Cryptocurrency mining is the activity of matching a hash (identifier) for new blocks in a decentralized network. The procedure is run on different computing devices (ASICs, graphics cards, processors and FPGA boards). AMD miners are special programs for working with graphics chips. They allow you to set mining parameters, connect to pools and display statistics.
Best miners for AMD graphics cards
As of April 2022, many programs for mining cryptocurrencies on graphics chips have been created. Most of them support the work of graphics cards from AMD and NVIDIA. But some of them are designed to work with devices from one of the manufacturers. Miners for AMD:
- Team Red Miner (TRM).
- Claymore Dual Miner.
- PhoenixMiner.
- lolMiner.
- NBMiner.
Team Red Miner
Open source software (available on GitHub) for mining digital currency on AMD graphics cards. Its work is supported by Windows and Linux operating systems. The program has no interface, and configuration is done through the console. The website states that it works with most hashing algorithms (for example, Ethash, Nimiq, Kawpow, Cryptonight, Verthash and others).
The graphics card must have at least 4 GB of video memory (VRAM) for the software to function. The program is able to use its surplus to increase the speed of calculations. TRM takes a commission for working with the application. Its size depends on the hashing algorithm used. For Ethash it is 0.75%, Kawpow – 1%. In other algorithms, the commission is higher – from 2% to 3% of the miner’s income.
The setting of crypto mining in each individual program may differ. Commands to enter should be viewed on the developer’s website.
Claymore Miner
Software application for crypto mining on AMD and NVIDIA graphics chips. Can work with devices from both manufacturers simultaneously in one mining farm. It is supported by Windows and Linux operating systems. The source code of the program is available in the repository on GitHub. It allows the miner to mine only Ethereum (hash generation method – Ethash).
The software has no graphical interface, and the parameters for mining are entered through the console or a “batnik” (bat-file). It takes a 2% commission for use. The program has a hardware monitoring function. If the video card hangs during calculations, the application automatically restarts it.
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PhoenixMiner
Another open-source miner for AMD and NVIDIA. It is mostly used for Ethereum mining, but supports 3 more hashing technologies (Ubqhash, ProgPOW, Etchash). The program is similar to Claymore Miner, but has the following advantages:
- Supports mining 2 coins at the same time.
- Higher hash generation speed by 0.8% on average.
- Lower usage fee – 0.65%.
- Support for SSL connection to mining pools (higher security).
- More stable operation on older video cards.
lolMiner
Console application for NVIDIA (with reduced hash rate) and AMD graphics cards. The developers have also posted its source code on GitHub. It works on Windows and Linux operating systems. Supports many hash generation algorithms (Ethash, Autolykos V2, BeamHash, Cuckoo, Equihash, Etchash, TON and others). Cryptomining using one of them affects the amount of commission the program takes (from 0.7% to 2.5%).
Through lolMiner, miners of digital currencies are able to disperse equipment. Users are also offered different statistics (compact, standard, extended). The website states that the software is used in the work of more than 623 thousand customers.
The program also supports dual-mining.
NBMiner
Application for mining on AMD and NVIDIA graphics cards. Functions on Windows and Linux. It offers many different coins for mining (ETH, ETC, RVN, GRIN, AE, CKB, SERO, BTM and others). The software provides high hashing speed with the lowest possible power consumption. ETH mining will require at least 6 GB of video memory.
The program allows users to connect Ledger or Trezor hardware wallets to accrue coins. It supports SSL connection for data security. The minimum commission on miners’ income is 1% and the highest is 2%.
NiceHash Miner
A miner program for mining cryptocurrencies on video cards (AMD and NVIDIA), ASICs and processors. It automatically switches to the most profitable hashing algorithms, which allows you to maximize profits. The software supports many of them (Scrypt, SHA256 – for ASICs; Lyra2REv2, Equihash, ZHash, CryptoNightR and others – for video cards). And it is installed only on the Windows operating system.
The software is able to control the clock frequency and power consumption of devices for efficiency. Also facilitate the mining of cryptocurrencies allow auxiliary applications of the project:
- Calculator. Calculates the profit from mining on a specific equipment for different periods (day, week, month, year).
- NiceHash OS. The project’s own operating system based on Linux. It is intended for managing the mining farm.
- NiceHash mobile application. It is used by miners to remotely manage the mining of digital assets.
WildRig Multi
Console miner for AMD, which was created for efficient mining of Ravencoin. It works on Windows and Linux operating systems. Mining is launched on 45 algorithms (Nist, X16R, X17, Exosis, Geek, Aegro, Bitcore and others). The program restarts in case of failure and also reboots the hardware. It also collects statistics on digital currency mining.
WildRig charges 2% commission on the miner’s income for using the software. However, it can be lowered to 1% by specifying a parameter in the settings (-donate-level=1).
How to choose a miner for AMD
To determine the appropriate program, you need to take into account:
- Support for hashing algorithms. For example, if you need to mine specifically ETH, then the software should work with Ethash.
- Interface. There are graphical and console applications. The first ones have an interface – it is easier for beginners to work with them. The second ones are configured through commands in the console.
- Functionality. Various additional options facilitate the work of the miner. For example, support for SSL connection, remote control over the farm, automatic change to a more profitable algorithm and other functions.
- Crypto mining monitoring. Some mining programs allow you to monitor the process (hash rate, equipment temperature, cooler speed and other indicators). However, in other cases, you will have to use third-party software.
- Hardware support. Some applications work with video cards, and others are needed for ASIC devices.
Testing
Miner programs are designed to effectively manage computing equipment. Therefore, the hash rate of the same devices in different applications may differ slightly. AMD Radeon RX 580 video card, which is popular for cryptomining, was taken for testing. The results are in the table below.
Program | Hash rate (with overclocking) | Algorithm |
---|---|---|
PhoenixMiner | 30-32 MH/s | Ethash |
Claymore Miner | 30-32 MH/s | Ethash |
NBMiner | 11 MH/s | KawPow |
WildRig Multi | 7 MH/s | X16R |
lolMiner | 12 sol/s | Equihash |
Summary
Popular programs for April 2022 are reviewed here. However, technology is evolving and they may become irrelevant in a couple of years. When choosing a software for mining, you need to rely on your own preferences. One cannot unequivocally say that one is better than the other. They may have different functions and slightly different performance. It is up to everyone to choose the right software.
Download mining programs from official websites or GitHub. Other resources often spread computer viruses.
Frequently Asked Questions
📲 What software should I use for Bitcoin mining?
Any software that supports the SHA-256 algorithm. CGMiner is popular among miners. It works stably with ASIC equipment and shows good results.
🔍 What is a mining pool?
With weak equipment, it takes a lot of time to find a block alone. Therefore, different cryptocurrency miners combine hashrate through special services – pools.
❓ Is it possible to rent computing power?
Yes. There are services for cloud mining. However, most of them are fraudulent.
💳 When did digital currency mining appear?
🧐 Who was the first to mine bitcoins?
The unknown creator (or group of developers) of the Bitcoin network under the pseudonym Satoshi Nakamoto used mining to create the first blocks.
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Author: Saifedean Ammous, an expert in cryptocurrency economics.