The world of cryptocurrency mining has evolved rapidly over the past few years, with graphics processing units (GPUs) becoming the go-to hardware for miners seeking high hash rates and solid returns. While Bitcoin often grabs the headlines, alternative coins like Ethereum (ETH) and Litecoin (LTC) have emerged as strong contenders—especially for GPU-based mining operations.
Recent benchmark tests comparing mainstream AMD and NVIDIA GPUs in Ethereum mining reveal a surprising leader: the AMD RX 470. This mid-tier card outshines even higher-end models like the NVIDIA GTX 1080, raising questions about what truly defines mining efficiency.
Let’s dive into the data, explore performance metrics, and uncover which GPU offers the best balance of speed, power consumption, and profitability in today’s mining landscape.
Test Setup and Methodology
To ensure accurate comparisons, the benchmark was conducted using a consistent platform:
- CPU: Intel Core i7-6800K (locked to dual-core, 1.2GHz)
- RAM: 32GB DDR4-2133
- Motherboard: ASUS X99-A
- Storage: Crucial MX100 512GB SSD + Seagate 2TB HDD
The tested GPUs included:
- NVIDIA: GTX 1050, 1060, 1070, 1080
- AMD: RX 460, 470, 480, 570
Mining performance was measured in hashes per second (H/s), with most modern GPUs achieving results in the megahash per second (MH/s) range. This metric is critical—it directly correlates with how quickly a miner can solve cryptographic puzzles and earn rewards.
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Performance Breakdown: AMD vs. NVIDIA
NVIDIA GPUs: Power Efficiency vs. Raw Output
NVIDIA cards are known for their power efficiency and strong driver support, but in Ethereum mining, architecture matters more than raw specs.
- GTX 1050 (2GB): Delivered zero usable hash rate. The limited VRAM cannot handle Ethereum’s DAG file size, which grows over time. As of 2025, even 4GB cards are nearing obsolescence for ETH mining.
- GTX 1060 (6GB): Achieved around 20 MH/s, making it a decent entry-level option—but not outstanding.
- GTX 1070: Surprisingly outperformed the more expensive GTX 1080, delivering approximately 30 MH/s versus the latter’s 28–29 MH/s. This anomaly highlights that higher clock speeds or memory bandwidth don’t always translate to better mining performance.
Why did the 1070 beat the 1080? Ethereum mining relies heavily on memory bandwidth and cache optimization. The G5X memory used in the 1080 offers no real advantage here, while the 1070’s architecture proves more efficient under mining workloads.
AMD GPUs: Built for Cryptomining
AMD has long been favored by miners due to its architecture—specifically the abundance of stream processors and memory bandwidth optimized for parallel computing tasks like hashing.
- RX 460: Modest performance at around 18 MH/s, limited by lower core count and memory throughput.
- RX 480 / RX 570: Both delivered solid results near 27–29 MH/s, showing excellent value for their price points.
- RX 470: The standout performer, consistently achieving 30+ MH/s while drawing less power than its siblings. Its optimized memory timing and lower voltage curve make it ideal for sustained mining operations.
This consistent performance hierarchy—where higher-tier cards perform better without anomalies—shows that AMD’s GCN architecture scales predictably in mining scenarios.
Power Consumption and Profitability Analysis
Raw hash rate alone doesn’t determine profitability. You must factor in electricity cost, card price, and long-term stability.
At the time of testing (May 26), Ethereum was trading at $169 per coin. Here's a simplified daily earnings estimate per GPU (excluding pool fees):
| GPU | Hash Rate | Power Draw | Daily Earnings (Est.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| GTX 1060 | 20 MH/s | 120W | ~$3.20 |
| GTX 1070 | 30 MH/s | 180W | ~$4.80 |
| GTX 1080 | 29 MH/s | 220W | ~$4.60 |
| RX 470 | 31 MH/s | 120W | ~$5.00 |
Even though the RX 470 matches or exceeds the GTX 1070 in speed, it uses significantly less power—giving it a clear edge in net profit after electricity costs.
For example:
- At $0.12/kWh, the RX 470 costs about **$1.44/day** to run.
- Net profit: ~$3.56/day
- Meanwhile, the GTX 1080 spends $2.64/day** on power for slightly lower returns—netting only ~**$1.96/day
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Why the RX 470 Reigns Supreme
Several factors contribute to the RX 470’s dominance:
- Optimal VRAM (8GB): Handles current and near-future DAG sizes comfortably.
- Low Power Draw: Runs efficiently even under continuous load.
- Affordable Entry Point: Widely available second-hand at reasonable prices.
- Stable Drivers: AMD’s open compute stack works well with mining software like Claymore and Phoenix.
It’s no surprise that many beginner and intermediate miners choose the RX 470 as their starting point—it offers a near-perfect balance between cost, efficiency, and longevity.
Multi-GPU Setups: Scaling for Long-Term Miners
For serious operations, multi-GPU configurations are essential. One test combined a GTX 1080 + GTX 1070 + GTX 1060, achieving a combined hash rate of 66 MH/s.
While this setup delivers strong output, its total power draw exceeds 500W, requiring robust cooling and a high-wattage PSU. Profitability improves only if electricity costs are low (<$0.10/kWh).
In contrast, two RX 470s can achieve similar performance (~62 MH/s) at half the power consumption—making them far more scalable and sustainable.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I still mine Ethereum with a GTX 1050?
A: No. The 2GB VRAM is insufficient to store Ethereum’s growing DAG file. You need at least 4GB, preferably 6GB or more for future-proofing.
Q: Is the RX 470 better than newer GPUs for mining?
A: In terms of cost-efficiency and power-to-performance ratio, yes—for Ethereum mining specifically. Newer cards may offer higher speeds but often at much higher prices and energy use.
Q: Will GPU mining become obsolete after Ethereum’s transition to Proof-of-Stake?
A: Yes. Ethereum has already completed "The Merge," shifting from Proof-of-Work to Proof-of-Stake. However, other PoW coins like Ravencoin, Ergo, and Conflux still support GPU mining.
Q: How do I check my GPU’s mining profitability?
A: Use online calculators like WhatToMine or MinerStat. Input your GPU model, power cost, and local electricity rate to get estimated daily earnings.
Q: Are AMD cards always better than NVIDIA for mining?
A: Not always—but historically yes for memory-intensive algorithms like Ethash. NVIDIA excels in some AI-related or smaller-hash algorithms but lags in mainstream crypto mining efficiency.
Q: Can I use multiple RX 470s on one motherboard?
A: Yes. Most motherboards support multiple PCIe slots. Use PCIe risers to build a rig with 6–8 cards easily.
Final Thoughts
While cryptocurrency markets evolve quickly, hardware fundamentals remain constant: efficiency wins.
The AMD RX 470 stands out not because it’s the fastest or newest, but because it delivers exceptional value—high hash rates, low power draw, and wide availability—all crucial for profitable mining.
Whether you're building your first rig or optimizing an existing setup, focusing on energy efficiency, VRAM capacity, and real-world performance will guide you toward smarter investments.
And as new consensus models emerge, staying informed through reliable platforms ensures you adapt quickly and keep earning.
Keywords: GPU mining, Ethereum mining, AMD RX 470, GTX 1080, cryptocurrency mining, mining profitability, Ethereum hash rate, RX 470 vs GTX 1080