Mining cryptocurrencies is a costly process. With the growing complexity of top networks, the costs of mining have increased. In 2023, a home farm of 6 video cards will cost 300-500 thousand rubles. Therefore, developers began to think about more economical ways of mining digital coins. As an alternative solution, mining on RAM is considered. In 2023, there is still no consensus algorithm that uses RAM. RAM memory is an important component of a farm that affects the performance of a PC. But it is not directly involved in mining. CPU, GPU or asics resources are used to work with the blockchain.
Is it possible to mine on RAM
In 2023, cryptocurrency is mined on video cards, processors, hard disks or ASICs. The technology of mining on RAM is not yet available. However, it is one of the main components of the farm. The performance and stability of the computer depend on it.
Even a powerful video card and processor of the latest model will not be able to perform their tasks without a sufficient amount of RAM. In 2023 it is 8 Gb regardless of the size of the farm.
In mining equipment RAM is needed only for the operating system. The amount of RAM affects the performance when multitasking the PC. Mining hardware has one purpose. A single program and operating system is enough to run.
RAM matters for running a node in Proof-of-Stake (PoS). Transactions are checked by validators – network users with the most coins in their wallet. To run a workstation, you need a modern processor and RAM of at least 32 Gb (optimally 126-256 Gb).
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What RAM is needed for mining
A cryptocurrency mining farm is a computer designed for narrow tasks and equipped with several graphics adapters. RAM – temporary storage of data necessary for the operation of programs. RAM allows the processor and graphics card to read information quickly without accessing a slow hard disk or SSD. When you shut down your PC, data from RAM is automatically deleted.
More RAM allows the computer to store “heavy” software data.
This figure depends on the operating system used. Before starting crypto-mining, it is necessary to disable all background programs so that they do not interfere with the main process.
In the work of the miner, the RAM is practically not used. The main load goes to the memory of the video card or processor. The minimum RAM size for mining is 2 Gb. If the PC is not used for other tasks, you can buy 4 Gb of RAM for stable operation. To view documents, run a browser or games at the same time with cryptocurrency mining, it is worth buying 2 bars of 4 Gb.
A large amount of RAM for mining is not necessary. A high figure does not provide the best performance of the farm. Therefore, it is unwise to buy expensive components that play the smallest role in mining.
The best RAM strips for mining in 2024
The choice of memory device depends on the type of computer loads. For mining cryptocurrencies on a farm with video cards of the latest model, the speed and clock speed of memory are not so important. You need to choose planks according to other criteria – the ratio of functionality, price and compatibility with motherboards and processors. The average cost of RAM for a small farm is 1.4-4.5 rubles. You can save money if you buy RAM on the marketplace.
AMD DDR3 1600 8GB
This is a simple and productive solution. The memory device is compatible with most new motherboards. The chip is of the DDR3 memory type. In 2023, this is the best ratio of quality, power consumption and price.
The volume of RAM is enough for mining on the processor or video card. Therefore, you will not have to add more planks.
| Characteristic | Value |
|---|---|
Kingston ValueRAM 8 GB DDR4 240
HyperX Fury DDR4 is one of the most popular series, so it is compatible with most motherboards and processors. Kingston ValueRAM is common due to its performance and relatively low height (34.1 mm). RAM does not interfere with the installation of cooling.
| Properties | Value |
|---|---|
AMD 4 GB DDR3
The model from a well-known developer supports the ESS standard, which serves to eliminate errors. RAM has a type of memory DDR3, providing a good ratio of price and bandwidth. The height of the module is 30 mm. This should be taken into account when installing it.
For mining on 10-13 video cards and more, 2 strips may be required. It is better to choose the volume of RAM in advance, so that you do not have to buy parts. Different models (even from the same developer) can conflict. In this case, manual configuration is required.
Patriot 4 GB DDR4
Universal module can be installed in a mining farm and in the office computer. The model has a modern standard DDR4, which increases performance and saves on electricity.
Patriot 4 GB DDR4 is one of the most budget-friendly DDR4 on the market. The developer claims that each bar meets industry standards. The module has a built-in heatsink. The RAM is backed by a 5 year warranty. Rig with more than 13 graphics cards may require 2 strips.
| Features | Values |
|---|---|
GoodRam DDR3 4Gb
RAM is suitable for miners who seek to save money. Models of the company GoodRam are characterized by an affordable price with identical characteristics of other brands. There is a disadvantage – not all motherboards support RAM (you need to clarify before the transaction). There is also no overclocking potential. However, for mining on a video card or asics, it does not matter.
| Characteristic | Value |
|---|---|
How to choose RAM
RAM is a storage for temporary storage of information. The reserve is a chip that is inserted into a slot on the motherboard. The criteria for choosing RAM for mining are as follows:
- Capacity. For a rig of 6 video cards, 4 Gb is enough. If the farm consists of 12 or more GPUs, then you need to buy a bar for 8 Gb for stable operation of the PC. Further increase in the volume of RAM will not lead to an increase in performance.
