As Ethereum (ETH) mining becomes increasingly challenging, many miners explore dual-mining alternative cryptocurrencies (altcoins) to optimize GPU usage and diversify revenue streams. This guide delves into practical strategies for mining multiple coins concurrently while minimizing performance trade-offs.
Optimizing GPU Usage for Dual Mining
Current Mining Setup Example
| GPU | Coins Mined | Hashrate (ETH/DCR/ZEC) | Miner Software Used |
|-------|-----------------------|-------------------------|-----------------------------------|
| GPU 0 | ETH + DCR | 26.6Mh/s (ETH), 1060Mh/s (DCR) | Claymore 9.7 |
| GPU 1 | ETH + ZEC | 26.3Mh/s (ETH), 32 Sol/s (ZEC) | Claymore 9.7 + Optiminer-zcash 1.7.0 |
| GPU 2 | DAS + ZEC | 5.3Mh/s (DAS), 151 Sol/s (ZEC) | Sgminer 5.5.5 + Optiminer-zcash 1.7.0 |
| GPU 3 | ZERO | 10.5 Sol/s | Optiminer-zero 1.2.0 |
Note: This experimental setup prioritizes flexibility over efficiency.
Key Considerations for Dual Mining
1. Algorithm Compatibility
- ETH + DCR: Claymore’s dual-miner efficiently combines Ethash (ETH) and Blake14r (DCR) with minimal hashrate loss.
- ETH + ZEC: Equihash (ZEC) and Ethash require separate miners, often reducing efficiency.
- Avoid ASIC/FPGA Competition: Focus on GPU-friendly algorithms like Ethash or Equihash.
2. Power Consumption
- Peak Load: 950W (dual-mining ETH/DCR).
- Average Load: 750W (mixed mining). Adjust GPU clock speeds and voltage to optimize power draw.
3. Profitability Trade-offs
- Calculate earnings per coin after accounting for electricity costs and exchange fees.
- Use tools like WhatToMine to compare profitability.
👉 Maximize your mining profits with strategic coin selection
Recommended Dual-Mining Pairs
ETH + DCR (Best for NVIDIA/AMD GPUs)
- Low performance impact; stable earnings.
ZEC + DAS (For Equihash-based coins)
- Requires tuning to balance sol/s rates.
- Avoid Overcomplication: Stick to 1–2 coins per GPU unless testing.
FAQs
Q1: Can I merge-mine ZEC and ETH?
No. Equihash (ZEC) and Ethash (ETH) require separate miners, reducing efficiency.
Q2: How do I reduce power consumption?
Undervolt GPUs and use efficient miners like Claymore or T-Rex.
Q3: Is dual mining worth the effort?
Only if the combined profit exceeds solo mining after costs.
👉 Explore advanced mining strategies
Final Tips
- Monitor Rig Stability: Avoid pushing PSUs beyond 80% capacity.
- Prioritize Reputable Miners: Claymore, PhoenixMiner, and GMiner offer reliable dual-mining support.
- Stay Updated: Algorithm changes and new coins (e.g., Ethereum’s shift to PoS) may alter strategies.
By balancing efficiency and experimentation, miners can adapt to the evolving crypto landscape.