Cryptocurrency mining is computing with hashing algorithms. They are performed on special equipment – ASIC devices, central processing units (CPUs) or graphics adapters (GPUs). To improve performance, the technique is combined into farms of several units. For the same reason, gaming models of GPUs are favored. In the article – how to start mining on the built-in Intel graphics card in a laptop, monoblock or ordinary PC. It also contains information about the difficulties to be faced and calculations of possible income.
Is it possible to mine on an Intel integrated graphics card?
Solving computational equations requires high performance. It is directly related to the ability to perform operations quickly. Algorithms are also characterized by complexity. For example, the Antminer S19 Pro ASIC performs 110 trillion operations per second in the technically most complex SHA-256 mechanism.
Medium complexity algorithms (e.g. Ethash) require the storage of large amounts of temporary information. Asics, despite their high power, are not suitable for such calculations. Only graphics cards with their own memory can cope with the load. In March 2023, the most profitable mining mechanisms in this segment require a capacity of 4-5 GB of data. According to the type of data storage organization, GPUs are divided into 2 types.
- Built-in (integrated) in the central processor elements. Do not possess individual video memory.
- Self-contained (discrete) models with 4, 6, 8 or 16 GB storage. At the end of November 2022, NVIDIA announced the release of a card with 24GB VRAM.
Most computers have CPUs with an integrated graphics core. For example, base model Intel Core CPUs, starting with the i3 generation, have UHD Graphics 630 chips built in.
The first difficulty for theoretical mining on integrated graphics is that temporary data storage is done outside of it – in RAM (Random Access Memory). In standard models the size of RAM is only 4 GB, rarely – 8 GB. At the same time, only 1-1.5 GB is reserved for video data needs. The system automatically sets the parameter. However, it can be manually changed in the BIOS configuration.
It should be remembered that even the automatic distribution of RAM power negatively affects the speed of the PC. When running a productive program – for example, Photoshop or a video game – the whole system begins to “slow down”. Even more filling of memory with data can provoke additional slowdown.
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Otherwise, Intel embedded cards have all the technical capabilities for crypto-mining. Computational microprocessors and access to memory for storage, though outside the GPU, are enough for it.
In order to calculate the approximate hash rate of UHD Graphics 630, you need to find out the data throughput between the graphics core and RAM, for example, programmatically using the TechPowerUp utility. Information transfer between such a video chip and RAM at 2666 MHz occurs at a rate of 21.3 Gb/s, or for every 20 MHz – 0.38 Gb/s. The latter value correlates to the approximate 8:1 computation power of the Ethash algorithm. The potential performance will be 0.048 MH/s. From the obtained data we can conclude: mining on Intel HD Graphics is possible.
Another difficulty is setting up OpenCl technology to enable multi-threaded computing. Internal graphics cards can work in it, but you will need to install an additional program – Intel OpenCL SDK.
What miners can be used
After preparing the card to start mining, you need to install special software. However, most popular mining programs do not contain information about compatibility with integrated graphics cores. To connect discrete elements to the network, the following utilities are most often chosen:
- CGMiner
- PhoenixMiner
- lolMiner
- T-Rex Miner
- EasyMiner.
Most of them are console programs. The EasyMiner client has a graphical shell and is best suited for users with minimal experience. You can download the tested software from the GitHub repository.
How to start mining on an integrated graphics card
After downloading the archive with installation files, you will need to unpack it. Antivirus software may recognize the files as infected and quarantine them. In this case, you need to go to the settings of the treatment software and add the document to the exceptions.
Then you need to edit the configuration file for connection. It is located in the main folder of the miner and ends with a .bat extension. Step-by-step guide:
- For changes, you need to right-click and open the document with the Notepad program.
- Replace the pool address.
- Add wallet details to withdraw the mined assets.
- Specify the name of the thief (optional requirement).
- Enter the password. Only in cases when it was specified when registering on the pool’s website.
- Save the changes and close the document.
- Double-click on it to start crypto mining.
Features of mining
From the very beginning, it is necessary to understand that the performance of an integrated graphics card will be inferior to similar indicators in discrete models. The average characteristics during mining on Intel HD Graphics 630 will not allow you to achieve a high hash rate.
