Cryptocurrency mining has evolved dramatically over the years. While it’s no longer the highly lucrative venture it once was during the early days of Ethereum, GPU mining remains a viable way to generate passive income—provided you have the right hardware. The graphics processing unit (GPU) is the cornerstone of any successful mining rig, directly influencing your hashrate, energy efficiency, and overall profitability.
In this guide, we’ll explore the 8 best GPUs for mining crypto in 2024, analyzing their performance, power consumption, and return on investment. Whether you're building a new rig or upgrading an existing setup, this comprehensive overview will help you make an informed decision.
Top GPUs for Cryptocurrency Mining in 2024
1. NVIDIA RTX 4090
The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 stands at the top of the mining hierarchy in 2024. Built on the cutting-edge Lovelace architecture, this powerhouse delivers unmatched computational performance, making it the most efficient GPU for high-volume mining operations.
Key Specifications:
- VRAM: 24 GB GDDR6X
- Hashrate: ~250 MH/s (Ethereum-equivalent algorithms)
- Power Consumption: 450W
- Estimated Daily Profit: ~$0.52 (varies with coin and electricity cost)
- Price: $1,700–$2,000
Pros:
- Exceptional hashrate and memory bandwidth
- Dual-use for gaming and rendering tasks
- Future-proof architecture
Cons:
- High upfront cost
- Requires robust cooling and power infrastructure
👉 Discover how high-performance GPUs can maximize your mining returns.
2. NVIDIA RTX 3080 Ti
A strong contender from NVIDIA’s acclaimed Ampere series, the RTX 3080 Ti offers a balanced mix of performance and value. It's ideal for miners targeting coins like Ravencoin (RVN) or Ergo (ERG), which remain GPU-mineable post-Ethereum’s shift to proof-of-stake.
Key Specifications:
- VRAM: 12 GB GDDR6X
- Hashrate: ~112 MH/s
- Power Consumption: 350W
- Estimated Daily Profit: ~$0.48
- Price: ~$1,200
Pros:
- High efficiency for its class
- Widely supported by mining software
- Excellent resale value
Cons:
- Lower VRAM limits long-term versatility
3. NVIDIA RTX 3090
The RTX 3090, another flagship from the Ampere generation, remains a favorite among serious miners. With 24 GB of GDDR6X memory, it excels in memory-intensive mining algorithms and supports multi-tasking setups.
Key Specifications:
- VRAM: 24 GB GDDR6X
- Hashrate: ~120 MH/s
- Power Consumption: 350W
- Estimated Daily Profit: ~$0.47
- Price: ~$1,500
Pros:
- Massive VRAM for algorithm flexibility
- Strong performance across multiple coins
- Reliable under sustained workloads
Cons:
- High energy draw affects net profitability in high-cost regions
4. AMD Radeon VII
One of the first GPUs built on a 7nm process, the AMD Radeon VII still holds relevance in 2024 due to its unique HBM2 memory and compatibility with a wide range of mining algorithms.
Key Specifications:
- VRAM: 16 GB HBM2
- Hashrate: ~93 MH/s
- Power Consumption: 300W
- Estimated Daily Profit: ~$0.42
- Price: ~$700 (used market)
Pros:
- Energy-efficient for its era
- Good for experimental or hybrid mining setups
Cons:
- Outperformed by newer models
- Limited availability
5. AMD RX 6800 XT
The AMD RX 6800 XT shines as one of the most cost-effective high-performance GPUs for mining. Its RDNA 2 architecture delivers strong efficiency, especially when electricity costs are moderate.
Key Specifications:
- VRAM: 16 GB GDDR6
- Hashrate: ~62 MH/s
- Power Consumption: 300W
- Estimated Daily Profit: ~$0.41
- Price: ~$500
Pros:
- Affordable entry into high-end mining
- Low power-to-performance ratio
- Excellent for budget-conscious miners
Cons:
- Lower hashrate than NVIDIA flagships
👉 See how optimizing your GPU setup can boost mining efficiency.
6. NVIDIA RTX A4000
Designed for professional workstations, the NVIDIA RTX A4000 is a single-slot powerhouse ideal for compact mining rigs. Based on the second-generation RTX architecture, it’s optimized for AI and parallel computing tasks that overlap with mining workloads.
