Nvidia Limits the Efficiency of Mining Ether Using Its GPUs by 50%

Cryptocurrency News

Like? Do Rank It! Likes

This week, Nvidia announced it will stop promoting ethereum mining with its new products.

In a blog post published Feb. 19, the U.S. hardware maker said this limitation will feature first on its new Geforce RTX 3060 card, which is scheduled for release on Feb. 25.

Nvidia revealed that the new GPU software drivers are designed to detect specific attributes of the ether (ETH) mining algorithm, and limit the hash rate, or cryptocurrency mining efficiency, by around 50%.

However, the software won’t limit the efficiency of all crypto mining activities, Itpro reported, “with the limiter only activating when processes use Dagger Hashimoto or Ethash-like algorithms.”

The Nasdaq-listed firm hopes that the restriction will prevent the use of gaming graphics cards for ethereum mining operations. ETH is one of a few coins that can still be mined using graphics cards.

GPUs, which are mainly used in video game consoles, have reportedly been in short supply due to hoarding by ETH miners, manufacturing limitations and supply chain issues resulting from the Covid-19 pandemic. According to Nvidia, “Computed graphics are the undisputed market leader.”

Using new gaming features, new architectures, new games and tech is something we obsess about. The Geforce GPUs are designed for gamers, and gamers are demanding even more. The company said that it plans to produce a "cryptocurrency mining processor" meant specifically for ethereum miners.

The new mining processor, due for release in March, will not do graphics and will not meet the specifications of a Geforce GPU, and will therefore not affect the availability of Geforce GPUs to gamers. They added that the CMP has no displays and thus is able to mine more efficiently by allowing improved air flow.

In addition to their lower peak value and frequency, they also have better mining power efficiency. What do you think of Nvidia's ethereum mining limit? Please let us know in the comments section below.

?? Add a comment