Mining Farm: What It Is, How It Looks and Works, How to Build or Buy One, and Profit Calculation in 2025.

In recent years, cryptocurrency has become an integral part of the financial world, attracting the attention of both investors and technology enthusiasts. One of the key processes ensuring the operation of digital currencies is mining—a complex computational process used to create new blocks in the blockchain and validate transactions. To perform this efficiently, specialized devices are used, grouped into so-called mining farms. These equipment complexes automate the cryptocurrency mining process, increasing its speed and profitability.

How a Mining Farm is Structured and Looks

МA mining farm, or rig, is a specialized setup designed for cryptocurrency mining. For digital assets that use the Proof-of-Work (PoW) algorithm, this process plays a crucial role in maintaining the network’s functionality, ensuring its decentralization and independence from a single governing entity.

Most mining farms are built using graphics cards from two leading manufacturers:

• Nvidia
• AMD

The difference between them lies in GPU architecture, which affects efficiency when working with different algorithms. Nvidia cards are considered easier to configure, making them a convenient choice for beginner miners.

For a fully functional mining farm, you will need not only a set of graphics cards (from 4 to 12 units) but also additional components:

• A computer with an installed operating system (Linux or Windows 10)
• Specialized mining software
• A cryptocurrency wallet for storing earned coins
• A cooling system, as the equipment generates a significant amount of heat

Setting up and configuring such a farm requires certain technical knowledge, but with a proper approach, it can generate a stable income through cryptocurrency mining.

Read also: What is Cryptocurrency Mining? How Miners Work, What They Are Used For, and How to Earn from It.

How a Mining Farm Works

Initially, cryptocurrency mining could be done using a central processing unit (CPU), but over time, this method became inefficient. Limited computational power and high energy consumption made it unprofitable. It was replaced by graphics processing unit (GPU) mining, which proved to be much more efficient in handling repetitive computational tasks. During the hash selection process, each attempt involves changing just a single character, and GPUs can perform these calculations significantly faster.

One of the key reasons for the high efficiency of GPUs in mining is the presence of a large number of arithmetic logic units (ALUs), responsible for executing mathematical operations. The more ALUs a GPU has, the more calculations it can process, directly affecting the speed and profitability of cryptocurrency mining.

Mining on graphics cards is essentially the process of processing transactions and recording them in the blockchain, a distributed public ledger of cryptocurrencies. As a reward for their work, miners receive new coins generated by the system, as well as transaction fees. This process serves two important functions:

1. Creation of new coins – distributing the issuance of digital currency among miners.
2. Ensuring network security – maintaining its decentralization and motivating participants to process transactions.

Over time, as the number of miners increases, the complexity of computations rises to ensure that blocks continue to be created at a predetermined rate. In the case of Bitcoin, this process has become so resource-intensive that standard mining farms using graphics cards can no longer keep up, giving way to specialized ASIC devices designed exclusively for this task.

How to Buy or Build a Mining Farm

If you plan to set up a mining farm yourself, you will need to select and purchase the necessary components. The main elements of the setup include:

• Graphics Cards (GPU). The number varies, but the most common setup includes six GPUs. The choice of model depends on the mining algorithm, performance, and energy efficiency.
• It is essential to consider the number of slots for graphics cards and compatibility with the processor. Popular options: ASUS Prime Z370-A, ASUS Prime Z390-A.
• Processor (CPU). If cryptocurrency mining with the CPU is not planned, a budget model like the 6-core Intel Core i5-9400 will suffice.
• RAM (Random Access Memory). 4–8 GB is enough, as it does not play a key role in mining.
• Power Supply Unit (PSU). It must provide sufficient power for the stable operation of all components in the farm.
• Risers (PCI-e extenders). These allow multiple graphics cards to be connected and positioned for better cooling.
• Hard Drive (SSD). A 240 GB model is sufficient.
• Networking Equipment. An Ethernet cable, router, or Wi-Fi adapter is required for a stable internet connection.
• Frame (rig). It can be built manually or purchased as a ready-made structure made of aluminum, wood, or other materials.

Additional accessories may be needed, such as cable ties, a USB flash drive, and PCI-e Y-splitters for power connections.

