How much RAM you need for mining

Cryptocurrencies are mined on processors, graphics cards, and ASICs. However, the amount of memory for mining is key. It is impossible to run a computer without RAM. However, unlike GPUs, the rule “the more the better” does not work here. It is important to calculate the optimal amount of RAM so that you don’t waste your money.

How RAM affects mining

RAM is necessary to run the operating system, because the BIOS is loaded into it. In addition, the strips ensure the speed and stability of the computer and programs for mining cryptocurrency.

Developers have not yet invented the technology of mining on RAM. It performs an exclusively service function.

In the work of the miner, the RAM is used indirectly. Thanks to a sufficient amount of RAM, the computer will quickly perform operations, will stop lagging and freezing. However, the number of gigabytes will not affect the hash rate. Exception – embedded video cards that do not have their own memory, and mining on processors. In the first case, BAT files are loaded into the RAM.

If the volume for storing temporary data is not enough, the miners will begin to work unstably. Reboots, failures will become commonplace, so save on RAM is not possible.

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Calculating how much RAM is needed for mining

On forums, you can often find statements that 8 GB of RAM is the necessary minimum. In reality, the situation is a little different. The amount of RAM depends on the system requirements of the miner, the peculiarities of the blockchain.

Bitcoin mining requires 8 GB. Litecoin is stably mined on a farm with only 4 GB of RAM.

It is also necessary to take into account the operating system. Windows 10-11 perform tasks quickly with only 8 GB. At the same time, Linux is not overloaded with “unimportant” software, so it works well with 4 GB of RAM. If we talk about the number of graphics cards in the rig, then six devices stably mine with 4 Gb. For a more powerful farm, 8 Gb is required.

Increasing the stock of RAM to 16-32 Gb does not lead to an increase in hash rate. They may be needed only if the miner plans to use the computer for other tasks during cryptocurrency mining.

The number of required strips

If it is easy to figure out how much RAM is needed for mining, then it is more difficult to choose the optimal number of strips. Users have two options:

• For 8 GB – one.
• For 4 GB – two.

In the first case, the load on the motherboard will be lower, the heating of the equipment will be reduced. However, the use of two cards will allow the farm to work in Dual Channel mode. This increases the performance by 8-20%.

If the computer has a new and powerful motherboard, it is worth building a configuration with two RAM. For old ones (for example, on socket 775) is better suited to a single bar.

Choosing RAM

Before buying parts for the assembly of the future farm, you need to take into account several features. If you know them, it will be possible to find the best option.

DDR3 and DDR4

These are different versions of RAM for computers, which differ from each other mainly by quantitative criteria. Otherwise, they are identical.

They also differ in the location of the notches for connecting to the motherboard. Because of this, you need to take into account the compatibility of the RAM when choosing. If the miner already has a board, then only one model will fit it. It’s too late to look at the parameters, because the wrong version of the card will simply not stand.

For the most part, miners choose between versions of RAM with reliance on cost and energy efficiency. There is no point in taking expensive AMD strips, as part of the price is a payment for the brand. In the case of power consumption, DDR4 wins. They spend 15% less electricity, but in reality it is about 1-2 watts.

Choosing the manufacturer of the RAM

In stores, you can meet planks from 20-30 manufacturers. Because of the high price, you should not choose details of popular companies – AMD, HyperX, although they are characterized by reliability and a long warranty.

Spending a lot of money on this is not worth it. The farm is not used for games and graphic editors that heavily load the RAM. A good option – manufacturers from the middle segment (Corsair, Patriot, Goodram). The main criteria – service life, warranty on the product and positive reviews.

Author: Saifedean Ammous, an expert in cryptocurrency economics.