Can I Mine Ethereum on a GTX 680?
The GTX 680 is a graphics card released by Nvidia in 2012. It is based on the Kepler architecture and was the flagship card of its generation. The GTX 680 is still a capable card for gaming, but it is not well-suited for mining Ethereum.

There are a few reasons why the GTX 680 is not a good choice for mining Ethereum. First, the card has only 2GB of video memory. This is not enough memory to store the entire Ethereum blockchain, which is constantly growing. Second, the GTX 680 is not very power efficient. It consumes a lot of electricity, which can increase your operating costs.

If you are looking to mine Ethereum, you should choose a more modern graphics card with more video memory and better power efficiency. The GTX 1080 Ti is a good option, as is the AMD Radeon RX Vega 64.

Can I Mine Ethereum on a GTX 680?

The GTX 680 is a graphics card released by Nvidia in 2012. It is based on the Kepler architecture and was the flagship card of its generation. While the GTX 680 is still a capable card for gaming, it is not well-suited for mining Ethereum due to several key factors:

• Memory capacity: The GTX 680 only has 2GB of video memory, which is not enough to store the entire Ethereum blockchain.
• Power efficiency: The GTX 680 is not very power efficient, which can increase your operating costs.
• Hashrate: The hashrate of the GTX 680 is relatively low compared to more modern graphics cards.
• Price: The GTX 680 is a relatively expensive card, especially when compared to more modern cards with better mining performance.
• Availability: The GTX 680 is no longer in production and can be difficult to find for sale.
• Compatibility: The GTX 680 may not be compatible with all mining software and hardware.
• Warranty: Using the GTX 680 for mining may void its warranty.
• Environmental impact: Mining Ethereum with the GTX 680 can be harmful to the environment due to its high power consumption.
• Profitability: The profitability of mining Ethereum with the GTX 680 is very low, and it is unlikely that you will be able to make a profit.

Overall, it is not advisable to mine Ethereum with a GTX 680. There are many better options available that will provide you with a higher hashrate, lower power consumption, and better profitability.

Memory capacity

The Ethereum blockchain is a continuously growing database that stores all of the transactions that have ever been made on the Ethereum network. In order to mine Ethereum, you need to have a copy of the entire blockchain stored on your computer. This is because the mining process involves verifying new transactions and adding them to the blockchain.

• Facet 1: Storage requirements
  The Ethereum blockchain is currently over 200GB in size and is constantly growing. This means that you need to have a graphics card with at least 2GB of video memory in order to store the entire blockchain. The GTX 680 only has 2GB of video memory, so it is not able to store the entire Ethereum blockchain.
• Facet 2: Performance impact
  If you try to mine Ethereum with a graphics card that does not have enough video memory, you will experience a significant decrease in performance. This is because the graphics card will have to constantly swap data between its video memory and system memory, which is a much slower process. As a result, you will be able to mine fewer Ethereum blocks and earn less money.
• Facet 3: Profitability
  Even if you are able to mine Ethereum with a graphics card that does not have enough video memory, it is unlikely that you will be able to make a profit. This is because the cost of electricity and the difficulty of mining Ethereum are both constantly increasing. As a result, it is becoming increasingly difficult to make a profit from mining Ethereum.

Overall, it is not advisable to mine Ethereum with a GTX 680. There are many better options available that will provide you with a higher hashrate, lower power consumption, and better profitability.

Power efficiency

Power efficiency is an important consideration when mining Ethereum, as the mining process can be very energy-intensive. The GTX 680 is not a very power-efficient graphics card, and as a result, it can be expensive to operate. This is especially true if you are mining Ethereum in a large-scale operation.

• Electrical consumption
  The GTX 680 has a TDP of 195 watts, which means that it can consume up to 195 watts of power when mining Ethereum. This is significantly more power than more modern graphics cards, which typically have a TDP of around 150 watts.
• Cost of electricity
  The cost of electricity varies depending on your location, but in general, it is becoming increasingly expensive to operate a power-hungry graphics card like the GTX 680. This is especially true if you are mining Ethereum in a large-scale operation.
• Environmental impact
  Mining Ethereum with a power-hungry graphics card like the GTX 680 can have a negative impact on the environment. This is because the mining process generates a lot of heat, which can contribute to climate change. Additionally, the electricity used to power the mining operation can come from fossil fuels, which are a major source of pollution.