The final cost of setting up a mining farm depends on the number and model of graphics cards. The minimum investment starts at $1,000, but depending on the configuration, a farm can cost several thousand dollars. An alternative option is purchasing a pre-built mining farm. It can be bought:

• Second-hand (e.g., on Avito). This is cheaper, but it’s important to consider possible equipment wear and tear.
• On specialized platforms. These offer a higher guarantee of component reliability, but the cost is significantly higher than building one yourself.

Before buying or assembling a farm, it’s essential to carefully analyze profitability, energy consumption, and the current cryptocurrency market situation to assess the investment prospects.

How to Choose a Graphics Card for a Mining Farm

When selecting a GPU for cryptocurrency mining, several factors influence performance and profitability. Here are the key aspects to consider:

1. Hashrate (Computing Power) The performance of a graphics card is measured in hashes per second (H/s). The higher this value, the faster blocks are computed, leading to higher potential earnings.
2. Energy Efficiency One of the main criteria is the ratio of power consumption to performance. GPUs with a high hashrate but low power consumption help reduce electricity costs and increase mining profitability.
3. Compatibility with Mining Algorithms Different cryptocurrencies use various algorithms (e.g., Ethash, Equihash, KawPow). Before purchasing, ensure that the selected GPU is optimized for mining the specific cryptocurrency you plan to mine.
4. Price and Availability The GPU market is subject to price fluctuations due to demand levels. Before buying, compare the prices of different models and assess their availability to find the best balance between cost and performance.
5. Cooling System Efficiency Mining places a heavy load on hardware, causing it to heat up. GPUs with advanced cooling systems ensure stable operation and extend the device’s lifespan.
6. Warranty and Service Support Some manufacturers offer extended warranties and support for mining-use devices. Before purchasing, check the warranty terms to avoid potential issues in case of hardware failure.
7. Power Supply and Cooling System for the Farm In addition to choosing a GPU, consider the farm’s overall power consumption and cooling efficiency. Using high-quality power supplies and additional cooling solutions will help prevent overheating and operational failures.

Choosing the right GPU is key to the stable and profitable operation of a mining farm. Make an informed decision by analyzing all parameters and aligning them with your goals and budget.

Graphics Cards for Mining

When selecting a GPU for mining, it’s essential to consider not only its processing power but also energy efficiency, return on investment, and compatibility with cryptocurrency algorithms. According to the Minerstat calculator as of early 2025, some of the most profitable GPUs for mining include:

The main advantage of GPUs over specialized ASIC miners is their versatility. While ASIC devices are optimized for specific algorithms, GPUs can mine multiple cryptocurrencies, making them a more flexible solution in a constantly changing market.

Cryptocurrencies Mined with GPUs

According to WhatToMine, the most profitable cryptocurrencies for GPU mining in 2025 include:

• Ethereum
• Firo
• Ravencoin
• Ethereum Classic
• Ergo
• Beam
• Vertcoin
• Aeternity
• Bitcoin Gold

As well as a number of other cryptocurrencies that operate on algorithms resistant to ASIC mining, such as Etchash, KawPow, Verthash, and others. These coins may be interesting not only for quick selling but also for long-term holding with the goal of making a profit if their value increases.

Choosing a Cryptocurrency for Mining

Before purchasing equipment, it is advisable to use specialized profitability calculators such as NiceHash, CoinWarz, CryptoCompare, to assess mining profitability. It is important to consider the following factors:

• Fluctuations in cryptocurrency prices on the market.
• Increasing mining difficulty for a specific coin.
• Rising electricity costs in your region.

It’s best to check data across multiple services, as calculations may vary. Since mining equipment is a significant investment, accurately forecasting profitability is crucial.

How Much Can You Earn from a Mining Farm in 2025?

The profitability of a mining farm depends on several factors, including cryptocurrency prices, network difficulty, and electricity costs. These parameters directly impact equipment earnings.

Example Income Calculation

A mining rig built with six RTX 3060 GPUs can generate between $300 and $400 per month, assuming stable cryptocurrency prices and average network difficulty.

