Book Image

Bitcoin Essentials

By : Szmigielski
Book Image

Bitcoin Essentials

By: Szmigielski

Overview of this book

Blockchain is being billed as the technology of the future. Bitcoin is the first application of that technology. Mining is what makes it all possible. Exploring mining from a practical perspective will help you make informed decisions about your mining setup. Understanding what the future may hold for blockchains, and therefore for mining, will help you position yourself to take advantage of the impending changes. This practical guide starts with an introduction to Bitcoin wallets, as well as mining hardware and software. You will move on to learn about different mining techniques using the CPU, GPU, FPGA, and ultimately the ASIC as an example. After this, you will gain an insight into solo mining and pool mining, and see the differences between the two. The book will then walk you through large-scale mining and the challenges faced during such operations. Finally, you will take a look into the future to see a world where blockchain-based applications are commonplace and mining is ubiquitous.
Table of Contents (10 chapters)
9
Index

Best practices when mining with GPUs

Let's look into recommended practices when mining with GPUs. Although mining Bitcoin is no longer profitable with GPUs, mining other coins may bring in some profits. If you are going to use your GPUs for mining, you might as well observe practices that are going to make it easier and safer for you.

First, make sure that your GPUs have adequate cooling and the GPU fans are at least two inches away from any other object. If your GPU is inside a desktop case, it is better to leave the case open. If you are building a mining rig with multiple GPUs, it is a good idea to add external fans to increase the airflow. It is also wise to leave the GPUs exposed (as in not enclosed), so that there is better air circulation. Remember that hot air rises, so it is best not to have anything above your mining rig. As you may have seen, people do use "milk crates" as enclosures for their mining rigs; it is a good starting point. However, now there are professional...