The GTX 1060 3GB’s Ethereum mining capability is limited.
Table of contents
Historical Mining
It was once viable, but mining Ethereum became impossible in December 2018.
DAG Size
The DAG file size exceeded the card’s 3GB memory.
Current Profitability
Alternative Coins
Some suggest Kawpow, but profitability is questionable.
Efficiency Considerations
Compared to newer GPUs, it’s less efficient.
- Hash rate is lower.
- Power consumption is higher relative to output.
Alternatives
Consider electricity costs and market conditions.
The GTX 1060 3GB is largely obsolete for Ethereum mining.
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Alternatives and Considerations
While Ethereum mining is no longer viable, exploring alternative cryptocurrencies might be an option, though with caveats.
Other Cryptocurrencies
Some miners have experimented with other algorithms and coins that have smaller DAG sizes or different memory requirements.
- Ravencoin (KAWPOW algorithm) was a possibility, but its profitability fluctuates significantly.
- Ethereum Classic (ETC) was also considered, but its profitability is generally low.
Profitability Factors
Profitability is heavily dependent on several factors:
- Cryptocurrency Prices: Market volatility can drastically impact earnings.
- Mining Difficulty: As more miners join a network, the difficulty increases, reducing individual rewards.
- Electricity Costs: The GTX 1060 3GB is not energy-efficient, so high electricity bills can negate any potential profit.
- Pool Fees: Mining pools charge fees for their services.
Is it Worth It?
For most users, mining with a GTX 1060 3GB is no longer a worthwhile endeavor.
Alternatives
Consider these options instead:
- Selling the GPU: You might get more value by selling the card on the used market.
- Gaming: The GTX 1060 3GB is still a decent card for older games at lower settings.
- Other Applications: It can be used for general computing tasks or as a secondary GPU.
Final Verdict
Mining Ethereum with a GTX 1060 3GB is not recommended due to memory limitations and low profitability. Explore alternative options for better returns.
