How many graphics cards does Windows 10 support in mining

Windows 10

Older builds consume a small resource, but it is difficult to configure more than 5 cards in them. Windows 10 supports 8 graphics cards when mining. However, for stable operation (more than 200 days without bugs and reboots) experienced users recommend limiting yourself to 7 GPUs. In the latest versions of Windows 10 Pro, it became possible to connect a rig for 12 cards. However, customizing the OS for efficient mining will take more time.

How many graphics cards does Windows 10 support in mining
You can check which card is installed on your PC

Table of OS and GPU support

To start mining, you need to select and configure the operating system. Special software is used to manage mining. It is developed for a specific OS.

Windows is the most popular operating system, so developers create applications primarily for it.

The OS for mining has requirements – simultaneous connection of 8 or more graphics adapters. It is also necessary to take into account the compatibility of drivers for GPU. The table contains data on Windows builds and card support.

VersionNumber of GPUsNvidia driversAMD utilitiesSystem Requirements
Windows 8
8
Yes
No
Low
Windows 10 up to version 1709
8
Yes
High
Windows 10 Enterprise LTSB, build 1703
8
Windows 10 Pro
12

Windows Customization Guide

Optimization of the operating system allows you to improve the performance of your PC and ensures the stability of processes. The instructions for customization are as follows:

  1. Select an OS build.
  2. Download the image and wait for the installation to complete.
  3. Remove unnecessary modules.
  4. Cancel OS auto-updates.
  5. Disable power saving mode and hybridization.
  6. Customize BIOS.
  7. Increase the amount of virtual memory.
  8. Install drivers.
  9. Add the program for mining to the autoloader, remove other applications from the list.
  10. Create shortcuts on the home screen for all the software you use.
  11. Make a backup copy of the operating system.

Selecting the OS version

A PC manages cryptocurrency mining. It does not perform any other tasks, so the operating system should consume as few resources (RAM, disk space) as possible. There are additional requirements for the OS:

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  • Support for 64-bit programs.
  • Connection of several GPUs. Windows 10 “sees” 8 video cards when mining. If you plan to use 12 GPUs, you need to install a Windows build higher than 1709 version. Microsoft has released the Fall Creators Update for them, which makes the work of farms more stable.
  • Absence of viruses and vulnerabilities.
  • Support for the latest models of video cards. Many manufacturers do not release drivers for old OS, so you need to choose a build from the new series.

Configuring the operating system

After installation, Windows needs to be optimized for mining:

  • Disable features and services that require additional resources.
  • Activate calculations in AMD GPU.
  • Disable modules that collect data.
  • Install drivers, mining utilities.
  • Disable sleep mode, customize power supply.
  • Increase VRAM volume.

System activation

Coin mining requires a minimum of programs and options. You can use the simplest build in each series. It is not recommended to download hacked pirate versions – they may contain malicious files. It is better to buy a cheap license or work on the OS without activation. To remove the inscription in the bottom corner, you need to:

  1. Go to the console with the Win+R keys.
  2. In the search bar enter bcdedit /set testsigning off and press Enter.
  3. Restart the computer.

Disabling automatic updates

Loading new versions of drivers on AMD GPUs leads to deactivation of the Compute mode function. This reduces the speed of mining. In addition, updates take up a lot of space, require additional resources and internet traffic.

Sometimes manufacturers embed spyware modules to collect data about users’ actions. Therefore, on a PC that is used only to manage mining, it is better to disable updates. To ban it, you need to go to the administration menu and uncheck the corresponding checkboxes.

Deactivation of hibernation mode

With the power saving option, the PC disables most functions. Power remains only on the RAM so that you can quickly boot the system and continue the process. However, mining in hibernation mode does not work, so you need to deactivate this feature:

  1. Open the “Computer” menu and select “System”.
  2. Go to the “Power and Hibernation” section.
  3. In the “Hibernation” field, specify “Never”.
  4. Save the settings.

Driver installation and auto-update

Inappropriate or improperly installed utilities cause errors that reduce hash rate. AMD drivers often malfunction and require additional customization for stable mode. Utilities from NVIDIA also have peculiarities, but they crash less often. For proper installation you need to:

  1. Prepare the system – customize the BIOS (disable unnecessary hardware, activate the auto power-off function after the system is de-energized, increase the swap file) and install OS updates.
  2. Clean the OS from unnecessary modules with Destroy Windows Spying program.
  3. Install drivers for motherboard and SSD.
  4. Remove unnecessary programs from the autoloader.
  5. Download GPU driver from the developer’s resource.
  6. Install the program.

Drivers for graphics adapters are the basis for stable operation of the farm. Therefore, it is necessary to exclude external influence as much as possible. Automatic downloading of new versions of utilities can affect the hash rate – it is better to deactivate this function. To do this, you need to:

  1. Go to the console with the Win+R keys.
  2. Enter the command rundll32 newdev.dll, DeviceInternetSettingUi.
  3. A dialog box with parameters for automatic downloading of updates will appear on the screen. It is necessary to select “None”.

