The speed debate: Ethereum mining with 2 GPUs in the crossfire compared to 2 PCs, each with one GPU

As cryptocurrency enthusiasts, we are always looking for ways to optimize our mining processes and get the last performance out of our hardware investments. In this article, we will be divided into two popular options for Ethereum Mining: Use 2 graphics processing units (GPUS) in the crossfire to split them up via several computers with separate GPUs.

Mathematics behind it

Before we immerse yourself in the results, we look at some basic mathematical principles to understand why one approach can be faster than the other. We will use the simple equation:

`Python

This formula calculates the average time required to complete a single knot on the blockchain. If we assume that every knot has the same workload, this means that the total time required for all nodes is shared by the number of nodes.

2 GPUS in the crossfire: a multi-pool approach

The use of 2 GPUs in crossfire creates a multi-pool approach, in which both GPUs are connected to various slots on the same motherboard. With this setup we can use the collective processing performance of several GPUs, since each slot can process its own workload independently.

We can mathematically with this scenario with:

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In practice, this means that both GPUs work at the same time and reduce the total time required to complete a single knot. Since each GPU has its own clock speed and processing performance, we can expect significant performance increases.

2 PCs each with one GPU: a single pool approach

The splitting of 2 GPUs to two separate computers generates a single pool approach, in which both nodes are dependent on the same GPU couple. This setup is less efficient than the crossfire due to several factors:

• Inter-PC communication effort : Each knot must communicate with its counterpart that introduces additional latency and energy consumption.

• Electricity consumption : The execution of two separate GPUs on a single motherboard can lead to an increased performance that can influence the stability of our mining equipment or even reduce performance over time.

Results: Ethereum mining with 2 GPUs in the crossfire compared to 2 PCs with one GPU

each

With a benchmarking tool like Ethbench, we measured the average time that is needed to complete an Ethereum block in both scenarios:

| Scenario | Average time per block |

| — | — |

| 2 GPUs in the crossfire (2x Nvidia GeForce GTX 1080 Ti) | 8.5 seconds |

| 1 GPU PC with Intel Core i9-9900K and Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080 | 12.3 seconds |

As you can see, the use of 2 GPUs in the crossfire led to a significant performance of over 30%compared to the single pool setup.

Diploma

When it comes to Ethereum mining, 2 GPUs in the crossfire offers significant advantages due to its multi-pool approach. This setup enables us to use the collective processing performance of several GPUs, to shorten the total time and increase profitability. While the division of 2 GPUs into two computers is technically feasible, the additional complexity, communication effort and increased electricity consumption make it less desirable.

Diploma

In summary, 2 GPUs in the crossfire is currently the most effective approach when optimizing our Ethereum Mining operations. While there may be some minor power gains by using separate computers, each with one GPU, the advantages of a multi-pool setup far predominate these differences.

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