Finch's Guide to Crypto Mining (GPU Mining)...

First consideration when reading this thread…

I’ve only been doing this since March/April 2021 so don’t think of me as some kind of expert. This is just what I’ve learned over that frame so here it goes:

Before following the steps below, watch this video. It goes through what mining is and the different types of systems.

Cryptocurrency Mining for Dummies

Step 1 (Bare Minimum Components):

First thing you’re going to need is at least a 1-3 generation old GPU:
Nivida – 1000 series – 3000 series GPUs w/ 4GBs VRAM min. for RVN & 6 GBs VRAM min. for ETH
AMD – RX Series (400/500/Vega/5000/6000) w/ 4GBs VRAM min. for RVN & 6 GBs VRAM min. for ETH

If you have 1 or more of those, this will definitely be worth your while. If not, you may want to check out my GPU thread over on the Gaming Board and learn what your best solution is to getting a new gen GPU.
In addition to the GPUs, you’re going to need a somewhat new PC (no more than 10 years old). Anything older than 2012/2013 risks the chance of not all GPUs being used while mining. This depends on the number of PCIe slots you have and how many PCIe lanes your CPU can handle. I believe the minimum CPU is any FX series AMD CPU (8000/9000 series) and any 3rd gen i Series Intel CPU.

If you have these lying around, perfect. You’re halfway there. If all you have is a gaming PC and you want to do this as a hobby, great. Skip over Step 2 and move on over to Step 3.


Step 2 (Enthusiast Components):

If you want to do more than mine with your just your gaming PC, you’re going to need all the components listed in Step 1 and the following listed items below:

Note: These are the items I’m currently using. Do your own research and find the products that are suited to your needs and price ranges.

Ubit PCIe Risers
PCIe USB Splitter
HP Server Power Supply with Breakout Board and PCIe Power Cables Bundle (These are much cheaper than 1200 watt ATX PSUs)
PCIe Splitter Cables



Step 3 (Wallets):

Next, you’re going to want to create some accounts for wallets. If you don’t know what a wallet is, I suggest going over to the Money Talk board and reading the OP of the Crypto thread. Lots of information over there. My 3 suggestions are as follows:

Coinbase
Coinbase Pro
Exodus Wallet

If you plan on mining Ethereum until Ethereum 2.0 (Proof of Stake), you can mine directly to your Coinbase Wallet ID with no fees (I think).
If you plan on mining Ravencoin (RVN) or Ergo (ERG), Exodus wallet might be a good solution for you since Coinbase doesn’t list those, yet.



Step 4 (Operating Systems, Pools, and Miners):

NiceHash.com (Windows) - If you have a one GPU rig (old PC / gaming PC) this is probably the easiest way to get started and acquainted with mining. There's an installer that will automatically read your hardware and set the overclocks for you (you can still do them yourself if you like). It will also calculate profitability and switch miners for you so you're always mining the most profitable coin. Regardless if your mining ETH/RVN/ERG with Nicehash, you're always getting paid out in BTC (Bitcoin). That's just the way NiceHash is set up. Nicehash is partnered with Coinbase so when you reach the minimum limit of BTC, you can transfer to Coinbase for FREE.

HiveOS - HiveOS is a Linux based operating system. Instead of running windows, you can run Hive and set up all kinds of cool stuff. The main use of this operating system is the ability to easily remote into your system(s) and make adjustments (change overclocks, change miners, reboot systems, etc.). There's really too much to list here. This is really for the enthusiast to use. Not practical for a PC gaming computer.

Ethermine Pool
HiveOn Pool

These pools are essentially shared hashrate communities. Even if you're an enthusiast with 4-12 GPUs, maybe even more, it would literally take your forever to mine a whole block by yourself. Especially if you're mining ETH. Essentially, you'd never be paid. If you joined a pool, the entire pool gets rewards the block and gets split amongst the miners of that pool. That's where you're making the most money. I'm sure I'm oversimplifying it. Hopefully, someone can correct me here as I'm pretty sure I'm wrong.

Also, there are more than those 2 pools. Those are just the most popular. Do your research and see which ones are best for you. Google is your friend here.

T-Rex Miner (Nvidia Only / Windows)
Team Red Miner (AMD ONLY / Windows)
Pheonix Miner (Nvidia & AMD Compatable / Windows)
lolMiner (Nvidia & AMD Compatible / Windows)

Those are probably the top 4 miners being used today. The links are all for Windows use. If you decide to use HiveOS, Hive has these "pre-installed", and available from a selection list when setting up your Flight Sheets.