In 2018, the cryptocurrency mining landscape was dominated by GPU-based mining, with Ethereum (ETH) emerging as one of the most profitable and accessible coins to mine. Unlike Bitcoin, which required specialized ASIC hardware, Ethereum mining remained feasible for individuals using high-performance graphics cards. This guide provides a detailed breakdown of an optimal Ethereum mining rig configuration from that era, including component recommendations, GPU hashrate performance, and practical setup tips—perfect for those exploring historical mining setups or building retro rigs.
Core Components of a 2018 Ethereum Mining Rig
Building a successful mining rig in 2018 revolved around maximizing GPU efficiency while minimizing costs on non-critical components. Since the mining process relies heavily on parallel computing power provided by graphics cards, every other part of the system was chosen for functionality and affordability rather than peak performance.
Central Processing Unit (CPU)
The CPU plays a minimal role in Ethereum mining. As such, high-end processors were unnecessary. The recommended choice at the time was the Intel Celeron G3900, a dual-core, dual-threaded processor based on the Skylake architecture with a 2.8GHz base clock and 2MB of cache. It offered stable performance for running the operating system and mining software without drawing excess power.
Alternative options included the slightly faster Celeron G3930, but any entry-level Intel or AMD CPU capable of supporting the motherboard and booting the system sufficed.
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Motherboard
A critical factor in rig design was the motherboard’s ability to support multiple GPUs via PCIe slots. The Gigabyte H110-D3A was a popular choice due to its native support for up to six graphics cards, solid build quality, and compatibility with budget CPUs.
For larger builds, miners could opt for motherboards supporting 8 or even 12 GPUs—often using PCIe riser cables (PCI-E 1x to 16x adapters) to connect additional cards. These risers allowed flexible positioning of GPUs, essential for airflow and space optimization in custom mining frames.
Memory and Storage
- RAM: 4GB of DDR4 memory, such as the ADATA 4GB DDR4 2400MHz, was more than sufficient. Mining software and lightweight operating systems like Windows 10 LTSC or Linux did not demand high memory bandwidth or capacity.
- Storage: A small SSD was preferred over traditional HDDs due to lower heat output, silent operation, and improved reliability under constant use. While a 60GB SSD would have been adequate, these were largely discontinued by 2018. Therefore, a 120GB budget SSD became the standard recommendation—enough space for the OS, drivers, and mining applications.
Power Supply Unit (PSU)
Power requirements depended directly on the number and type of GPUs used. For example:
- One GTX 1060 consumed approximately 120W.
- A six-GPU rig could draw around 720W from the GPUs alone.
- Add power for other components and overhead for overclocking/stability.
To ensure safety and longevity under continuous full-load operation, a 1250W fully modular PSU was advised. Fully modular units provided cleaner cable management and easier customization when connecting multiple GPUs through PCIe splitters or direct connections.
Graphics Cards: The Heart of Ethereum Mining
Ethereum mining relies on the Ethash algorithm, which is memory-hard and favors GPUs with high memory bandwidth and fast VRAM. In 2018, NVIDIA and AMD both offered competitive options.
Recommended GPUs and Their Hashrates
| GPU Model | Avg. Hashrate (MH/s) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| NVIDIA GTX 1060 3GB | ~18 MH/s | Good balance of price and efficiency |
| AMD RX 470 / 570 | ~20–21 MH/s | Higher hashrate per watt; excellent value |
| AMD RX 580 | ~22–23 MH/s | Slight improvement over RX 570 |
| NVIDIA GTX 1070 | ~30 MH/s | Strong performer despite higher cost |
| NVIDIA GTX 1080 | ~28–30 MH/s | Surprisingly matched GTX 1070 due to memory constraints |
| NVIDIA GTX 1080 Ti | ~31–33 MH/s | Top-tier performance but expensive |
Note: Cards with Samsung memory chips often achieved higher hashrates after tuning compared to those with Hynix or Micron memory, especially on AMD models.
Interestingly, despite being a higher-tier card, the GTX 1080 sometimes underperformed the GTX 1070 in Ethash mining due to its GDDR5X memory configuration, which wasn’t optimized for the algorithm’s memory access patterns.
Professional Mining Cards & Overclocking
Some miners turned to branded "mining-only" GPUs without display outputs—designed specifically for data centers and mining farms. These often featured enhanced cooling and better binning for consistent performance.
Overclocking was also widely practiced:
- Increasing memory clock improved hashrate significantly.
- Lowering core clock reduced power consumption without affecting performance.
- Tools like MSI Afterburner enabled fine-tuned control over voltage, fan curves, and clock speeds.
However, aggressive tuning increased wear and reduced resale value—especially important as market volatility ("mining bear markets" or “mining crashes”) could render rigs obsolete overnight.
Rig Frame and Cooling Considerations
Standard PC cases were impractical for multi-GPU rigs. Instead, miners used custom-built open-air mining frames, commonly sourced from online marketplaces like Alibaba or Amazon. These frames:
- Allowed vertical or horizontal GPU mounting.
- Provided ample spacing between cards for airflow.
- Were inexpensive and easy to assemble.
Cooling was paramount:
- High ambient temperatures reduced stability and lifespan.
- Adding extra case fans helped maintain optimal thermal conditions.
- Ideal spacing between GPUs: at least one slot gap (preferably more).
📍 Environmental placement mattered: well-ventilated rooms, garages, or dedicated server spaces were ideal.
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Key Mining Keywords
Understanding search intent helps contextualize this guide within broader crypto mining topics. Core keywords naturally integrated throughout include:
- Ethereum mining rig
- GPU hashrate
- Ethash algorithm
- Cryptocurrency mining PC
- Mining profitability
- GPU mining setup
- Ethereum mining hardware
- Mining frame build
These terms reflect common user queries during the 2017–2018 crypto boom and remain relevant for educational and historical reference.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Why did GPU prices surge in 2018?
A: The surge in cryptocurrency values—especially Ethereum—led to massive demand for high-performance GPUs. Miners bought consumer-grade cards in bulk, causing shortages and price inflation across retailers.
Q: Can I still mine Ethereum profitably with a 2018 rig today?
A: No. Ethereum transitioned to Proof-of-Stake (The Merge) in September 2022, eliminating GPU mining entirely. Existing rigs are now used for other algorithms or repurposed.
Q: What happened to all the mining rigs after Ethereum stopped PoW?
A: Many GPUs flooded the secondhand market, crashing prices. Some were reused for gaming or AI training; others were scrapped or stored.
Q: Was building a mining rig worth it in 2018?
A: For early adopters before price spikes, yes—especially those who mined during peak ETH valuation and sold before market correction. However, rising electricity costs and hardware prices eroded margins over time.
Q: How many GPUs can a single motherboard support?
A: Standard motherboards typically support up to 6 GPUs natively. With PCIe risers and compatible BIOS settings, some configurations reached 8–12 GPUs using extended PCIe lane sharing via CPU/chipset limitations.
Q: Are PCIe 1x to 16x risers safe to use?
A: Yes—if using quality cables with proper shielding and power delivery. Poor-quality risers caused instability or failures, so reputable suppliers were recommended.
This comprehensive guide captures the state of Ethereum mining in 2018—a pivotal year that shaped modern crypto culture. While obsolete for current mining, it remains valuable for understanding hardware evolution, market dynamics, and DIY tech innovation.
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