CGMiner vs SGMiner GPU Intensity: A Comprehensive Comparison

When it comes to cryptocurrency mining, one of the most crucial factors to consider is GPU intensity. The right GPU intensity can significantly impact your mining performance and profitability. In this article, we'll compare CGMiner and SGMiner's GPU intensity settings for the Radeon R9 280X.

Firstly, it's essential to understand that the 280X is essentially a re-branded 7970, which means they can be undervolted using VBE7 and the method I previously outlined for the 7950. To achieve optimal performance, you'll need to find the right balance between GPU intensity and power consumption.

For my tests, I was running Xubuntu 12.04 with the latest beta AMD Catalyst drivers installed, AMD SDK 2.7, and CGMiner 3.7.2. My setup consisted of a platform with all the hardware outlined in my guide, except for the PSU which was substituted for a larger 1000-watt unit, and the 7950 GPUs were replaced with 280X cards.

In CGMiner, I used a 280X-optimized scrypt kernel to achieve optimal performance. The results of my tests showed that a GPU intensity of 31 provided an excellent balance between performance and power consumption. However, this may vary depending on your specific setup and the type of cryptocurrency you're mining.

SGMiner, on the other hand, offers more flexibility when it comes to adjusting GPU intensity. You can adjust the intensity to suit your specific needs, but be careful not to overdo it, as this can lead to reduced performance or even damage to your GPUs.

To get started with CGMiner and SGMiner, you'll need to upgrade your power supply to something larger, such as a 1000+ watt gold or platinum-rated PSU. Running at 1137 mV, you can expect a 3 GPU rig to use between 850-900 watts at the wall.

In conclusion, CGMiner and SGMiner both offer excellent performance when it comes to mining with the Radeon R9 280X. By adjusting the GPU intensity settings in each program, you can optimize your performance and maximize your profits. Whether you're using CGMiner or SGMiner, a GPU intensity of 31 is a good starting point for optimal performance.

Remember to always monitor your power consumption and adjust your settings accordingly to avoid damaging your GPUs or running up excessive electricity bills. With the right setup and configuration, you can achieve impressive results with the Radeon R9 280X.

Cgminer vs sgminer gpu intensity 31