Mining Bitcoin with a GPU | It’s Not Economic, Users Say
Edited By
Igor Petrov
A wave of discussions on user forums reveals the reality of Bitcoin mining using graphics cards (GPUs), with many arguing that while technically feasible, it’s not worth the cost. A significant debate surrounding whether you can mine Bitcoin this way brings mixed conclusions from users in 2025.
The Current Mining Landscape
Historically, Bitcoin mining has evolved from CPUs to GPUs, and now to ASICs. Many contributors confirm this progression, noting that while mining with a GPU is possible, it’s not economically viable.
Key Points from the Forum Discussion
High Electricity Costs: Users emphasize that costs associated with electricity overpower any benefits from mining with GPUs. "U can, at a very big loss due to electricity cost per performance," one user pointed out.
Mining Performance: The performance gap is notable; a device like the Bitaxe can mine 1 block in about 9000 years compared to a GPU, which struggles to solo mine a block around every 9 million years. One comment stated, "A Bitaxe will hash about 1000x faster than a graphics card."
Alternative Cryptos: Although mining Bitcoin isn’t practical, several users highlighted the potential of mining alternative cryptocurrencies with a GPU. 16
The Road Ahead for Bitcoin Mining
There’s a strong chance that as electricity prices remain high, many will shift away from mining Bitcoin with GPUs. Experts estimate that alternative cryptocurrencies could see a rise in popularity as miners seek viable options. Users may find better profitability in coins that can still effectively be mined with GPU hardware. In the next few years, we could see a shift in focus towards optimized software solutions and mining pools, which may further lower the barriers for those wanting to enter the crypto scene.
A Spark from the Past
An unexpected parallel can be drawn to the advent of home computers in the 1980s. Initially, many enthusiasts believed they could harness personal machines for powerful tasks like programming or creating software. However, as the industry evolved, the real innovation happened in established companies that utilized larger systems to drive productivity. Just like those early personal computers, GPU mining might be remembered as a stepping stone rather than a mainstream method, paving the way for larger-scale operations to thrive.