Claymore's Dual Miner is a popular software solution for cryptocurrency mining, allowing users to mine Ethereum alongside other coins like Decred or Siacoin simultaneously. This guide covers its setup, performance optimization, and common troubleshooting steps for both AMD and NVIDIA GPUs.
Understanding Dual Mining with Claymore's Software
Dual mining enables your graphics card to work on two different blockchain algorithms at the same time. This approach maximizes hardware utilization and can increase overall profitability. Claymore's miner is specifically designed for this purpose, supporting efficient mining of Ethereum (using the Ethash algorithm) and another coin like Decred or Siacoin.
The software is compatible with a wide range of AMD and NVIDIA graphics cards. However, performance and stability can vary significantly based on your specific hardware configuration, operating system, and driver versions.
Performance Expectations for Different GPU Models
Performance metrics help set realistic expectations for mining output. Here are some common hashrate observations from users:
- GTX 1070: Approximately 25-30 MH/s on Ethereum when properly configured with recommended drivers.
- GTX 980 Ti: Around 19.8 MH/s for Ethereum and 190 MH/s for Decred using older drivers like 368.81.
- R9 280X: Approximately 20 MH/s for Ethereum and 180+ MH/s for Decred, though intensities might need adjustment for heat management.
- Multi-GPU Setups: Systems with multiple cards (e.g., 8x GTX 970 + 2x GTX 1070) can achieve significantly higher total hashrates but require careful configuration to avoid instability.
Note that these figures are highly dependent on factors like overclocking settings, cooling solutions, and overall system stability.
Driver Requirements and Compatibility Issues
Using the correct GPU drivers is critical for both performance and stability. NVIDIA users, particularly those with newer Pascal architecture cards like the GTX 1070, often encounter issues with older driver versions.
- NVIDIA Drivers: Version 368.81 is known to cause problems with GTX 1070 cards, often resulting in failures during the DAG generation process. The recommended solution is to upgrade to driver version 369.05 or later. For Windows 10 users, version 369.09 is often suggested.
- Windows Version Limitations: At the time of this writing, newer drivers (369.xx+) were primarily available for Windows 10. Users on Windows 7 or 8.1 may need to upgrade their operating system to access these necessary driver updates for optimal performance with newer GPUs.
- AMD Drivers: While generally more stable for mining, always ensure you are using the latest recommended drivers from AMD for your specific card series.
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Common Errors and Troubleshooting Solutions
Many users encounter specific error messages when launching the miner. Here are some common ones and their typical resolutions:
- "cu_k1 failed 4, unspecified launch failure" / "illegal memory access was encountered": This is almost always a driver compatibility issue. Update your NVIDIA drivers to version 369.05 or newer.
- "OpenCL.dll missing": This indicates that the OpenCL runtime is not properly installed. Reinstall your GPU drivers or manually install the OpenCL components.
- Miner hangs during DAG creation: This is particularly common with GTX 1070 cards on older drivers. The solution is to update to compatible drivers as mentioned above.
- High temperatures: Dual mining increases GPU workload significantly. Ensure proper cooling and consider reducing the intensity settings for the second coin if temperatures exceed safe limits (typically above 80-85°C for extended periods).
Configuration Tips for Optimal Performance
Proper configuration extends beyond just driver updates. Consider these adjustments for better results:
- Intensity Settings: You can adjust the mining intensity for the second coin using the "+" and "-" keys while the miner is running. Finding the right balance between Ethereum and secondary coin hashrates is key to maximizing efficiency without overwhelming your hardware.
- Stratum Protocol Support: The miner supports stratum protocol for various pools. For Siacoin mining on SiaMining.com, use port 7777 with the stratum URL
stratum+tcp://siamining.com:7777. - Batch File Configuration: Ensure your start.bat file correctly specifies your wallet addresses, worker names, and pool information. Even experienced miners can make typos in this critical configuration file.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is dual mining and how does it work?
Dual mining allows a single GPU to mine two different cryptocurrencies simultaneously. Claymore's miner efficiently handles this by leveraging your graphics card's processing power to work on Ethereum's Ethash algorithm and another algorithm like Blake256 or Skein at the same time, maximizing your mining revenue potential.
Why does my GTX 1070 keep failing with memory access errors?
This is typically a driver compatibility issue. The GTX 1070 requires NVIDIA driver version 369.05 or newer to function properly with Claymore's miner. Older drivers like 368.81 contain bugs that prevent successful DAG creation and cause memory access violations.
Can I use Claymore's miner on Linux systems?
Yes, Claymore provides both Windows and Linux versions of their miner. However, driver requirements and performance characteristics may differ between operating systems. Linux users often report slightly higher hashrates and better stability for mining operations.
How can I reduce my GPU temperatures while dual mining?
You can lower temperatures by reducing the intensity setting for the secondary coin using the "-" key, improving case ventilation, adding additional cooling solutions, or underclocking your GPU slightly. Monitoring tools are essential to find the right balance between performance and temperature.
What should I do if I get an OpenCL.dll missing error?
This error indicates that the OpenCL runtime components are not properly installed. Reinstall your graphics drivers, ensuring you select the "clean install" option. For NVIDIA users, make sure to install the full driver package that includes all components, not just the basic display driver.
Are there any risks to dual mining?
The primary risks include increased power consumption, higher operating temperatures that could potentially reduce hardware lifespan if not properly managed, and slightly more complex configuration requirements. However, with proper cooling and monitoring, these risks can be effectively mitigated.
Advanced Optimization Techniques
For experienced miners looking to squeeze every bit of performance from their hardware:
- Custom BIOS Modifications: Advanced users sometimes flash modified BIOS versions to their graphics cards to improve mining efficiency, though this voids warranties and carries significant risk.
- Overclocking and Undervolting: Finding the optimal balance between core clock, memory clock, and voltage settings can significantly improve hashrates while potentially reducing power consumption.
- Pool Selection Strategies: Different pools offer varying fee structures and payment schemes. Researching and selecting the right pool for your specific mining setup can impact overall profitability.
Remember that successful mining requires ongoing attention to hardware health, software updates, and market conditions. Regular maintenance and monitoring are essential for long-term success in cryptocurrency mining.