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Topic: Looking to build a small, 1 gpu (GTX 980) rig. (Read 609 times)

sr. member
Activity: 1036
Merit: 311
I would not even look at a GTX 9xx series card for mining with any more, the 10xx series blows them away across the board by a lot.

 I'm pretty sure the GTX 1060 6GB is pretty close to a tossup on mining performance for most coins vs. the GTX 980, the GTX 1070 DEFINITELY blows the 980 away across the board.


 The only way I would even THINK about a GTX 980 is if it was very cheap - like $150-$200 OR LESS level cheap - and even then I'd probably take a pass on it.



Gotta agree there.  I had a 970 sitting in an HTPC when I started mining.  I ran it for a while but did some math and it was better to sell the card for cash on ebay and reinvest that into a 10 series card, the sol/s on the 1070s is almost double a 970 with less power used.
legendary
Activity: 1498
Merit: 1030
If you already have 9xx series cards, by all means use them - I just wouldn't bother BUYING any of them for a mining rig unless they were SUPER SUPER cheap - and I'd be iffy about it even then.

 I'd also ignore anything below the 980 completely as far as buying cheaply goes.



A < $100 960 is worth picking up for instance.  They don't usually draw more than 60% TDP anyways.

 Not when you factor in the cost of the system, and that a $200ish dollar 1060 is going to earn quite a bit more with less power usage on the same things a 960 can mine effectively on.

 With that said, I DO have 3x 960 and a pair of 950s - but those were bought before the 10xx series had been announced, and have probably paid themselves and their share of the systems they are in off by now in the longish time I've had them.



legendary
Activity: 1848
Merit: 1166
My AR-15 ID's itself as a toaster. Want breakfast?
If you already have 9xx series cards, by all means use them - I just wouldn't bother BUYING any of them for a mining rig unless they were SUPER SUPER cheap - and I'd be iffy about it even then.

 I'd also ignore anything below the 980 completely as far as buying cheaply goes.



A < $100 960 is worth picking up for instance.  They don't usually draw more than 60% TDP anyways.
legendary
Activity: 1498
Merit: 1030
If you already have 9xx series cards, by all means use them - I just wouldn't bother BUYING any of them for a mining rig unless they were SUPER SUPER cheap - and I'd be iffy about it even then.

 I'd also ignore anything below the 980 completely as far as buying cheaply goes.


legendary
Activity: 1848
Merit: 1166
My AR-15 ID's itself as a toaster. Want breakfast?
I still run 900 series.... no need to fret especially if you already have it.  Especially since 980's can be had on CL for ~140.

All you need to do is have a working PC with a proper video card and its proper drivers installed... nothing special about a one or two card miner;  its only tricky with multiple GPU's and risers, etc.

With a pre-working pc it's just a matter of running ccminer and connecting it to either your wallet for the coin u want to mine, or a pool.
newbie
Activity: 7
Merit: 0
I am having a hard time getting a compatible parts list for a single GTX 980 rig. I've never built a rig or a computer but would like to learn. Is there any kind of website that aggregates compatible PC parts for mining, or just for general compatibility?

Thanks!

You can try pcpartpicker website. It also shows estimated power consumption.
sr. member
Activity: 251
Merit: 250
Forget about Nvidia 9 series. 10xx are better by times. Look for some 1060/1070 deals on ebay if you are determined to go with Nvidia.
legendary
Activity: 1498
Merit: 1030
I would not even look at a GTX 9xx series card for mining with any more, the 10xx series blows them away across the board by a lot.

 I'm pretty sure the GTX 1060 6GB is pretty close to a tossup on mining performance for most coins vs. the GTX 980, the GTX 1070 DEFINITELY blows the 980 away across the board.


 The only way I would even THINK about a GTX 980 is if it was very cheap - like $150-$200 OR LESS level cheap - and even then I'd probably take a pass on it.

newbie
Activity: 34
Merit: 0
Ah I see! I'm looking at this unit on ebay, but I'm confused because there are so many variations of the same GPU.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Nvidia-GeForce-GTX-980-04G-P4-2980-KR-Brand-New-/152548651715?hash=item23849bb2c3:g:q2EAAOSwGJlZGMBC

Is that one okay?
hero member
Activity: 653
Merit: 500
Problems usually arise when you go for 5+ GPU, otherwise is just a simple PC.
So you can just check for normal compatibility and you will be fine
newbie
Activity: 34
Merit: 0
I am having a hard time getting a compatible parts list for a single GTX 980 rig. I've never built a rig or a computer but would like to learn. Is there any kind of website that aggregates compatible PC parts for mining, or just for general compatibility?

Thanks!
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