Ethereum: Is it better or worse to mine multiple miners on a single 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 explore whether it is better or worse to mine multiple miners on a single 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 commonly used in cryptocurrency mining pools to increase overall hashing power and earn more from each coin mined.
Scenario: Running multiple instances of CGMiner on a single machine
Let’s say you have a computer with an Intel Core i5 processor, 8 GB of RAM, and an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 graphics card. You are running Ubuntu 12.10 as your operating system and you want to set up multiple instances of CGMiner to mine Bitcoin (BTC) in your 50 BTC pool.
Three workers set up
Create three separate instances of CGMiner:
- Worker #1: Mining on CPU
- Worker #2: Mining on GPU (GeForce GTX 1060)
- Worker #3: Mining on GPU (GeForce GTX 1060) 3: CPU Mining (again, to provide redundancy)
Question: Which is better or worse?
In this setup, you are essentially mining Bitcoin using three different algorithms:
- CPU (on Worker #1): mining the SHA-256 algorithm
- GPU (GeForce GTX 1060) (on Worker #2): mining the SHA-256 and Scrypt (for Ethereum) algorithms
- CPU (again, on Worker #3): mining the same SHA-256 algorithm
Advantages of running multiple workers
There are several advantages to running multiple workers:
- Increased hash power: With three instances working together, you can significantly increase the overall hash rate and earn more from each coin mined.
- Improved Profitability: By spreading costs across multiple platforms, you can reduce your electricity bill and increase your profitability.
Disadvantages of Running Multiple Workers
However, there are also some disadvantages to consider:
- Increased Complexity: Running multiple workers requires more setup, monitoring, and maintenance than a single setup.
- Potential Overheating: With multiple GPUs or CPU cores running simultaneously, you may experience overheating issues, especially if the computer is not properly cooled.
- Limited Profitability: If the pool payout per block remains constant, running multiple workers may result in lower profit margins compared to a single setup.
Conclusion
In conclusion, running multiple workers on a single machine can be beneficial for increasing hash rate and earning more from 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 supply and cooling system, running three instances might be a good option for you. However, if you are new to cryptocurrency mining or are unsure 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 closely to ensure you are not exceeding your allowable power consumption.
- Optimize your mining software settings to balance performance with resource usage.
- Consider using a pool that offers a better payout per block or a more efficient hashing algorithm.
By following these guidelines, you will be on your way to enjoying the benefits of running multiple workers while minimizing the risks. Happy mining!
