Bitcoin Mining Hardware Guide
Choosing the right hardware is crucial for successful Bitcoin mining. Here's what you need to know about mining equipment in 2010.
CPU Mining
When Bitcoin first launched, CPU mining was the standard method. While CPUs are becoming less efficient as difficulty increases, they're still a good starting point for learning.
Recommended CPUs:
| Processor | Hash Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Intel Core i7-920 | 6-8 MH/s | Good performance, 4 cores with hyperthreading |
| Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 | 4-5 MH/s | Budget-friendly option, 4 cores |
| AMD Phenom II X4 | 5-7 MH/s | Good value, handles mining well |
| Intel Core 2 Duo | 2-3 MH/s | Entry-level, good for testing |
GPU Mining (Highly Recommended)
GPU mining has emerged as the most efficient method for mining Bitcoin. Graphics cards are much better at the parallel computations required for mining than CPUs.
Recommended GPUs:
| Graphics Card | Hash Rate | Power Usage | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| ATI Radeon HD 5970 | 500-600 MH/s | ~300W | Top performer, dual GPU card |
| ATI Radeon HD 5870 | 300-350 MH/s | ~180W | Excellent performance, widely available |
| ATI Radeon HD 5850 | 250-280 MH/s | ~150W | Good value for money |
| ATI Radeon HD 5770 | 180-200 MH/s | ~110W | Budget option, decent performance |
| ATI Radeon HD 4870 | 80-100 MH/s | ~150W | Older card, still usable |
| NVIDIA GTX 285 | 50-60 MH/s | ~180W | NVIDIA cards less efficient for mining |
| NVIDIA GTX 260 | 40-50 MH/s | ~180W | Not recommended for dedicated mining |
Why ATI/AMD Cards?
ATI/AMD Radeon cards significantly outperform NVIDIA cards for Bitcoin mining. This is because the mining algorithm benefits from the type of parallel processing that AMD cards excel at. If you're serious about mining, choose an ATI/AMD card.
Complete Mining Rig Recommendations
Budget Setup ($500-$800)
- CPU: Intel Core 2 Duo or AMD equivalent (any will do, not used for mining)
- GPU: ATI Radeon HD 5770 or 5850
- Motherboard: Any with PCIe x16 slot
- RAM: 2GB DDR2/DDR3
- Hard Drive: 80GB or larger
- Power Supply: 500W or higher
- Expected Hash Rate: 180-280 MH/s
Mid-Range Setup ($1000-$1500)
- CPU: Intel Core i3 or AMD equivalent
- GPU: ATI Radeon HD 5870
- Motherboard: Reliable board with PCIe x16 slot
- RAM: 4GB DDR3
- Hard Drive: 160GB or larger
- Power Supply: 650W quality PSU
- Expected Hash Rate: 300-350 MH/s
High-End Setup ($2000+)
- CPU: Intel Core i5 or i7
- GPU: ATI Radeon HD 5970 (or multiple 5870s)
- Motherboard: Board supporting multiple GPUs (CrossFire support)
- RAM: 4GB DDR3
- Hard Drive: 250GB or larger
- Power Supply: 850W+ quality PSU (1000W+ for multiple GPUs)
- Expected Hash Rate: 500-1200+ MH/s (depending on configuration)
Other Hardware Considerations
Cooling
Mining generates significant heat. Ensure your case has good airflow and consider:
- Additional case fans
- Aftermarket GPU coolers
- Adequate room ventilation
- Mining in a cooler room or basement
Power Supply
Don't skimp on the power supply! Mining puts continuous load on your system. Recommended brands:
- Corsair
- Seasonic
- Antec
- PC Power & Cooling
Always choose a PSU with 20-30% more capacity than your calculated needs.
Motherboard for Multi-GPU
If you plan to run multiple GPUs, look for motherboards with:
- Multiple PCIe x16 slots (x8 electrical is fine)
- ATI CrossFire support
- Good power delivery to PCIe slots
Where to Buy
You can purchase mining hardware from:
- Newegg.com: Wide selection, good prices
- Amazon.com: Convenient, fast shipping
- TigerDirect.com: Computer hardware specialist
- Local computer stores: See hardware in person
Electricity Costs
Don't forget to factor in electricity costs! A typical mining rig might use 200-500W continuously. At $0.10 per kWh:
- 200W system: $14-15 per month
- 350W system: $25-26 per month
- 500W system: $36-37 per month
Calculate whether mining is profitable in your area using online calculators available on Bitcoin forums.
Getting Started
Once you have your hardware, head back to our Mining Guide to learn how to set up your software and start mining!