Mining On RAM
Cryptocurrency mining is a costly process. With the increasing complexity of top networks, mining costs have increased. In 2022, a home farm of 6 video cards will cost 300-500 thousand rubles. Therefore, developers began to think about more economical ways to mine digital coins. Mining on RAM is considered an alternative solution. In 2022, there is not yet a consensus algorithm that uses RAM. RAM is a vital farm component that affects PC performance. But it is not directly involved in mining. CPU, GPU, or ASIC resources are used to work with the blockchain.
- Is it possible to mine on RAM
- What RAM is needed for mining
- The best RAM sticks for mining in 2022
- AMD DDR3 1600 8GB
- Kingston ValueRAM 8GB DDR4 240
- AMD 4GB DDR3
- Patriot 4GB DDR4
- GoodRam DDR3 4Gb
- How to choose RAM
- System paging file size
- Conclusions
Table of Contents
Is it possible to mine on RAM
In 2022, cryptocurrency will be mined on video cards, processors, hard drives, or ASICs. There is no mining technology on RAM yet. However, it is one of the main components of the farm. It affects the speed and stability of the computer.
In mining equipment, RAM is needed only for the operation of the operating system. The amount of RAM affects the performance when multitasking a PC. Mining equipment has one purpose. A single program and operating system are enough to work.
RAM matters to run a node in Proof-of-Stake (PoS). Transactions are verified by validators — network users with the most significant number of coins in their wallet. To run a workstation, you need a modern processor and at least 32 Gb of RAM (optimally 126-256 Gb).
What RAM is needed for mining
A cryptocurrency mining farm is a computer designed for narrow tasks and equipped with several graphics adapters. RAM is the temporary storage of data needed for programs to run. RAM allows the processor and graphics card to quickly read information without accessing a slow hard drive or SSD. When you turn off your PC, the data in RAM is automatically deleted.
More RAM allows the computer to store data from “heavy” software. This figure depends on the operating system you are using. Before starting crypto mining, you must disable all background programs, so they do not interfere with the primary process.
In the work of the miner, the RAM is practically not used. The main load goes to the memory of the video card or processor. The minimum RAM size for mining is 2 Gb. You can buy 4 Gb of RAM for stable operation if the PC is not used for other tasks. To view documents and run a browser or games simultaneously while mining cryptocurrencies, you should purchase 2 sticks of 4 Gb each.
A large amount of RAM is not needed for mining. A high score does not provide better farm performance. Therefore, buying expensive components that play a minor role in mining is unreasonable.
The best RAM sticks for mining in 2022
The choice of storage device depends on the type of computer loads. For mining cryptocurrencies on a farm with the latest graphics cards, the speed and clock speed of the memory is not so important. You must choose brackets according to other criteria – the functionality ratio, price, and compatibility with selected motherboards and processors. The average RAM cost for a small farm is 1.4-4.5 rubles. You can save money if you buy RAM on the marketplace.
AMD DDR3 1600 8GB
This is a simple and efficient solution. The storage device is compatible with most new motherboards. The chip has a DDR3 memory type. In 2022, this is the best ratio of quality, energy consumption, and price.
The amount of RAM is enough for mining on a processor or video card. Therefore, you do not have to buy additional straps.
| CHARACTERISTIC | MEANING |
|---|---|
Kingston ValueRAM 8GB DDR4 240
HyperX Fury DDR4 is one of the most popular series, so it is compatible with most motherboards and processors. Kingston ValueRAM is popular due to its characteristics and relatively small height (34.1 mm). RAM does not interfere with the cooling installation.
| PROPERTIES | MEANING |
|---|---|
AMD 4GB DDR3
The model from a well-known developer supports the ECC standard, which serves to eliminate errors. The RAM is of the DDR3 memory type, providing a good price/bandwidth ratio. Module height — 30 mm. This must be taken into account when installing it.
For mining on 10-13 video cards or more, 2 bars may be required. It is better to choose the amount of RAM in advance, so you do not have to buy additional parts. Different models (even from the same developer) may conflict. In this case, manual configuration is required.
Patriot 4GB DDR4
The universal module can be installed on a mining farm and in an office computer. The model has a modern DDR4 standard, which increases performance and saves on electricity.