Overall, it is important to consider the power efficiency of your graphics card when mining Ethereum. The GTX 680 is not a very power-efficient card, and as a result, it can be expensive to operate. There are many better options available that will provide you with a higher hashrate, lower power consumption, and better profitability.

Hashrate

The hashrate of a graphics card is a measure of how many hashes it can perform per second. The higher the hashrate, the more Ethereum blocks you can mine and the more money you can earn. The GTX 680 has a relatively low hashrate compared to more modern graphics cards, which means that it is not as efficient at mining Ethereum.

• Comparison to modern graphics cards
  The GTX 680 has a hashrate of around 15 MH/s, while modern graphics cards like the RTX 3080 have a hashrate of over 100 MH/s. This means that the RTX 3080 is over 6 times faster than the GTX 680 at mining Ethereum.
• Impact on profitability
  The lower hashrate of the GTX 680 means that it is less profitable to mine Ethereum with this card. Even if you are able to find a GTX 680 for a very low price, it is unlikely that you will be able to make a profit mining Ethereum with it.
• Alternatives to the GTX 680
  If you are looking to mine Ethereum, there are many better options available than the GTX 680. More modern graphics cards like the RTX 3080 will provide you with a much higher hashrate and better profitability.

Overall, the low hashrate of the GTX 680 makes it a poor choice for mining Ethereum. There are many better options available that will provide you with a higher hashrate and better profitability.

Price

When considering whether or not to mine Ethereum with a GTX 680, it is important to factor in the price of the card. The GTX 680 is a relatively expensive card, especially when compared to more modern cards with better mining performance. This means that it may not be the most cost-effective option for mining Ethereum.

• Initial investment
  The initial investment required to purchase a GTX 680 is significantly higher than the cost of more modern graphics cards with better mining performance. This means that it will take longer to recoup your investment costs.
• Return on investment
  The return on investment (ROI) for mining Ethereum with a GTX 680 is likely to be lower than the ROI for mining Ethereum with a more modern graphics card. This is because the GTX 680 has a lower hashrate and is less power efficient than more modern cards.
• Alternative options
  There are many more cost-effective options available for mining Ethereum than the GTX 680. More modern graphics cards with better mining performance are available for a lower price.

Overall, the high price of the GTX 680 makes it a poor choice for mining Ethereum. There are many better options available that will provide you with a higher hashrate, lower power consumption, and better profitability.

Availability

The availability of the GTX 680 is an important consideration when mining Ethereum, as it can affect the profitability of your mining operation. The GTX 680 is no longer in production and can be difficult to find for sale, which means that you may have to pay a premium price for a used card.

• Impact on profitability
  The high price of the GTX 680 can eat into your profits when mining Ethereum. Even if you are able to find a GTX 680 for a relatively low price, it is unlikely that you will be able to make a significant profit mining Ethereum with this card.
• Alternative options
  There are many more cost-effective options available for mining Ethereum than the GTX 680. More modern graphics cards with better mining performance are available for a lower price.

Overall, the low availability and high price of the GTX 680 make it a poor choice for mining Ethereum. There are many better options available that will provide you with a higher hashrate, lower power consumption, and better profitability.

Compatibility

When considering whether or not to mine Ethereum with a GTX 680, it is important to consider its compatibility with mining software and hardware. The GTX 680 may not be compatible with all mining software and hardware, which can make it difficult to set up and operate a mining rig.

• Mining software
  Not all mining software is compatible with the GTX 680. Some mining software may require specific drivers or other software components that are not available for the GTX 680. This can make it difficult to find mining software that is compatible with the GTX 680.
• Mining hardware
  The GTX 680 may not be compatible with all mining hardware. Some mining hardware, such as ASIC miners, may require specific software or drivers that are not available for the GTX 680. This can make it difficult to connect the GTX 680 to mining hardware.
• Motherboard

  The motherboard is a crucial component that connects all the hardware components of a computer system. When mining Ethereum, the motherboard must be compatible with the graphics card and other components of the mining rig, including the power supply and risers. Incompatibility between the GTX 680 and the motherboard can lead to system instability, reduced performance, or even damage to components. It is important to verify the compatibility of the GTX 680 with the intended motherboard before assembling the mining rig.

