Optimization of power using dual graphics cards: Can you use one for mining and the other to play?

As a PC player, you are probably not a foreign dual graphics card concept. In recent years, the NVIDIA GeForce RTX series has enabled users to use more graphics cards in their systems without sacrificing performance. However, when it comes to mining cryptomen, such as bitcoin or ethereum, things may be more complex. Can you really use one graphics card for games and the other for cryptomena extraction? The answer is yes, but with some warnings.

Understanding foundations

First of all, let’s understand how dual graphics cards work. When both cards are connected, they share a workload and can perform more tasks at the same time. This technique is known as Multi-GPU (Multi-GPU) or Quad-GPU settings. Each card processes part of the workload, allowing you to use more processing than one GPU.

Mining Cryptomen

If you want to mine cryptocurrencies such as bitcoin or ethereum using dual graphics cards, you will need two cards with different architectures and memory configurations. Here you should know:

* Architecture: Both cards must be from different generations (eg NVIDIA GeForce GTX 660 and R9 290X). For example, the GTX 660 uses Maxwell architecture, while the R9 290X uses the Pascal architecture.

* Memory configuration: Each card must have separate memory configurations for your mining software. The GPU will use its specialized memory (VRAM) while the host processor will use the RAM system.

Configuration of your system

Follow the following steps to set double graphics cards for cryptocurrency extraction:

1.

• Set separate memory configurations: Configure each card’s memory settings separately using your preferred mining software (eg Cgminer or Ethiner).

3
Configure the system:

Set your CVs and drivers of your system to support the configuration of multiple GPUs.

Example of configuration for GTX 660 + R9 290X

If you give you an idea of ​​how this setting can work, consider a simple example:

• GTX 660 (Maxwell Architecture) – 2GB GDDR5 VRAM

• R9 290X (Pascal Architecture) – 4 GB GDDR6 VRAM

In this configuration:

• GTX 660 will use its reserved 2 GB of memory.

• R9 290X uses its own 4 GB of memory.

Reflections on performance

Keep in mind that the use of multiple graphics cards may not always lead to better cryptocurrency extraction due to factors such as:

* Source competition: Each card must compete for resources, which can lead to a reduction in performance if both cards are strongly used.

* Energy consumption: Starting two powerful GPU requires more energy than a single high -performance GPU. This can lead to increased heat production, reduced battery life in notebooks and higher electricity accounts.

To maximize your mining performance using dual graphics cards, make sure that:

• For each card you have enough RAM (at least 4 GB).

• Power supply of your system is able to handle increased energy consumption.

• You have a suitable cooling solution to prevent overheating.

Conclusion

Although dual graphics cards can be used for cryptocurrency mining, this may not lead to better performance due to the competition of resources and energy consumption problems. However, with a careful configuration and appropriate system setting up, you can still achieve a significant power increase with multiple GPUs.