Patriot 4 GB DDR4 is one of the cheapest DDR4s on the market. The developer claims that each bar meets industry standards. The module has a built-in heatsink. RAM is guaranteed for 5 years. For a rig with more than 13 video cards, 2 brackets may be required.
| PECULIARITIES | VALUES |
|---|---|
GoodRam DDR3 4Gb
RAM is suitable for miners who want to save money. GoodRam models are distinguished by an affordable price with identical characteristics to products of other brands. There is a drawback – not all motherboards support RAM (needs to be clarified before the deal). There is also no overclocking potential. However, for mining on a video card or a sik, this does not matter.
| CHARACTERISTIC | MEANING |
|---|---|
How to choose RAM
RAM is storage for the temporary storage of information. The reserve is a chip that is inserted into a slot on the motherboard. The criteria for choosing RAM for mining are as follows:
- Volume. For a rig of 6 video cards, 4 Gb is enough. If the farm consists of 12 or more GPUs, you must buy an 8 Gb bar for stable PC operation. Further increase in the amount of RAM will not lead to an increase in performance.
- Memory type. DDR4 models have higher frequencies and lower power consumption. RAM frequency does not affect mining performance. DDR4 is 10-15% more energy efficient and 15-25% more expensive than DDR3. Therefore, it makes no sense to buy an expensive model.
- The number of planks. Working in Dual Channel mode (2 RAMs operate in parallel) increases PC performance by 10-25%. But at the same time, the motherboard is additionally loaded. For mining, this is a more important criterion. Therefore, buying one bar for 8 Gb is better for a new farm.
- Overclocking capability. Some developers underestimate the frequencies for a more stable operation of the unit. In mining, this characteristic does not matter much.
- Manufacturer. Modules of top brands are more expensive with similar characteristics. Planks of well-known companies (AMD, Samsung, HyperX, G.SKILL) are distinguished by reliability and a guarantee of 3 years. Modules from budget manufacturers (Patriot, Transcend, Goodram) are suitable for mining. The main criterion is the guarantee for the product.
- Compatibility. The module must be connected to the motherboard slot. Before buying, you must ensure that the selected model fits the existing equipment. First, a motherboard is selected for a given number of video cards and the amount of RAM, and then a block of the appropriate type is installed. You can find out which standard the device supports from technical documents or specifications on the developer’s website. Most new motherboard models are DDR4 compatible.
- Frequency and timing. These characteristics affect the speed at which the system accesses the operational data store. The performance in programming and demanding games depends on the frequency and timing. For mining cryptocurrencies, video memory is mainly used. Therefore, frequency and timing have little effect on the result. These characteristics are essential when you need to buy a second bar. For stable operation of the system, the frequency and timing of the models must be the same.
- Radiators. Some RAMs have additional fans installed. In a mining farm, cooling from the processor is usually sufficient. Coolers will increase the noise level. Therefore, it is better to choose models without additional cooling.
- Price. Payback is vital for a mining farm. Therefore, users seek to save on components as much as possible. When choosing a microcircuit, you need to compare offers in terms of price and quality. A more powerful model can only be purchased if it is available at the same price.
System paging file size
When the program is started, the data is written to the functional module. To expand it, a paging file is used. The operating system transfers the data of an application that lacks a resource. If necessary, the OS can extract information from the paging file.
Some users note that the miner program crashes. This may be due to the low level of the swap file. To increase it, you need to do the following:
- Go to Windows settings.
- Click the “System Information” button.
- Select “Advanced system settings.”
- Go to the “Performance” tab. Select Options.
- Press the “Advanced” button.
- Go to the “Virtual Memory” section. Click “Change”.
For quick access to setting the paging file size, you must:
- Launch Command Prompt from the Start panel.
- Enter Run sysdm.cpl.
The developer of the Claymore miner program recommends making a paging file of at least 16 Gb, regardless of the amount of RAM. With these parameters, you can install a storage unit of 32 Gb. Some users set large values (up to free hard disk space). The system uses the swap file only when necessary. The higher it is, the more stable the OS will work.
Conclusions
The choice of RAM for mining is not the main task. RAM is required primarily for the operation of a computer. Therefore, you can save on it.
Any manufacturer’s bar will do. To rig up to 6 video cards, 4 Gb is enough. If the farm consists of 13 GPUs or more, buying an 8 Gb chip is better. Mining software developers recommend installing a paging file of at least 16 Gb, regardless of the RAM. With a smaller size, the miner may crash.
Leave a Reply