Nvidia update reveals GeForce RTX 3060 anti-cryptomining refresh
Can Nvidia’s updated LHR cards curb cryptomining?
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Nvidiais releasing a new variant of itsGeForce RTX 3060graphics card in May 2021. This LHR (light hash rate) model will feature an updated hash rate limiter to make the process of mining cryptocurrency more difficult, thus hopefully opening up availability for consumers interested in purchasing a new card for its intended gaming purposes.
While this waspreviously rumored, additional weight has been added to the refresh as reported byVideoCardz, with Nvidia releasing theGeForce 466.27 driverthat appears to be a required download for its new GeForce RTX 3060 LHR variant to work. The card’s PCI device ID will prevent the LHR variant of the GeForce RTX 3060 from being used with older drivers.
This means that Nvidia is likely trying to push cryptominers onto more bespoke cryptocurrency hardware, such asNvidia’s own CMP HXseries. These cards are made specifically for mining popular cryptocurrencies such asBitcoinandEthereumand can’t be used for gaming in any capacity as they lack any form of display output.
Deep in the mines again
It remains to be seen if Nvidia’s light hash rate graphics cards will have an impact on availability. One reason why gaming-oriented consumers haven’t been able to get their hands on Nvidia’s high-end GeForce RTX 30 series GPUs is down to the cryptocurrency boom of recent months, where enthusiasts have discovered that graphics cards provide an efficient means of mining cryptocurrencies.
Of course, that’s not the sole reason why high-end GPUs are so elusive. A global shortage of silicone is preventing GPUs to be manufactured en masse, contributing to analysts’ predictions of shortageswell into 2022. That, and scalpers have been employing bots to automatically buy up stock refreshes whenever they go live, as was the case with a recentAMD online store debacle.
The reintroduction of the new, updated driver is welcome news, potentially undoing a mistake Nvidia made in the form of abeta driverundoing existing hash rate limiters on RTX 3060 cards, potentially motivating mining enthusiaststo circumvent the previous version of the limiter.There are also rumors that the new hash limiter variantwon’t be exclusiveto the RTX 3060, as Nvidia could be rolling this out for all GPUs in the RTX 30 series except for theRTX 3090.
Nvidia and Asus are examples of companies that have looked into ways of curbing the use of their GPUs for cryptomining in recent months, with the release of dedicated mining cards like theAsus CMP 30HX.
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However, Asus may need to go back to the drawing board in this case, as its cryptomining graphics card, based on an Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 Super, is actually more expensive to buy than an RTX 3080.
TechRadar is supported by its audience. TechRadar does not endorse any specific cryptocurrencies or blockchain-based services and readers should not interpret TechRadar content as investment advice. Our reporters hold only small quantities of cryptocurrency (under $100 in value), as is necessary to perform wallet and exchange reviews, and do not hold shares in any publicly listed cryptocurrency companies.
Rhys is TRG’s Hardware Editor, and has been part of the TechRadar team for more than two years. Particularly passionate about high-quality third-party controllers and headsets, as well as the latest and greatest in fight sticks and VR, Rhys strives to provide easy-to-read, informative coverage on gaming hardware of all kinds. As for the games themselves, Rhys is especially keen on fighting and racing games, as well as soulslikes and RPGs.
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