Best Graphics Cards for Mining: Top GPUs from Recent Generations

Top Next-Generation Graphics Cards for Mining: Specifications and Comparative Analysis

Choosing the right graphics card is essential for successful cryptocurrency mining. The GPU market has grown significantly in recent years, offering a broad range of options from budget to professional models. When selecting a graphics card, it's important to evaluate hash rate performance, energy efficiency, equipment cost, and the expected payback period.

Latest Graphics Card Models for Mining

The newest GPU generation delivers major performance improvements thanks to advanced memory technologies and optimized architectures. Here’s an overview of flagship offerings from leading manufacturers.

NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090: Flagship for Professional Mining

Technical Specifications:

• Release Year: 2025
• Memory: 32 GB GDDR7
• Memory Bus: 512-bit
• TDP: ~575 W
• Hash Rates: Ethereum Classic ~216 MH/s, Ravencoin ~96 MH/s, Kaspa ~2.0 GH/s
• Price: about $2,000

The RTX 5090 is the top choice for professional mining setups. Its 32 GB GDDR7 memory and wide 512-bit bus provide exceptional data throughput. With a hash rate of 216 MH/s on Ethereum Classic, it ranks among the most powerful cards available. However, its high power consumption (575 W) requires a robust power supply and advanced cooling.

NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5080: Balanced Performance and Cost

Technical Specifications:

• Release Year: 2025
• Memory: 16 GB GDDR7
• Memory Bus: 256-bit
• TDP: ~360 W
• Hash Rates: Ethereum Classic ~130 MH/s, Ravencoin ~60 MH/s
• Price: about $1,000

The RTX 5080 delivers strong value for mid-tier miners. At half the price of the RTX 5090, it offers a solid hash rate of 130 MH/s on Ethereum Classic. Its moderate power draw (360 W) makes it suitable for home mining, reducing infrastructure requirements.

AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT: AMD’s Energy-Efficient Solution

Technical Specifications:

• Release Year: 2025
• Memory: 16 GB GDDR6
• Memory Bus: 256-bit
• TDP: ~304 W
• Hash Rates: Ethereum Classic ~215 MH/s, Ravencoin ~95–100 MH/s
• Price: about $600

The RX 9070 XT stands out for its energy efficiency, offering hash rates close to the RTX 5090 but at much lower power consumption and cost. This makes it highly attractive for miners in areas with high electricity prices. Its performance of 215 MH/s on Ethereum Classic at just 304 W TDP ensures excellent mining efficiency.

AMD Radeon RX 9070: Entry-Level Option for Beginner Miners

Technical Specifications:

• Release Year: 2025
• Memory: 16 GB GDDR6
• Memory Bus: 256-bit
• TDP: ~220 W
• Hash Rates: Ethereum Classic ~180 MH/s, Ravencoin ~80 MH/s
• Price: about $550

The RX 9070 is a cost-effective option with minimal power consumption among current mining GPUs. With a TDP of just 220 W and a price of $550, it’s ideal for new miners or for building multi-GPU rigs with limited energy budgets. Its 180 MH/s hash rate supports stable mining at low operating costs.

Proven Previous-Generation Models

Previous-generation GPUs are still relevant due to their availability on the secondary market and proven reliability. Many miners prefer used equipment to reduce initial investment.

NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090: Top Solution from the Previous Generation

Technical Specifications:

• Memory: 24 GB GDDR6X
• TDP: ~450 W
• Price: New ~$1,500–1,600; Used ~$1,200

The RTX 4090 remains a powerful mining option with its 24 GB GDDR6X memory. Discounted prices on the secondary market make it attractive for experienced miners seeking to optimize cost-performance.

NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 Ti: Optimal Midrange Choice

Technical Specifications:

• Memory: 12 GB GDDR6X
• TDP: ~285 W
• Price: New ~$750–800; Used ~$500

The RTX 4070 Ti offers balanced performance and moderate power consumption. Used units at $500 provide quick payback if you choose the right cryptocurrency for mining.

NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080: Popular Secondary Market Pick

Technical Specifications:

• Memory: 10 GB GDDR6X
• TDP: ~320 W
• Price: Used ~$400

The RTX 3080 is one of the most popular cards among miners thanks to its affordable price and reliable performance. At about $400 for a used unit, it strikes a solid balance between upfront investment and potential returns.

NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 Ti: Budget Solution for Small Farms

Technical Specifications:

• Memory: 8 GB GDDR6
• TDP: ~200 W
• Price: Used ~$200–250

The RTX 3060 Ti is well-suited for multi-GPU rigs due to its low power consumption and affordable price. At $200–250 for a used card, miners can scale farms quickly without major capital outlay.

