Skip to main content

Pascal GTX 1060 graphics cards at the heart of new eight-GPU mining rig

A bespoke motherboard design for cryptocurrency mining using eight linked Nvidia GTX 1060 graphics cards could contribute to cited problems of graphics card shortages for gamers. The graphics processor (GPU) mining system has a specially crafted motherboard, power, and cooling system designed to maximize coin mining in an efficient manner.

It’s been three years since the last time AMD and others blamed graphics card shortages on cryptocurrency miners, but that seems to be what we’re seeing again in 2017 as currencies like Ethereum surge in value. This particular system seems to be geared towards Nvidia Pascal graphics cards however, as it cites the GP106-100, the core found in the GTX 1060 Pascal card.

Recommended Videos

In the case of this system though, those cores would be built into passively cooled cards with no video outputs.

Apart from the eight graphics cards, the specifications for the system are relatively pedestrian sounding for the gamers and hardware enthusiasts out there. The CPU is a single Intel Celeron mobile processor, paired up with 4GB of DDR3 memory. Storage is a single 64GB mSATA solid state drive (SSD).

But little of that matters, because unlike traditional PCs, this mining system is designed to maximize the number-crunching abilities of its bundled graphics cards. With eight churning away, this system can output a respectable amount of Ethereum, ZCash or Monero currencies. Videocardz claims it’s comparable to running a system with dual GTX 1080s and a GTX 1070, though it does draw more power to do so.

To power the eight GPUs inside the mining system, this set-up offers an optional 1,600w PSU, though should typically draw around 1,000w for those looking to build their own PSU into it. To make sure everything stays relatively cool there’s a relay of nine fans: five inflow and four outflow. They’re joined by dual eight-pin power connectors for each graphics card along the length of the custom motherboard.

Other cited features of this GPU mining system is an easy-to-dismantle case for maintenance purposes, a sturdy enclosure that enables stacking, and solid dust control and ventilation to prevent overheating.

No word yet on how much such a system will cost, but it’s not likely to be cheap. It’s also worth bearing in mind that the resale value will likely be very poor, as the graphics cards will be worked far harder than most high-end PCs.

There’s also no word on a planned release date.

Jon Martindale
Jon Martindale is a freelance evergreen writer and occasional section coordinator, covering how to guides, best-of lists, and…
SpaceX’s Starlink rival is about to launch more internet satellites — here’s how to watch
Amazon's KA-01 mission for Project Kuiper gets underway from the Space Coast.

[UPDATE: A technical issue with the rocket has caused the launch to be postponed. We'll update this article with the new launch schedule just as soon as it becomes available.]

Amazon is preparing to launch its second batch of Project Kuiper internet satellites to orbit as it seeks to build out a constellation to take on SpaceX’s Starlink service.

Read more
Weird Mac mini issue prompts Apple to take action
A top-down view of the Mac Mini.

Following multiple reports of specific Mac mini computers failing to power on, Apple has launched a global repair program to sort the problem out.

Apple launched the  M2 Mac mini in January 2023, though the affected units were made between June 16 and November 23 of 2024, according to a notice about the repair program that was first spotted by MacRumors.

Read more
Don’t miss this chance to buy a MacBook Air at $200 off
The MacBook Air on a table in front of a window.

For those who have always wanted to get one of Apple's MacBooks but can't stomach the price tag, here's your chance to buy one for a relatively affordable price. Best Buy has slashed the price of the 13-inch Apple MacBook Air M3 to only $699, for savings of $200 on its sticker price of $899. You need to act fast though, as there's always high demand for MacBook deals. The stocks that are up for sale may already be gone as soon as tomorrow.

Why you should buy the 13-inch Apple MacBook Air M3

Read more