The loudness of GPU mining rigs depends on multiple factors from the technical specifications of your graphics processing unit to the ambient temperature and ventilation of the room in which it performs the crypto mining. Put it simply, it makes a significant difference if you ran Nvidia GeForce RTX 30 series in a cross-ventilated garage on a winter day to FX 5800 in a dorm room with no openable windows on the 4th of July (chances are you would not be able to hear the fireworks which for some might be a good thing!).

What is a GPU Mining Rig?

 

A mining rig is a configuration of hardware components intended for carrying out cryptocurrency mining. Although designed with the same objective in mind, that of assisting a blockchain network from attacks, these arrangements vary greatly in price, size and efficiency depending on whether they are a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a central processing unit (CPU) or a graphics processing unit (GPU).

We have witnessed consistent growth in popularity amongst miners regarding GPU mining rigs as interest in blockchain and crypto expanded exponentially in the last decade. GPU mining has taken over its forerunner CPU for reasons such as suitability for the tasks and a much better hash rate which eventually leads to a superior financial incentive for the mining enthusiast.

So, are GPU mining rigs loud?

By nature, GPUs will not be silent - however, you can minimize the noise levels by paying attention to and comparing different graphics cards, specifically their decibel levels.

Making an informed decision prior to purchasing your mining rig will make your life instantly ‘noise-free’ rather than trying to mitigate the noise with rather inventive methods such as designing your own sound-insulated box. A 25-30dB level of noise is the ideal range you should aim for your GPU fans to achieve which is comparable to a human whisper and three times less noisy than your typical vacuum cleaner.

But we all know ‘ideal’ is not always all ‘real’ - on average, a mining rig generates noise levels between 55 dB and 70dB because of the intensity to which they perform and the added humming noise of additional cooling equipment.

Below are a few things to keep in mind once your GPU mining rigs are ready to go:

• Place your rigs somewhere well-ventilated. Whether you keep your windows open as much as possible or strategically choose a room with openings on opposite sides of the room, air circulation will facilitate better performance for your GPU mining rigs.

 

• Increase the distance between your rigs to approximately 5 inches. A common mistake is to stack or pack the mining rigs tightly together so that you save space. Allowing space between the GPU mining rigs will allow better ventilation and airflow.

 

• Long-term, regular maintenance of your GPU mining rigs will improve performance hence reducing noise levels. Blow the dust out of each card’s cooler to avoid clogged coolers by using a compressed air can.

 

• Avoid placing your rigs near heat sources and/or exposed to direct sunlight. The last thing you want to do is add to the heat levels generated by the rigs - in turn, this will make your rigs under-perform and will significantly increase the noise levels.

 

• And finally, if none of the above satisfies your ears, then keep your distance! Depending on personal circumstances, place the GPU mining rigs in rooms that are not sleeping or living spaces. For example, the noise levels will be less disturbing if coming from your basement or garage rather than your bedroom.