• Operating system

  The operating system (OS) is the software that manages the hardware and software resources of a computer system. When mining Ethereum, it is essential to use an OS that is compatible with the GTX 680 and the mining software. Compatibility issues between the OS and these components can result in system instability, software crashes, or reduced mining performance. It is recommended to use a widely supported OS, such as Windows 10 or Ubuntu, to minimize compatibility problems.

Overall, the compatibility of the GTX 680 with mining software and hardware is an important consideration when mining Ethereum. It is important to research the compatibility of the GTX 680 with specific mining software and hardware before making a purchase.

Warranty

The warranty is an important consideration when using the GTX 680 for mining Ethereum. Most manufacturers do not cover damage caused by mining, so using the GTX 680 for mining may void its warranty. This means that if the GTX 680 is damaged while mining Ethereum, the manufacturer may not repair or replace it under warranty.

There are several reasons why manufacturers do not cover damage caused by mining. First, mining is a very demanding activity that can put a lot of stress on the graphics card. This stress can cause the graphics card to overheat, which can lead to damage. Second, mining can also cause the graphics card to wear out more quickly than normal. This is because mining requires the graphics card to run at full capacity for long periods of time.

If you are considering using the GTX 680 for mining Ethereum, it is important to be aware of the potential risks. Using the GTX 680 for mining may void its warranty, and it may also shorten the lifespan of the graphics card. It is important to weigh the potential risks against the potential rewards before making a decision.

Here are some additional things to consider when thinking about the warranty of your GTX 680:

• Some manufacturers offer a separate warranty for mining, but this is not common.
• Even if the manufacturer does offer a warranty for mining, it may have a shorter duration or lower coverage than the standard warranty.
• It is important to read the terms and conditions of the warranty carefully before using the GTX 680 for mining.

Overall, it is important to be aware of the potential risks of voiding your warranty before using the GTX 680 for mining Ethereum. It is also important to read the terms and conditions of the warranty carefully to understand what is covered and what is not.

Environmental impact

Mining Ethereum with the GTX 680 can be harmful to the environment due to its high power consumption. The GTX 680 has a TDP of 195 watts, which means that it can consume up to 195 watts of power when mining Ethereum. This is a significant amount of power, and it can contribute to climate change and other environmental problems.

• Energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions
  Mining Ethereum with the GTX 680 requires a significant amount of electricity, which can lead to increased greenhouse gas emissions. The electricity used to power mining operations is often generated from fossil fuels, which release harmful pollutants into the atmosphere. These pollutants can contribute to climate change and other environmental problems.
• E-waste
  Mining Ethereum with the GTX 680 can also contribute to e-waste. When graphics cards are no longer used for mining, they are often discarded, which can lead to environmental pollution. E-waste contains hazardous materials that can leach into the environment and cause harm to human health and the environment.
• Noise pollution
  Mining Ethereum with the GTX 680 can also generate noise pollution. Mining rigs can be very loud, and they can create a nuisance for people who live nearby. Noise pollution can also have negative effects on human health.

Overall, mining Ethereum with the GTX 680 can be harmful to the environment. It is important to be aware of the environmental impact of mining before making a decision about whether or not to mine Ethereum.

Profitability

The profitability of mining Ethereum with the GTX 680 is very low due to several factors, including the card’s low hashrate, high power consumption, and the increasing difficulty of mining Ethereum. As a result, it is unlikely that you will be able to make a profit mining Ethereum with the GTX 680.

The GTX 680 has a hashrate of around 15 MH/s, which is significantly lower than the hashrate of more modern graphics cards. This means that the GTX 680 will take longer to mine Ethereum blocks, and you will earn less Ethereum as a result. Additionally, the GTX 680 has a TDP of 195 watts, which means that it consumes a lot of power. This can increase your operating costs and reduce your profitability.

The difficulty of mining Ethereum has also been increasing steadily over time. This means that it is becoming more and more difficult to mine Ethereum blocks, and you will need to invest in more powerful hardware to maintain your profitability. As a result, it is unlikely that you will be able to make a profit mining Ethereum with the GTX 680, even if you are able to find a cheap card.

Overall, the profitability of mining Ethereum with the GTX 680 is very low, and it is unlikely that you will be able to make a profit. There are many better options available for mining Ethereum, and you should consider investing in a more modern graphics card if you are serious about mining Ethereum.