- Memory type. DDR4 models have higher frequencies and lower power consumption. The frequency of RAM does not affect the performance of mining. The energy efficiency of DDR4 is 10-15% higher, and the price is 15-25% higher compared to DDR3. Therefore, there is no point in buying an expensive model.
- Number of planks. Working in Dual Channel mode (2 RAMs function in parallel) increases PC performance by 10-25%. But this additionally loads the motherboard. For mining, this is a more important criterion. Therefore, for a new farm it is better to buy one 8 Gb card.
- Possibility of overclocking. Some developers underestimate the frequencies for a more stable functioning of the block. In mining, this characteristic is not important.
- Manufacturer. Modules of top brands are more expensive with similar characteristics. Planks of well-known companies (AMD, Samsung, HyperX, G.SKILL) are characterized by reliability and warranty from 3 years. For mining, modules from budget manufacturers (Patriot, Transcend, Goodram) are suitable. The main criterion is the warranty on the product.
- Compatibility. The module needs to be connected to the motherboard slot. Before buying, you need to make sure that the selected model fits the existing equipment. First choose a motherboard for a given number of video cards and the amount of RAM, and then install the unit of the appropriate type. To find out what standard the device supports, you can from technical documents or specifications on the developer’s website. Most new motherboard models are compatible with DDR4.
- Frequency and timing. These characteristics affect the speed at which the system accesses the RAM. Performance in programming and demanding games depends on frequency and timing. For cryptocurrency mining, video memory is mainly used. Therefore, frequency and timing have a negligible effect on the result. These characteristics are important when you need to buy a second bar. For stable operation of the system, the frequency and timings of the models should be the same.
- Radiators. On some RAMs, additional fans are installed. In a mining farm, cooling from the processor is usually enough. Coolers will increase the noise level. Therefore, it is better to choose models without additional cooling.
- Price. For a mining farm, payback is important. Therefore, users seek to save as much as possible on components. When choosing a chip, you need to compare offers for price and quality. A more productive model can be bought only if it is available at the same cost.
The size of the system swap file
When you run a program, data is written to the RAM. To expand it, a swap file is used. The operating system transfers the data of an application that lacks resources to it. If necessary, the OS can retrieve information from the swap file.
The size of virtual memory does not affect the performance of mining. The exception is if the cryptocurrency is mined on the HDD.
Some users note that the miner program crashes. This may be due to the low level of the swap file. To increase it, you need to perform the following actions:
- Go to Windows settings.
- Click the “System Information” button.
- Select the “Advanced System Settings” item
- Go to the “Performance” tab. Select “Preferences”.
- Click the “Advanced” button.
- Go to the “Virtual Memory” section. Click “Change”.
For quick access to customizing the size of the swap file, you need to:
- Launch the command line in the “Start” panel.
- Type Run sysdm.cpl.
The developer of the Claymore miner program recommends making the swap file at least 16 Gb regardless of the amount of RAM. With these parameters, you can set the storage unit to 32 Gb. Some users set larger values (up to free space on the hard disk). The system uses the swap file only when necessary. The higher it is, the more stable the OS will work.
Conclusions
Choosing RAM for mining is not the main task. RAM is required primarily for the operation of the computer. Therefore, you can save on it.
A bar from any manufacturer will do. For a rig of up to 6 graphics cards, 4 Gb is enough. If the farm consists of 13 GPUs and more, it is better to buy a chip with a volume of 8 Gb. Developers of programs for mining recommend installing a swap file from 16 Gb regardless of RAM. With a smaller size, the miner may crash.
Frequent questions from users
❓ How to mine on RAM?
In 2023, there are still no consensus algorithms that use only RAM. It is an important component of the farm, but the main tasks are performed by the video card or processor.
🔼 How much RAM do you need to mine digital currencies?
For a farm of 6 graphics cards, 4 Gb is enough. A rig with 9 GPUs or more will require 8 Gb.
❕ What swap file size is needed to mine digital coins?
The minimum virtual memory size is 16 Gb.
✅ Which brand of chip should I buy for mining?
This component is not of primary importance in mining digital coins. You can take RAM budget segment: Patriot, Silicon Power, Crucial, Transcend, Kingston.
❔ What is more effective for cryptocurrency mining: one 8 Gb card or two 4 Gb cards?
In Dual Channel mode, the performance of the PC increases by 20%. But the additional load reduces the resource of the motherboard. That’s why you should buy one 8 Gb card.
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Author: Saifedean Ammous, an expert in cryptocurrency economics.