AMD Radeon RX 7900 XTX: Previous-Generation AMD Flagship

Technical Specifications:

• Memory: 24 GB GDDR6
• TDP: ~355 W
• Price: New ~$800–900; Used ~$600–700

The RX 7900 XTX delivers ample memory and competitive performance. Used units priced at $600–700 make it a compelling alternative to NVIDIA solutions in the same range.

AMD Radeon RX 6800 XT: Proven Mining Solution

Technical Specifications:

• Memory: 16 GB GDDR6
• TDP: ~300 W
• Price: Used ~$300–350

The RX 6800 XT pairs sufficient memory with moderate power consumption. Available for $300–350 on the secondary market, it offers a strong cost-performance ratio for miners with limited budgets.

AMD Radeon RX 6600 XT: Energy-Efficient Entry-Level Pick

Technical Specifications:

• Memory: 8 GB GDDR6
• TDP: ~160 W
• Price: New ~$200; Used ~$150–170

The RX 6600 XT’s minimal power draw (160 W) makes it an ideal choice for regions with high electricity costs. Low prices ($150–170 used) allow for fast payback, even with modest mining volumes.

What Is Cryptocurrency Mining

Mining is the process of generating new coins on a blockchain network by solving complex computational problems. Miners use their hardware to verify and confirm transactions, creating new blocks in the chain. For successfully solving cryptographic puzzles and adding blocks to the blockchain, miners earn rewards in the form of new coins and transaction fees.

Mining secures and decentralizes cryptocurrency networks, making them resistant to attacks and manipulation. The more computing power involved in mining a specific cryptocurrency, the higher its security level.

GPU Mining: Practical Guide

GPUs are a popular tool for mining thanks to their versatility and efficiency in solving certain cryptographic tasks. Unlike specialized ASIC miners, GPUs let you mine various cryptocurrencies and easily switch between them based on market trends.

How to Start GPU Mining

There are two main ways to start mining with GPUs. The first is using a single graphics card in a regular computer, ideal for beginners to test profitability without major investment. The second is building a dedicated mining rig with multiple GPUs for maximum performance.

Mining can be solo or through a mining pool. Pools combine the computing power of many miners, boosting the chance of finding a block and providing more stable income. Solo mining requires substantial computing power; otherwise, the probability of independently finding a block is very low.

To start mining, follow these steps:

1. Choose and download mining software (e.g., Bitminer, BFGMiner, CGMiner, or specialized tools for specific algorithms)
2. Create a crypto wallet to receive mining rewards
3. Configure the software, entering your wallet address and pool connection parameters (for pool mining)
4. Optimize GPU settings for maximum efficiency

GPU Mining Payback

Mining hardware payback depends on several factors, including the graphics card cost, local electricity prices, the value of mined cryptocurrency, and network difficulty. To calculate payback accurately, use specialized calculators like Whattomine, which factor in current market conditions.

When estimating payback, consider not only the graphics card price but also extra costs: motherboard, CPU, RAM, power supply, cooling system, and rig frame. Also, budget for possible repairs or component replacements.

GPU Mining Profitability

Mining earnings depend directly on the hash rate (computing speed), current network difficulty, crypto prices, and electricity costs. More powerful GPUs deliver higher hash rates but use more power, which can reduce net profit.

To estimate profitability, use mining calculators on platforms like NiceHash, WhatToMine, or CryptoCompare. These tools let you compare the earnings of different GPUs and cryptocurrencies based on current market conditions.

Keep in mind that mining profitability fluctuates constantly due to cryptocurrency market volatility, network difficulty changes, and electricity price shifts. Regularly monitor profitability and switch between cryptocurrencies to maximize returns.

Advantages of GPU Mining

GPU mining has several key benefits:

• Affordable used equipment: The secondary market offers a wide range of GPUs at attractive prices, lowering entry barriers for new miners
• Wide selection of cards and coins: GPUs let you mine various cryptocurrencies across different algorithms, providing flexibility and the ability to switch to the most profitable coins
• Easy GPU availability: Unlike ASIC miners, GPUs are widely available from retail channels
• Versatile hardware: GPUs can be used for mining, gaming, 3D rendering, or other computing tasks, offering alternative uses if mining profitability decreases
• Scalable growth: Miners can start with a single GPU and gradually expand by adding new cards as profits rise

