Mining
Beginner
What is
GPU Mining?
Using graphics cards (GPUs) to mine cryptocurrency, as opposed to specialized ASIC hardware.
GPU mining uses consumer graphics cards to perform mining calculations. Ergo's Autolykos algorithm is designed to be GPU-friendly and ASIC-resistant, keeping mining accessible to regular users. This promotes decentralization by preventing mining concentration in ASIC farms.
Key Points
- Uses consumer graphics cards
- Autolykos is memory-hard (favors GPUs)
- More accessible than ASIC mining
- Promotes decentralization
- Can mine other coins too
- Lower barrier to entry
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Frequently Asked Questions
Questions about GPU Mining
Common questions about this topic
What can I do with Ergo?
Ergo supports a full ecosystem: trade on Spectrum DEX, use SigmaUSD stablecoin, mix transactions with ErgoMixer, collect NFTs on SkyHarbor, mine with GPUs, lend/borrow on DuckPools, bridge to other chains via Rosen, and build dApps with ErgoScript. It's a complete platform for decentralized finance and applications.
Explainer
Getting Started
What is Autolykos and how does it work?
Autolykos is Ergo's memory-hard Proof-of-Work algorithm designed for GPU mining. It requires significant RAM (currently ~2.5GB), making ASIC development uneconomical. Autolykos v2 (current version) allows pool mining while maintaining ASIC resistance. The algorithm promotes decentralization by keeping mining accessible to consumer hardware.
Explainer
Mining
Why is Ergo sustainable long-term?
Ergo is designed for 100+ year sustainability through three pillars: Autolykos mining (fair, ASIC-resistant), NiPoPoWs (efficient light clients), and storage rent (prevents bloat, funds miners). Unlike chains that depend on infinite growth, Ergo's economics work even with stable or declining usage.
Explainer
Philosophy
What is the best GPU for Ergo mining?
For Ergo mining, GPUs with high memory bandwidth perform best. Popular choices include NVIDIA RTX 3060 Ti, 3070, 3080, and AMD RX 6800 XT. Minimum 4GB VRAM required. The best GPU depends on your budget, electricity cost, and availability. Efficiency (hashrate per watt) matters more than raw hashrate.
Explainer
Mining