Ethereum: Is it better or worse to mine multiple workers on one machine?
As a cryptocurrency enthusiast and miner, you are probably familiar with the process of running multiple mining rigs on your computer. In this article, we will examine whether it is better or worse to mine multiple workers on one machine, using different mining software.
What is CGMiner?
CGMiner is a popular mining software that allows users to install and run multiple instances of the mining algorithm on their computer. This setup is often used in cryptocurrency mining rigs to increase overall hashing power and earn more with each coin mined.
Scenario A: Running multiple instances of CGMiner on one machine
Let’s say you have a computer with an Intel Core i5 processor, 8GB of RAM, and an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 graphics card. You are using Ubuntu 12.10 as your operating system and you want to set up multiple CGMiner instances to mine Bitcoin (BTC) in a 50 BTC pool.
Setting up three workers
You will create three separate instances of CGMiner:
- Worker 1: Mining on CPU
- Worker No. 2: Mining on GPU (GeForce GTX 1060)
- Worker #3: Mining on CPU (again for redundancy)
The question is: Which is better or worse?
In this setup, you are essentially mining Bitcoin using three different algorithms:
- CPU (on Worker #1): Mining SHA-256 algorithm
- GPU (GeForce GTX 1060) (on Worker #2): Mining SHA-256 and Scrypt algorithms (for Ethereum)
- CPU (again on Worker #3): Mining the same SHA-256 algorithm
Benefits of using multiple workers
There are several benefits to running multiple workers:
- Increased hashing performance: With three instances working together, you can significantly increase your overall hash rate and earn more for each coin mined.
- Improved profitability
: By spreading the costs across multiple systems, you can reduce your electricity bill and increase your profitability.
Disadvantages of deploying multiple workers
However, there are some disadvantages to consider:
- Increased complexity: Deploying multiple workers requires more configuration, monitoring, and maintenance than a single setup.
- Overheating: Having multiple GPU or CPU cores running at once can cause overheating issues, especially if the computer is not properly cooled.
- Limited profitability: If the stock payout per block remains the same, it is possible that deploying multiple workers will result in a lower profit margin compared to a single setup.
Conclusion
In summary, deploying multiple workers on a machine can be beneficial in increasing your hash rate and earning more with each coin mined. However, it also comes with additional complexity and potential drawbacks. Ultimately, the decision to run multiple workers depends on your specific mining setup, pool payout, and personal preference.
If you are already using CGMiner and have a reliable power and cooling system, running three instances may be a good choice. However, if you are new to cryptocurrency mining or are not aware of the costs involved, it is recommended to start with a single setup and gradually expand as needed.
Recommendation
To minimize potential drawbacks and maximize benefits, consider the following:
- Use multiple CPUs instead of GPUs to reduce the thermal load on your system.
- Monitor your electricity bills carefully to ensure you are not exceeding your allowable power consumption.
- Optimize your mining software settings to balance performance and resource usage.
- Consider using a pool that offers a better payout per block or a more efficient hashing algorithm.
If you follow these guidelines, you are well on your way to realizing the benefits of running multiple workers while minimizing the risks. Happy mining!