Disadvantages of GPU Mining

Despite its benefits, GPU mining also has drawbacks:

• Requires cryptocurrency market knowledge: Successful mining demands ongoing monitoring of price changes, network difficulties, and new coins
• Extra costs for space and cooling: Mining rigs generate significant heat, requiring good ventilation and air conditioning, which increases operating expenses
• Technical expertise needed: Proper setup, maintenance, and optimization require technical skills
• Noise and heat: GPUs running at full load produce considerable fan noise and heat, making home installation difficult
• Hardware wear: Continuous heavy use shortens the lifespan of GPUs and other components

Cryptocurrencies You Can Mine With GPUs

GPUs are suitable for mining many cryptocurrencies using algorithms optimized for GPU computing. Popular coins for GPU mining include:

• Ethereum Classic (ETC): Uses Ethash and is among the most profitable coins for GPU mining
• Ravencoin (RVN): Runs on KawPow, optimized for GPUs
• Ergo (ERG): Uses Autolykos v2, offering strong performance on modern GPUs
• Kaspa (KAS): A promising new coin with fast transaction speeds
• Flux (FLUX): Uses ZelHash (Equihash 125,4)
• Dogecoin (DOGE): A popular meme coin that can be mined together with Litecoin

Select a cryptocurrency based on current profitability, project prospects, and your hardware’s technical specs. Use profitability calculators to compare options.

Where to Buy Graphics Cards for Mining

The choice between new and used hardware is a key consideration when setting up a mining farm. Each option has unique advantages and disadvantages to weigh before making a decision.

Buying New Graphics Cards

Advantages:

• Full manufacturer warranty (typically 2–3 years) for defect protection
• Ability to return or exchange for defects within the warranty period
• Maximum performance and energy efficiency with no component wear
• Assurance of equipment history
• Access to the latest technological enhancements and optimizations

Disadvantages:

• High upfront cost, increasing capital requirements
• Longer payback period, especially in adverse market conditions
• Risk of obsolescence before full payback is achieved

Buy new GPUs from official distributors or large retail chains to ensure authenticity and warranty coverage.

Buying Used Graphics Cards

Advantages:

• Much lower price compared to new models (up to 40–60% savings)
• Wide selection of models across generations on the secondary market
• Faster return on investment due to low entry cost
• Ability to buy more powerful cards for the same budget

Disadvantages:

• No official manufacturer warranty
• Unknown usage history (possible overclocking, overheating, heavy use)
• Increased risk of early failures due to component wear
• Potential for purchasing defective hardware without return options

Used GPUs are available on platforms like Avito and major marketplaces (Ozon, Wildberries, Yandex.Market). When buying used hardware, it’s recommended to:

• Test the GPU before purchase (stress tests, temperature checks)
• Request usage history details
• Favor sellers with positive reviews
• Sign a purchase contract specifying the equipment’s condition if possible

FAQ

Which Graphics Card Is Best for Mining in 2024?

NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 Ti is the top pick for mining in 2024, with an estimated payback period of around 62 months. RTX 3060 Ti and RTX 2060 Super are also effective, offering strong value for their price.

Mining Performance and Energy Efficiency: RTX 4090 vs. RTX 4080 vs. A100

RTX 4090 outperforms RTX 4080 in mining, but A100 is superior thanks to its data center architecture. A100 provides the best energy efficiency and greater memory bandwidth for professional mining.

Which GPU Delivers the Best ROI (Return on Investment) Considering Cost and Power Usage?

RTX 4090 offers the best ROI due to high hash performance and an optimal price-to-power ratio. To calculate ROI, use: ROI = GPU price / (daily earnings minus electricity costs).

How to Choose a Graphics Card for Mining: Which Specs Are Most Important?

When choosing a mining GPU, focus on hash rate, memory capacity, and power consumption. Higher hash rate means better performance, ample memory supports modern algorithms, and lower power draw reduces electricity costs. Achieving the right balance determines profitability.

Which Graphics Cards Support Mining Different Cryptocurrencies (Ethereum, Bitcoin, Monero)?

NVIDIA RTX 4090, RTX 4080, and AMD Radeon RX 7900 XTX are best for Ethereum mining. Bitcoin is mined with specialized ASIC devices. Monero can be mined with mid-range CPUs and GPUs like AMD Ryzen or GTX 1060.

How Much Can You Earn Mining With Modern GPUs?

Mining with modern GPUs in 2026 yields around 1,000–2,000 RUB daily, depending on GPU power and electricity costs. Earnings also depend on crypto volatility and mining algorithm efficiency.