If you are in search of detailed knowledge about Nvidia’s Cryptocurrency Mining Processor (CMP) series, you have come to the right place. In this article, we explain what CMPs are, which models Nvidia released, how they differ from regular GeForce cards, and whether they make sense for your mining setup.
What Is Nvidia CMP?
Nvidia introduced the Cryptocurrency Mining Processor (CMP) line in early 2021, at the height of the crypto mining boom. The cards were designed specifically for professional mining operations. Unlike GeForce GPUs, CMP cards do not have video outputs (no HDMI or DisplayPort), so they cannot be used for gaming or display tasks. This allowed Nvidia to increase production of mining-only silicon without competing with its gaming GPU supply.
CMP cards are typically sold without retail packaging and often lack display connectors or active cooling solutions (some are bare boards). They are intended to be installed in mining rigs with adequate ventilation and cooling.
CMP Models Overview
Nvidia announced several CMP SKUs: 30HX, 40HX, 50HX, and 90HX. Here is a brief overview of each.
CMP 30HX – Based on the Turing architecture (GTX 1660 SUPER class), this entry-level miner offers a moderate hash rate for Ethereum (ETH) before the merge. It is power-efficient but now limited to alternative coins.
CMP 40HX – Slightly higher performance, based on the RTX 2070 die. It provides better throughput than the 30HX but consumes more power.
CMP 50HX – Built on the RTX 2080 Ti/Turing die, this card delivers high hash rates for memory-intensive algorithms. It was one of the more popular options for large-scale farms.
CMP 90HX – Based on the Ampere architecture (RTX 3080 silicon), the 90HX is the flagship CMP, offering top-tier performance for ETH mining. It boasts high memory bandwidth and hash rate, but also higher power draw.
All CMP cards have reduced core clock speeds and limited video memory tuning compared to their gaming counterparts. They often rely on passive cooling or third-party fans.
CMP vs. GeForce Gaming GPUs
The main differences are:
- No Display Output: CMP cards lack display connectors, making them unsuitable for gaming or content creation.
- Warranty & Support: CMP cards typically carry a shorter warranty or are sold “as-is” from distributors. Nvidia does not provide the same driver support as for GeForce.
- Physical Form Factor: Many CMPs come without a fan shroud, requiring custom cooling solutions.
- Power Efficiency: While CMPs can be more power-efficient per hash in ideal conditions, they cannot be used for resale as gaming cards after mining.
For small-scale miners, GeForce cards (e.g., RTX 3060 Ti, RTX 3070) may offer better flexibility and resale value. CMPs are more suited to industrial mining farms where density and raw hash rate matter.
Who Should Consider CMP?
CMPs are best for dedicated mining operations that require high density. They are often cheaper per hash than GeForce cards when purchased in bulk from distribution channels. However, individual miners may find it harder to source them or justify the investment because of limited resale value.
If you are building a large mining farm and want to avoid affecting the gaming market, CMPs are a viable option. For hobbyist mining, a GeForce card is usually more practical.
Further Reading
To explore more topics related to cryptocurrency mining using Nvidia GPUs, visit our Crypto category. You can also find guides on mining with mobile devices and other profit strategies on our blog. Stay informed with the latest from CryptoGava.