FAQs on Ethereum Mining with GTX 680

This section addresses some frequently asked questions regarding the use of GTX 680 graphics cards for mining Ethereum cryptocurrency.

Question 1: Is it possible to mine Ethereum with a GTX 680 graphics card?

Answer: Technically, it is possible to mine Ethereum with a GTX 680 graphics card, but it is not recommended due to its low hashrate, high power consumption, and low profitability.

Question 2: What is the hashrate of a GTX 680 when mining Ethereum?

Answer: The GTX 680 has a hashrate of around 15 MH/s, which is significantly lower than modern graphics cards used for mining.

Question 3: How much power does a GTX 680 consume when mining Ethereum?

Answer: The GTX 680 has a TDP of 195 watts, which means it can consume a substantial amount of power while mining Ethereum.

Question 4: Is it profitable to mine Ethereum with a GTX 680?

Answer: Due to its low hashrate and high power consumption, mining Ethereum with a GTX 680 is generally not profitable.

Question 5: Can I use multiple GTX 680 graphics cards to increase my hashrate?

Answer: While using multiple GTX 680 graphics cards can increase your hashrate, it will also significantly increase your power consumption and operating costs.

Question 6: Are there better alternatives to GTX 680 for mining Ethereum?

Answer: Yes, there are numerous more efficient and powerful graphics cards available for mining Ethereum, such as the RTX 3080 or RTX 3090.

Summary: While it is technically feasible to mine Ethereum with a GTX 680 graphics card, it is generally not recommended due to its low profitability and high power consumption. Modern graphics cards offer significantly better performance and efficiency for Ethereum mining.

Transition: The following section discusses the profitability of mining Ethereum with GTX 680 in more detail.

Tips for Mining Ethereum with GTX 680

Although the GTX 680 graphics card is not the most suitable hardware for Ethereum mining, certain strategies can help optimize its performance and profitability.

Tip 1: Overclocking: Overclocking the GTX 680 can increase its hashrate, but it is crucial to do so carefully to avoid overheating or damaging the card. Use software like MSI Afterburner to gradually increase the core clock and memory clock while monitoring temperatures.

Tip 2: Optimize Power Settings: Adjust the power settings in the graphics card’s control panel to maximize performance while minimizing power consumption. Enable features like “Prefer Maximum Performance” and increase the power limit to allow the card to draw more power when needed.

Tip 3: Use Efficient Mining Software: Choose mining software specifically designed for the GTX 680, such as Claymore’s Dual Ethereum Miner or Phoenix Miner. These software packages are optimized to maximize the hashrate and stability of the card.

Tip 4: Join a Mining Pool: Consider joining a mining pool to combine your hashrate with others and increase your chances of finding blocks. This can lead to more consistent earnings, even with a lower hashrate.

Tip 5: Monitor Temperature and Power Consumption: Regularly monitor the temperature and power consumption of the GTX 680 while mining. Use tools like GPU-Z or HWMonitor to ensure the card is operating within safe limits. Adjust overclocking settings or cooling solutions if necessary.

Tip 6: Consider Alternative Cryptocurrencies: While Ethereum mining may not be highly profitable with the GTX 680, other cryptocurrencies like Ravencoin or Ethereum Classic may be more suitable. Research different coins to find those that align better with the card’s capabilities.

Tip 7: Explore Cloud Mining: Cloud mining services allow you to rent hashrate from remote data centers without the need for physical hardware. This can be a viable option if the direct costs of mining with the GTX 680 are too high.

Summary: While mining Ethereum with the GTX 680 may have limited profitability, employing these tips can help optimize its performance and maximize earnings. Remember to carefully consider the costs and potential risks involved before investing in Ethereum mining.

Transition: The following section provides more insights into the profitability considerations for Ethereum mining with the GTX 680.

Conclusion

In summary, mining Ethereum with a GTX 680 graphics card is technically possible but not recommended due to several key challenges. The card’s low hashrate, high power consumption, and the increasing difficulty of mining Ethereum all contribute to its low profitability.

For those considering Ethereum mining with the GTX 680, it is crucial to carefully evaluate the costs and potential risks involved. While optimizing performance and joining mining pools can help, the overall profitability remains low compared to more modern and efficient hardware. Alternative cryptocurrencies or cloud mining services may be more suitable options.