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Increasing swap file

The amount of VRAM increases the performance of cryptocurrency mining using the Ethash algorithm. If the size of the swap file is insufficient, the computer may reboot spontaneously. Therefore, you should set its volume to the maximum – up to 16TB for a 64-bit OS. This requires free space on SDD and high system performance.

On weak PCs it is better to set the parameter to 50-80% of the maximum value and monitor the work of the farm. If necessary, you need to reduce the amount of VRAM by another 10-15%.

Instructions on how to increase the swap file:

  1. Open the console with the Win+R command.
  2. Type sysdm.cpl.
  3. In the “Options” menu, open the “Performance” tab.
  4. Check “Advanced” and then “Change”.
  5. Uncheck the box next to automatic selection of the swap file.
  6. Specify any number in the field – more than the available amount of video memory.
  7. Confirm the selection.
  8. Restart the PC.

Customizing the power supply

The user can change the idle behavior of the PC. By default, the PC is set to power save. This can reduce hash rate, so you need to enable high performance mode.

How many graphics cards does Windows 10 support in mining
Power Customization

Required:

  1. Go to the power management menu.
  2. Enable the maximum power mode.
  3. Open the console with the Win+R keys.
  4. To disable hibernation, enter the command powercfg hibernate off. You will need to type the password of the administrator account.

Creating a shortcut

For convenience, you can display all the programs you use on the desktop. To do this, it is necessary:

  1. Open the Start menu.
  2. Find an application in the list.
  3. Click the left mouse button and move it to the desktop.
  4. Perform the operation for all necessary programs.

Additional software

The number of connected programs affects the performance of the system. Therefore, users strive to leave as much space on the disk. On a PC for mining, only the necessary minimum of applications are installed.

It is mandatory to download software for managing mining and monitoring the parameters of the graphics adapter (GPU-Z, MSI Afterburner). Remote monitoring of PC settings is performed using TeamViewer or FarmWatchBot. AMD will require additional installation of AMD Compute Switcher utility to activate computing. If the card is reflashed – Atikmdag patcher (for correct installation of drivers).

How many graphics cards does Windows 10 support in mining
Changing fan speed in MSI Afterburner

Saving a backup

Optimizing Windows takes a lot of effort and time. In order not to lose the operating system with the installed parameters, you need to:

  1. Open “Start”.
  2. Select “Settings.”
  3. Next, find the “Update and Security” field.
  4. Open the “Backup” section and select an external disk or the location of a copy of the data.

In case of technical problems, you can quickly restore the OS with all parameters. You will only need to change the network name of the machine.

Backup will also be useful if the farm consists of several regs. You can set up Windows once and clone the finished image.

Is it possible to install mining hardware in a gaming PC

To find a valid hash, you need to solve a complex mathematical problem. The process is not much different from drawing textures in games. Therefore, powerful graphics adapters can be used equally effectively for both mining and gaming.

In 2023, mining utilizes both processor and graphics cards. For greater efficiency, both devices are used. One must realize that this will reduce their lifespan. The complexity of bitcoin is high, it will not be possible to mine it at the user level. However, it is possible to mine promising altcoins. To get at least $0.1-0.2 per day, the GPU must meet the minimum requirements:

  • Video memory of more than 6 GB.
  • Bus resolution higher than 256 bits.
  • Power consumption of no more than 200-250 watts.

In 2023, miners run on NVIDIA 3800 series and above, AMD RX 5700 and beyond. Playing simultaneously with crypto mining will not work, but you can use a PC for office tasks with RAM of at least 8 GB. Starting mining on a regular PC is not different from setting up a Rig. The procedure is as follows:

  1. Uninstall unnecessary Windows applications and modules.
  2. Enable the high performance profile in the power saving tab.
  3. Cancel hibernation mode.
  4. Prohibit Windows and driver auto-updates.
  5. Download a coin mining application.
  6. Register on the pool’s website.
  7. Install a cryptocurrency wallet.
  8. Start mining.

The farm mines in 24/7 mode, so you need to take care of good cooling, especially in the summer. To do this, you can remove the case cover and buy an additional fan.

However, you should not count on high earnings. In 2023, mining Ethereum Classic on a gaming PC with NVIDIA CMP 170 HX graphics card without electricity costs brings $0.49 per day.

Frequently Asked Questions

🔔 What does LTSL stand for in the name of the operating system?

It indicates a stripped down version compared to the original. The build is similar in functionality, but it lacks some options and programs. No updates are released for the special version.

📌 Can I install version 10 over 7?

The OS is installed only on a clean hard disk. Before installation, you must delete all the data of the previous system. Therefore, you will not be able to work on two operating systems at the same time.

âš¡ What are the advantages of the build 10 Enterprise?

This version is popular with miners, because there are no unnecessary applications and modules in it.

✨ Do I have to customize Windows for mining?

System applications can consume up to 30% of PC resources depending on the power of the farm. Optimizing the OS allows you to increase the hash rate.

📢 Where can I download a Windows distribution?

Official releases are published on the resource of the manufacturer Microsoft. Custom versions can be found in blogs and forums, but it is undesirable to install them. They may contain malicious code.

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Author: Saifedean Ammous, an expert in cryptocurrency economics.

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