impacts electricity costs.
- ROI Period: Time to recoup hardware costs through mining profits.
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Battle of the GPUs: AMD vs. NVIDIA
AMD Radeon Series
| Model | Hashrate | Power Draw | Cost (¥) | Daily ETH | Daily Profit (¥) | ROI (Days) |
|---------------|----------|------------|----------|-----------|------------------|------------|
| RX 580 | 22.4 MH/s| 243W | 1,999 | 0.015 | 24.48 | 81.66 |
| RX 470 | 24.3 MH/s| 159W | 1,599 | 0.017 | 27.90 | 57.31 |
| RX 480 | 24.4 MH/s| 171W | 1,999 | 0.017 | 27.87 | 71.73 |
| RX 560 | 9.2 MH/s | 97W | 999 | 0.006 | 10.09 | 99.01 |
Key Insight: Older-gen RX 470 outperforms newer RX 580 in efficiency, likely due to software optimization gaps.
NVIDIA GeForce Series
| Model | Hashrate | Power Draw | Cost (¥) | Daily ETH | Daily Profit (¥) | ROI (Days) |
|---------------|----------|------------|----------|-----------|------------------|------------|
| GTX 1060 | 22 MH/s | 175W | 1,999 | 0.015 | 24.86 | 80.41 |
| GTX 1070 | 25.7 MH/s| 220W | 2,899 | 0.017 | 28.84 | 100.52 |
AMD Dominance: RX 470 offers the fastest ROI (57 days), while GTX 1070 lags due to higher upfront costs.
Cost Analysis: Electricity Matters
Based on Beijing’s tiered electricity rate (¥0.5383/kWh), power efficiency drastically affects net profits. Example:
- RX 470: 159W × 24h = 3.816 kWh/day → ¥2.05 daily electricity cost.
- GTX 1070: 220W × 24h = 5.28 kWh/day → ¥2.84 daily cost.
👉 Maximize profits by monitoring energy usage
FAQ: Mining Concerns Addressed
Q1: Which GPU is best for beginners?
A1: The RX 470 balances cost and efficiency, ideal for entry-level miners.
Q2: How long does ROI typically take?
A2: 50–100 days, depending on GPU choice and ETH price fluctuations.
Q3: Can I mine with used hardware?
A3: Yes! Older GPUs like RX 480 often yield better value than newer models.
Q4: What’s the biggest mining expense?
A4: Electricity costs—optimize power settings to reduce overhead.
Final Tips
- Monitor Market Trends: ETH values directly impact profitability.
- Join Mining Pools: Increase consistent earnings via shared resources.
- Avoid Overpriced GPUs: Scalpers often inflate prices during crypto booms.
Stay informed, mine smartly, and prioritize energy-efficient hardware for sustainable profits.