How to Calculate Net Profit? Use the following formula: Net Profit = Revenue – (Electricity Costs + Maintenance + Equipment Depreciation)

Example:

• Revenue: $350 per month
• Electricity Costs: $100 per month (assuming $0.1 per kWh)
• Maintenance: $20 per month
• Equipment Depreciation: $50 per month
• Net Profit: $350 – ($100 + $20 + $50) = $180 per month

On average, mining equipment pays for itself within 1.5 to 3 years, depending on:

• Cryptocurrency market prices
• Current electricity rates
• Mining difficulty levels

Since these factors fluctuate, mining profitability can vary significantly.

Read also: The best ASIC miners for cryptocurrency mining in 2025 – review, model comparison, and profitability calculators.

Mining Pool Operation

To increase mining efficiency, most users join pools—communities that collectively mine blocks and share rewards.

• Solo mining – You receive the full reward, but the chances of finding a block are extremely low.
• Pool mining – Rewards are distributed among all participants, ensuring a steady income.

Popular pools like Binance Pool, Ethermine, Nanopool, help stabilize earnings even as network difficulty rises. Besides choosing a pool, successful mining requires selecting the right software that is compatible with your GPUs and the chosen mining algorithm.

Cryptocurrency Mining Options

Basic Mining Method

The simplest way to mine cryptocurrency involves installing specialized mining software on a computer. Once set up, the device’s computing power connects to a payment system, allowing participation in the mining process.

Government Initiatives in Mining

In recent years, interest in digital assets, including mining, has emerged at the governmental level in some countries. However, in most economically developed nations, this sector remains primarily a private business. For instance, North Korea views cryptocurrency mining as a tool to strengthen its national currency.

Some domestic government officials have also discussed the potential for state-backed mining programs. However, these ideas remain under consideration, with no concrete steps taken yet.

Mining Pools

One of the key features of Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies is the random distribution of mined coins. To make this process more predictable, mining pools were introduced—specialized services that combine the computing power of participants. Users contribute their resources, and the rewards for mined blocks are distributed among them according to the pool’s rules.

Using mining pools makes cryptocurrency mining more stable and efficient compared to solo mining, contributing to their widespread popularity.

Cloud Mining

Modern mining requires significant computing power, making it expensive and inaccessible to most users. To address this issue, cloud mining pools emerged—services that allow users to rent or purchase a share of computing power from specialized companies.

In such systems, transactions are conducted over the internet: the client invests in renting mining equipment, while the company handles its operation and maintenance. As a result, users earn mining rewards without the need to buy and manage expensive hardware.

Hidden Mining

Hidden mining involves the unauthorized use of someone else’s computing power for cryptocurrency mining. This can happen when an employee runs a mining program on a company computer or when hackers inject malicious code into a user’s system.

Recently, there have been increasing cases where popular websites contain embedded scripts that secretly use visitors’ resources for mining without their consent. This method of cryptocurrency mining is considered illegal, but countering it is challenging due to the difficulty of detection and blocking such schemes.

Is It Possible to Mine Without Investments?

Today, mining cryptocurrency without initial capital is quite difficult. However, some cloud mining services attract users with promotional offers, allowing them to mine cryptocurrency for free for a limited time.

There are also so-called crypto faucets — advertising websites that distribute small amounts of cryptocurrency (such as satoshis, Bitcoin fractions) in exchange for simple tasks like watching ads. While this is not actual mining, such platforms remain popular, and their number continues to grow.

Risks and Market Volatility

The cryptocurrency market is highly volatile. Even well-established coins like Bitcoin experience sharp declines after long periods of growth. There are no guarantees that after a market crash, the price will recover. This makes mining investments potentially risky. However, looking at the statistics over the past 10 years, the prices of Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other major cryptocurrencies have generally increased over time. Holding mined coins as a long-term investment can make mining highly profitable.

Conclusion

Mining farms remain an effective way to mine promising altcoins, which can generate stable income or become a profitable long-term investment. However, the high cost of GPUs, driven in part by demand from miners, makes the initial investment significant, often reaching hundreds of thousands of rubles.

To estimate profitability in advance, specialized mining calculators should be used. They help calculate the payback period of equipment and determine when investments will start generating net profit. However, these calculations depend on the current market conditions, which can change, directly affecting the profitability of mining.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)