Crypto Mining With Old GPU

Top 5 Old GPUs for Mining in 2022

Older graphics cards are widely available on the second-hand market and can still generate respectable yields on the right algorithm. Here are the top contenders:

• Nvidia GeForce GTX 1060 6GB: A solid performer for its power draw (~90W). Achieves around 22 MH/s on Ethash and is an excellent card for learning the basics of mining.
• AMD Radeon RX 580 8GB: The king of budget mining. With proper memory timings, it can hit over 30 MH/s on Ethash. The 8GB VRAM makes it versatile for various algorithms.
• AMD Radeon RX 470/480 (4GB/8GB): Very similar to the RX 580. The 4GB versions are incredibly cheap and work perfectly for mining Ravencoin (KawPow) and Ergo (Autolykos).
• Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 Super: One of the most power-efficient older GPUs. It uses only ~75-80W while providing around 26 MH/s on Ethash.
• Nvidia GeForce GTX 1070 Ti: Offers strong hashrate (28-32 MH/s on Ethash) and is great for Flux mining, though it requires proper cooling.

Best Coins to Mine with Old GPUs

Choosing the right cryptocurrency is crucial for maximizing profit with limited hardware capacity.

• Ethereum Classic (ETC): Uses the Ethash algorithm. The DAG size is currently manageable for 4GB+ cards. Very easy to set up on major mining pools.
• Ravencoin (RVN): Uses the KawPow algorithm. It is heavier but rewards cards with high memory bandwidth. The RX 580 is an absolute beast on Ravencoin.
• Ergo (ERG): Uses the Autolykos algorithm. Extremely friendly to 4GB cards. The RX 470/480 4GB models shine here, offering excellent efficiency per watt.
• Flux (FLUX): Uses the Equihash algorithm. It requires good memory bandwidth but can be highly profitable on older Nvidia cards.

How to Set Up an Old GPU Mining Rig

Getting started with legacy hardware is straightforward if you follow these steps:

1. Hardware Assembly: You need a motherboard with enough PCIe slots (or use risers), a reliable Power Supply Unit (PSU), and a simple CPU/RAM combo. A dedicated mining frame helps with airflow.
2. Operating System: Windows is user-friendly for beginners. Use tools like MSI Afterburner for overclocking. For dedicated rigs, HiveOS or RaveOS provide better stability and remote management.
3. Overclocking Settings: Lower the core clock, increase the memory clock, and drop the power limit. For an RX 580, start with Core 1150 MHz, Memory 2150 MHz, and Power Limit -30%.
4. Mining Software: Use TeamRedMiner for AMD cards, and T-Rex or lolMiner for Nvidia cards. Configure your pool address and wallet ID, then start mining.

Calculating Profitability

The profitability of an old GPU depends heavily on your local electricity cost. Use a calculator like our Crypto Money Calculator to determine your potential earnings.

• Revenue: Dependent on the coin price, network difficulty, and your specific hashrate.
• Operational Cost: Primarily electricity. An RX 580 draws around 120W at the wall. At $0.10/kWh, a small profit is still possible. At $0.20/kWh, the margins become very tight.
• Hardware Cost: The main advantage of old GPUs is the low initial investment, which significantly reduces payback time.

Risks and Downsides of Mining with Old Hardware

While profitable, using legacy hardware comes with specific risks that miners should consider:

• Hardware Failure: Fans are a common point of failure. Thermal paste dries out over time, requiring maintenance and repasting.
• Efficiency Gap: Old cards consume more power per hash compared to modern GPUs (RTX 3000 / RX 6000 series).
• Algorithm Changes: The Ethereum Merge severely impacted GPU mining profitability, forcing many miners to switch to other coins with lower liquidity.
• Driver Support: AMD has ended driver support for the Polaris architecture (RX 400/500), meaning no new optimizations or bug fixes.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you want to explore more methods of generating income with your hardware, check out our guide on Crypto Mining With Mobile or learn how to Make Profit With Crypto.