Key Specifications:
- CUDA Cores: 6,144
- Tensor Cores: 192 (AI acceleration)
- RT Cores: 48 (ray tracing)
- VRAM: 16 GB GDDR6
- TDP: 140W
Pros:
- Space-efficient design
- Low power consumption for its class
- Stable under continuous operation
Cons:
- Not specifically designed for mining
- Lower hashrate compared to consumer-grade GPUs
7. NVIDIA CMP 170HX
The NVIDIA CMP 170HX is a dedicated mining GPU launched in 2021. Unlike consumer cards, it lacks display outputs and is optimized purely for mining efficiency in data center environments.
Key Specifications:
- GPU Architecture: GA100 (data center-focused)
- VRAM: 8 GB with 1500 GB/s bandwidth
- Power Consumption: 250W
- Cooling: Passive (requires external airflow)
- Launch Price: $4,299 (now available used at lower prices)
Pros:
- Built for 24/7 mining operations
- High memory bandwidth improves performance on certain algorithms
Cons:
- Expensive and rare on the market
- Requires server-grade infrastructure
8. NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080 Super
Released in early 2024, the RTX 4080 Super is part of NVIDIA’s mid-cycle refresh strategy. It delivers a 20% performance boost over the original RTX 4080 at a reduced price point, making it one of the most compelling options for modern miners.
Key Specifications:
- CUDA Cores: 10,752
- VRAM: 16 GB GDDR6X
- Boost Clock: Up to 2.51 GHz
- TDP: 320W
- Price at Launch: $1,000
Pros:
- High performance per watt
- Competitive pricing for its tier
- Excellent support in popular mining software like T-Rex and PhoenixMiner
Cons:
- Requires a 16-pin power connector (12VHPWR)
How to Set Up a GPU Mining Rig
Setting up a profitable mining operation involves more than just buying hardware. Follow these essential steps:
- Assemble Your Rig: Use a motherboard that supports multiple GPUs (e.g., ASRock H110 Pro BTC+), PCIe risers, PSU with sufficient wattage.
- Choose a Mining OS: Use lightweight operating systems like HiveOS or SimpleMining OS.
- Join a Mining Pool: Increase reward consistency by pooling resources (e.g., Nanopool, Flexpool).
- Install Mining Software: Optimize performance with tools like T-Rex Miner (NVIDIA) or TeamRedMiner (AMD).
- Monitor and Optimize: Track temperature, fan speed, and power draw to maximize efficiency.
Is GPU Mining Still Profitable in 2024?
Yes—but with caveats. GPU mining profitability depends on several key factors:
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While Ethereum is no longer mineable via PoW, coins like Ravencoin (RVN), Ergo (ERG), and Flux (FLUX) remain viable options. Profitability hinges on:
- Electricity costs (ideally under $0.10/kWh)
- Hardware efficiency (higher hashrate per watt)
- Coin difficulty and market price volatility
- Use of mining calculators to estimate ROI
👉 Calculate your potential earnings with optimized mining strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Why is a graphics card needed for mining?
A: GPUs are designed for parallel processing, enabling them to solve thousands of cryptographic calculations simultaneously. This results in much higher hashrates than CPUs, making them essential for efficient cryptocurrency mining.
Q: Why is GPU better than CPU for mining?
A: CPUs have fewer cores optimized for sequential tasks, while GPUs contain thousands of cores ideal for repetitive mathematical operations. This architectural advantage allows GPUs to achieve significantly higher mining efficiency.
Q: Can we mine without a graphics card?
A: Yes, but it’s highly inefficient. CPU mining produces minimal returns and consumes disproportionate energy. For serious mining, GPUs or ASICs are required.
Q: Which cryptocurrency is best to mine with GPUs in 2024?
A: Coins like Ravencoin (RVN), Ergo (ERG), and Flux (FLUX) are currently profitable with GPUs due to their resistance to ASIC dominance and active communities.
Q: How long does it take to recoup GPU costs?
A: Depending on electricity rates and coin prices, ROI can range from 6 months to over a year—especially for premium cards like the RTX 4090.
Q: Do I need internet for GPU mining?
A: Yes. A stable internet connection is required to communicate with mining pools and validate transactions on the blockchain.
With careful planning, efficient hardware selection, and real-time monitoring, GPU mining can still offer meaningful returns in 2024. Focus on energy-efficient setups, stay updated on coin trends, and use reliable tools to maximize your output.