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Topic: GPUs vs Block Erupter USBs? - page 2. (Read 2890 times)

newbie
Activity: 12
Merit: 0
June 05, 2013, 04:40:05 AM
#9
Definitely choose the GPU unless electricity costs are the deciding factor. Each individual really needs to do the math on their own equipment IMO.
full member
Activity: 196
Merit: 100
June 05, 2013, 04:37:29 AM
#8
Thanks for that. Cool calculator. Unfortunately it doesn't have the Blade USBs on there, but it is neat to see those calculations.

The specs are here https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/m.2025318

Just plug in 300MHash/sec, 2.0 BTC and your electric costs. Be sure to use expert mode to include the difficulty increase or else you'll get a wildly overoptimistic payback time.
sr. member
Activity: 266
Merit: 250
June 05, 2013, 03:31:51 AM
#7
Hey Spiral.

Thanks for that. Cool calculator. Unfortunately it doesn't have the Blade USBs on there, but it is neat to see those calculations.

At current difficulty it puts the break even point at about one year for 4 7970s. When you add the difficulty increase, the break even point becomes never!

I guess thats when we hope for LTC ming to be profitable, or sell the GPUs and let them get back to rendering and running gaming systems like they're supposed to. :-)

Cheers
full member
Activity: 322
Merit: 113
Sinbad Mixer: Mix Your BTC Quickly
June 05, 2013, 03:01:03 AM
#6
Thanks for the response.

Yeah i've been leaning to GPUs mainly because as you say, if mining with them ceases to be valuabe, they can always be sold for a decent percentage of the purchase price.

Power is a consideration though. I am in australia and the power here is expensive. Do you think taking that into account, maybe the USBs are a better go?

Also, do you think there's value just in the fact that they are available now? ... I know that better ASICs are coming but by the time they are available, the difficulty will be way up there. Feels like its a good idea to smash as much now before it all goes crazy.

Cheers
Well, if you want to check, http://www.coinish.com/calc/
Mess around with the Expert mode and put in your own electricity costs.

https://en.bitcoin.it/wiki/Mining_hardware_comparison#ASIC
For stats not on that calc to manually put in.
sr. member
Activity: 266
Merit: 250
June 05, 2013, 03:00:42 AM
#5
Yeah pretty expensive. Don't wuite seem worth it, but you're right, they are cool. Nice and easy to move around, plug in at work etc. I'm feeling like i'd like to get a few even if they aren't the most cost effective. Still kind of hard to beat the fact that the same money will give me twice the hashes from a GPU though. Torn.
newbie
Activity: 9
Merit: 0
June 05, 2013, 02:53:18 AM
#4
I kinda want a couple of erupters just because they are so portable/cool? (or even just give them to friends to let them have a taste of bitcoin).. but at the moment they are quite overpriced.  Embarrassed
sr. member
Activity: 266
Merit: 250
June 05, 2013, 02:52:46 AM
#3
Thanks for the response.

Yeah i've been leaning to GPUs mainly because as you say, if mining with them ceases to be valuabe, they can always be sold for a decent percentage of the purchase price.

Power is a consideration though. I am in australia and the power here is expensive. Do you think taking that into account, maybe the USBs are a better go?

Also, do you think there's value just in the fact that they are available now? ... I know that better ASICs are coming but by the time they are available, the difficulty will be way up there. Feels like its a good idea to smash as much now before it all goes crazy.

Cheers
full member
Activity: 322
Merit: 113
Sinbad Mixer: Mix Your BTC Quickly
June 05, 2013, 02:44:44 AM
#2
Depends on power costs in your area. The Block Erupter USB's are nice for not taking up much space or power, GPU's will easily get a higher hashrate, though. Also may have to take into account resale value. GPU's are fairly easy to resell as they have many purposes, whereas ASIC's only have one and may drop a bit more in price over time.

Short answer: If electricity isn't an issue, GPU's is my vote. Or a more a more efficient ASIC (efficient being hashes per dollar).
sr. member
Activity: 266
Merit: 250
June 05, 2013, 02:05:14 AM
#1
Hello.

So i am relatively new to the whole mining game. Coming in at an interesting point in the whole thing it seems. I currently have 4 7970s churning away. I'm looking to invest some more into mining and wondering what people think the wisest next purchase would be considering the imminent onset of the ASIC era. By my calculations, buying more GPUs will give me a higher Hash per dollar spent ratio, but then factoring in power, and ease of use etc, its seeming like getting some of the Block Erupter USBs might be a better choice at this point. I know they are not hugely exciting when compared to whats coming with the bigger units, but i do very much like that they are available now! ... A huge plus in my opinion. What do you guys think? More GPUs or Block Erupter USBs?

Barntech
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