We’ve used our standard GPU testbed (listed to the right) for these tests, running a single GPU. This isn't an optimal miner PC configuration, but it's likely close to what most of our readers are using. You don't need a high-end CPU, motherboard, or memory for mining purposes, and many larger installations will use Pentium CPUs and B360 chipset motherboards with more PCIe slots. The most important factors for a mining PC are power and cooling, as they both directly impact overall profitability. If you can keep your GPU and other components cool, they'll last longer and not break down as often. Meanwhile, power can be very expensive for larger mining setups, and poor efficiency PSUs (power supply units) will generate more heat and use more electricity.
We've run these initial benchmarks using NiceHash Miner, including its built-in benchmark that's required to get started. We tested each graphics card in stock mode, and then we also attempted to tune performance to improve overall efficiency — and ideally keep temperatures and fan speeds at reasonable levels. We let the mining run for several minutes before checking performance, power, etc., as often things will slow down once the graphics card starts to heat up.
It's also important to note that we're reporting raw graphics card power for the entire card, but we don't account for the power consumption of the rest of the PC or power supply inefficiencies. Using an 80 Plus Platinum PSU, we should be running at around 92% efficiency, and wall outlet power consumption is typically about 50-80W higher than what we show in the charts. About 40W of power goes to the CPU, motherboard, and other components, while the remainder depends on how much power the GPU uses, including PSU inefficiencies.