Self-contained graphics cards have significantly more capabilities. In addition to having their own memory, they also include an increased number of transistors and computing microprocessors.
According to Technical City’s GPU and CPU benchmarking service, the HD Graphics 630 chip is ranked 663rd in the power rankings. The table below shows the characteristics in comparison with one of the closest discrete analogs and the leader of the performance top.
| Score | Intel UHD Graphics 630 | GeForce GTS 450 | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 |
|---|---|---|---|
For office programs and undemanding software, the power of graphics cores embedded in the CPU is enough. For productive or gaming tasks it is better to choose discrete adapters, but it is not always possible to install them in the device.
On laptops with a built-in graphics card
In terms of choosing graphics components for portable PCs or monoblocks, there is not much choice. The limited size of the internal space requires the use of compact models. Therefore, it will not be possible to replace with a standalone model. It remains to use available and not very productive elements for mining.
On laptops with discrete graphics
In gaming laptop-technique initially implement an independent productive card. In the future, it can be changed to a more efficient model.
Such laptops are often comparable in power to full-fledged gaming computers. However, the weak point of such devices is the ventilation system. Mining on them is effective, but fraught with overheating of the equipment and its failure.
On the central processors of laptops
CPU performance can also be utilized in stationary devices. For example, the CryptoNight and RandomX algorithms allow you to mine digital coins using the capabilities of the CPU. Connecting to a pool to start crypto mining remains the same as when mining on video cards. However, in this case, it is better to use the NiceHash program.
What currencies can be mined
Video cards are compatible with dozens of hashing algorithms. Central processing units support 2 more. According to the Minerstat service, in March 2023 the most profitable for mining on GPU crypto coins were:
How much you can earn
The last thing you need to determine is the profitability of mining on the graphics cores embedded in the CPU. For calculation, it is most convenient to use special online calculators – for example, Minerstat. Services take into account the desired algorithm, the size of the power consumption and the cost of expenses for it. The results will show the most profitable coins at the time of calculation.
At the beginning of the article, the potential hash rate of the UHD Graphics 630 model was calculated – 0.048 MN/s on the Ethash mechanism. However, this figure is so small that the service was unable to determine the possible revenue. If the performance increases 21 times (up to 1 MH/s), the reward for 1 day without power costs will be 0.34 rubles. With the deduction of power costs, the result becomes unprofitable (-1.46 rubles).
Advantages and disadvantages of mining on Intel
The pros of the method have not been found. However, there are plenty of disadvantages:
- The complexity of customization.
- The danger of overheating of equipment.
- Early wear and tear of devices, working for a long time at the limit of performance.
- Inability to use a PC for mining and routine tasks at the same time.
- Lossiness.
Conclusions
Personal computer is better to use for current activity: work, surfing the Internet or for undemanding video games. For productive tasks, you will need to replace the graphics card with a discrete model with more power. Even if you have efficient components, it is not recommended to start mining on the same equipment that is used for everyday purposes.
Frequently Asked Questions
🔥 Is it possible to mine on outdated discrete graphics cards?
Yes. However, crypto mining on graphics cards released even 2-3 years ago is not efficient enough. Older models will not bring profit. It is worth upgrading your farm and using fewer performance models.
⚡ What is a DAG file?
It is the size of temporary data that needs to be stored in video memory. This load is used specifically to complicate the computation for ASIC miners and decentralized distribution of the reward for mining digital coins.
📢 Which algorithms use VRAM storage technology?
In March 2023, DAG data recording is required in most mechanisms compatible with graphics cards. These include EthereumPoW (5.3GB), Etchash (3.2GB), Ravencoin (3.8GB), Ergo (2.8GB), and EXP (2.9).
📌 Do asics come with storage for data?
Yes. For example, Bitmain’s Antminer E series of devices.
✨ What is a mining pool?
It is a server for pooling the power of participants. The pool acts as one productive device. This increases the chances of finding the target hash and getting the reward, which is then shared among the participants.
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Author: Saifedean Ammous, an expert in cryptocurrency economics.
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