Ethereum: Is it better or worse to mine multiple workers on one machine?

As a cryptocurrency enthusiast and miner, you are probably familiar with the process of running multiple mining rigs on your computer. In this article, we will explore whether it is better or worse to mine multiple workers on one machine using different mining software.

What is CGMiner?

CGMiner is a popular mining software that allows users to install and run multiple instances of the mining algorithm on their computer. This setup is commonly used in cryptocurrency mining pools to increase the overall hashing power and earn more from each coin mined.

The Scenario: Running Multiple CGMiner Instances on One Machine

Let’s say you have a computer with an Intel Core i5 processor, 8GB RAM, and an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 graphics card. You’re running Ubuntu 12.10 as your operating system and want to set up multiple CGMiner instances to mine Bitcoin (BTC) in the 50 BTC pool.

Setting Up Three Workers

You create three separate CGMiner instances:

• Worker #1: Mining on CPU

• Worker #2: Mining on GPU (GeForce GTX 1060)

• Worker
  

  3: CPU Mining (again, for redundancy)

The question: which is better or worse?

In this setup, you are essentially mining Bitcoin using three different algorithms:

• CPU (on Worker #1): mining the SHA-256 algorithm

• GPU (GeForce GTX 1060) (on Worker #2): mining the SHA-256 and Scrypt algorithms (for Ethereum)

• CPU (again, on Worker #3): mining the same SHA-256 algorithm

Pros of Running Multiple Workers

There are several advantages to running multiple workers:

• Increased Hashing Power: With three instances working together, you can significantly increase your overall hash rate and earn more from each coin mined.

• Better Profitability

  : By spreading costs across multiple rigs, you can potentially lower your electric bill and increase your profitability.

Cons of Running Multiple Workers

However, there are also some disadvantages to consider:

• Added Complexity: Running multiple workers requires more setup, monitoring, and maintenance than a single setup.

• Potential Overheating: With multiple GPUs or CPU cores running at the same time, you may experience overheating issues, especially if your computer is not cooled properly.

• Limited Profitability: If the pool payout per block remains constant, running multiple workers may result in lower profit margins than a single setup.

Conclusion

In conclusion, running multiple workers on a machine can be useful for increasing hash rate and earning more from each coin mined. However, it also comes with added complexity and potential disadvantages. Ultimately, the decision to run multiple workers depends on your specific mining setup, pool payout, and personal preference.

If you are already using CGMiner and have a reliable power supply and cooling system, running three instances may be a good option for you. However, if you are new to cryptocurrency mining or are unsure of the costs involved, it is advisable to start with a single setup and gradually expand as needed.

Recommendation

To minimize potential downsides and maximize benefits, consider the following:

• Use multiple CPUs instead of GPUs to reduce the thermal load on your system.

• Monitor your electricity bills closely to ensure you are not exceeding your allowable power consumption.

• Optimize your mining software settings to balance performance with resource usage.

• Consider using a pool that offers a better payout per block or a more efficient hashing algorithm.

By following these guidelines, you will be well on your way to enjoying the benefits of running multiple workers while minimizing the risks. Happy mining!