What is the best coin to mine with an AMD RX 6800 XT?

Performance Characteristics of the AMD RX 6800 XT

1. The AMD RX 6800 XT delivers 16 GB of GDDR6 memory with a 256-bit bus width, enabling high bandwidth for memory-intensive workloads.

2. Its compute capability centers around 36 compute units operating at up to 2.5 GHz, offering strong parallel processing throughput suitable for GPU-minable algorithms.

3. Power draw typically ranges between 300–330 watts under full mining load, requiring careful thermal management and stable PSU support.

4. Memory bandwidth reaches 512 GB/s, which benefits memory-hard algorithms like Ethash and KawPoW.

5. Driver optimizations from AMD have historically favored Ethereum mining, though post-merge shifts redirected attention toward alternative coins.

Algorithm Compatibility and Hashrate Potential

1. Ethash-based coins such as Ethereum Classic (ETC) remain viable, with the RX 6800 XT achieving approximately 65–72 MH/s depending on memory tuning and BIOS modifications.

2. KawPoW (used by Ravencoin RVN) yields roughly 28–32 MH/s, leveraging both compute and memory bandwidth efficiently.

3. Octopus (used by Ergo) shows strong compatibility, delivering ~145–160 H/s with optimized memory timings and undervolting.

4. Cuckoo Cycle variants like Beam and Grin are less efficient on this GPU due to higher memory latency sensitivity and lower overall hashrate returns.

5. RandomX (Monero) is not supported natively on GPUs; CPU mining dominates that ecosystem, making the RX 6800 XT irrelevant for that algorithm.

Profitability Considerations in Current Market Conditions

1. Electricity cost per kWh heavily influences net returns — at $0.10/kWh, ETC mining may yield $0.80–$1.10 daily after power expenses.

2. Pool fees range from 0.5% to 2%, with PPLNS or FPPS payout models affecting short-term income consistency.

3. Network difficulty adjustments occur frequently; ETC difficulty rose over 25% in Q2 2024, compressing margins for marginal rigs.

4. Hardware resale value remains relatively stable compared to older generations, partially offsetting depreciation during low-revenue periods.

5. Memory overclocking and voltage reduction can improve efficiency by 8–12%, directly increasing effective profit per watt.

Firmware and Software Optimization Practices

1. Flashing custom BIOS files increases memory clock headroom, often unlocking +500–800 MHz on GDDR6 modules without instability.

2. Using TRM (T-Rex Miner) or GMiner allows seamless switching between Ethash and KawPoW, with built-in watchdog features preventing silent crashes.

3. Linux-based mining OSes like RaveOS or HiveOS provide remote monitoring, automatic restarts, and real-time temperature throttling triggers.

4. Undervolting the GPU core to 950–1050 mV while maintaining 2.3–2.4 GHz clocks reduces heat output without sacrificing more than 3–5% hashrate.

5. Memory timing adjustments via tools like AMD Memory Tweak can stabilize higher memory clocks, particularly beneficial for Ravencoin mining stability.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can the RX 6800 XT mine Bitcoin?Bitcoin mining relies exclusively on ASIC hardware using SHA-256. GPUs like the RX 6800 XT cannot compete due to orders-of-magnitude lower efficiency and no viable software stack.

Q: Is dual-mining supported on this GPU?Dual-mining configurations (e.g., Ethash + Blake2s) are unstable on RDNA2 architecture and unsupported by major miners. Attempts often trigger driver timeouts or memory corruption.

Q: Does overclocking void the warranty?Yes. AMD’s standard warranty excludes damage caused by overclocking, BIOS flashing, or operation outside factory-specified voltage/thermal limits.

Q: How does VRAM degradation affect long-term mining?Sustained operation at elevated memory clocks and temperatures accelerates wear on GDDR6 chips. Failures typically manifest as DAG verification errors or intermittent crashes after 12–18 months of continuous use.