Battle of the Budget GPUs: Sapphire Pulse RX 516 vs Nvidia GTX 1050 Ti

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. The Sapphire Pulse RX 516 vs. the Nvidia GTX 1050 Ti
3. Reasons for Choosing These Graphics Cards
4. Primary Mining Algorithms for testing
5. Rig Setup for Benchmarking
6. Benchmarking Results for Ethereum Mining
7. Benchmarking Results for Zcash Mining
8. Benchmarking Results for Monero Mining
9. Efficiency of GPUs on Each Algorithm
10. Price Comparison of the Graphics Cards
11. Conclusion

A Head-to-Head Showdown: Sapphire Pulse RX 516 vs. Nvidia GTX 1050 Ti

In the world of budget graphics cards, the Sapphire Pulse RX 516 and the Nvidia GTX 1050 Ti stand out as popular choices for entry-level miners. With 4 gigabytes of RAM and a 6-Pin PCI Express power connector, both cards offer decent performance for their price range. In this article, we will compare these two graphics cards and analyze their mining capabilities for Ethereum, Zcash, and Monero. By delving into the benchmarking results and evaluating power efficiency and pricing, we aim to help you make an informed decision on which card best suits your mining needs.

Reasons for Choosing These Graphics Cards

The primary reason for selecting the Sapphire Pulse RX 516 and the Nvidia GTX 1050 Ti was their affordability and availability. With 4 gigabytes of RAM, both cards provide enough memory for mining Ethereum effectively. Additionally, the inclusion of a 6-pin PCI Express power connector allows for higher clock speeds and better performance when compared to graphics cards without this feature. While there are other options with lower costs, they often come with 2 or 3 gigabytes of RAM, limiting their mining capabilities. Hence, choosing these two graphics cards was a logical choice for our budget entry-level mining comparison.

Primary Mining Algorithms for Testing

To thoroughly evaluate the mining capabilities of the Sapphire Pulse RX 516 and the Nvidia GTX 1050 Ti, we focused our benchmarking on three main algorithms: Ethereum, Zcash, and Monero. These algorithms represent popular choices for miners and provide a comprehensive assessment of the cards' performance levels. By mining these three algorithms, we can determine which graphics card performs better in terms of hashrate, power consumption, and overall efficiency.

Rig Setup for Benchmarking

For our benchmarking tests, we used a standard rig consisting of an Intel Core i5-6600K processor, 8 gigabytes of DDR4 RAM, and a Gigabyte K3 Gaming motherboard. The system ran on a 600W EVGA power supply, providing sufficient energy for the graphics cards. By using this stable and widely available setup, we aimed to eliminate any potential hardware bottlenecks and ensure accurate performance measurements.

Benchmarking Results for Ethereum Mining

In our Ethereum mining benchmarks, we found that the Sapphire Pulse RX 516 achieved a hashrate of 11.4 mega hashes, while the Nvidia GTX 1050 Ti slightly outperformed it with a hashrate of 12.25 mega hashes. Surprisingly, the power consumption for the GTX 1050 Ti was lower than that of the RX 516, using only 61 watts compared to the RX 516's 79 watts. Although the performance difference was marginal, the 1050 Ti showcased superior performance-per-watt in Ethereum mining.

Benchmarking Results for Zcash Mining

When it came to Zcash mining, the performance gap between the Sapphire Pulse RX 516 and the Nvidia GTX 1050 Ti widened significantly. The RX 516 achieved a hashrate of 85.8 sols per Second, whereas the 1050 Ti delivered an impressive hashrate of 173 sols per second. Despite the significant performance difference, the power consumption remained quite similar, with the RX 560 using 60 watts and the 1050 Ti using 69 watts. Clearly, the 1050 Ti showcased remarkable Zcash mining capabilities, providing more than double the performance of the RX 516 while consuming only a single watt more.

Benchmarking Results for Monero Mining

In our Monero mining benchmarks, the Sapphire Pulse RX 516 demonstrated slightly better performance, achieving a hashrate of 333 hashes per second compared to the 1050 Ti's 277 hashes per second. However, the power consumption statistics revealed a different story. The RX 516 consumed 60 watts for its performance, while the 1050 Ti sipped power at a mere 39 watts. This intriguing result suggests that with some tweaking, overclocking, and optimized drivers, the 1050 Ti could potentially surpass the RX 516 in Monero mining performance.

Efficiency of GPUs on Each Algorithm

Analyzing the efficiency of the GPUs on each algorithm is crucial when determining which graphics card is the better investment. In terms of Ethereum mining, the GTX 1050 Ti demonstrated superior efficiency, consuming 4.97 watts per mega hash compared to the RX 516's 6.92 watts per mega hash. Similarly, when mining Zcash, the 1050 Ti used only 0.79 watts per sol, while the RX 516 required 1.08 watts per sol. Surprisingly, for Monero mining, the RX 516 offered better efficiency with 0.18 watts per hash compared to the 1050 Ti's 0.14 watts per hash. These efficiency figures reflect the relative strengths of each graphics card on different mining algorithms.

Price Comparison of the Graphics Cards

Considering the retail prices, the Sapphire Pulse RX 516 4GB overclocked version currently retails for £120, while the Gigabyte GeForce GTX 1050 Ti 4GB Windforce overclocked version is priced at £145. It is worth noting that there are variations in prices based on different cooler designs and power ratings. However, for the average miner seeking a balance between performance and cost, the GTX 1050 Ti proves to be a better investment in the long run.

Conclusion

After thorough evaluation and comparison of the Sapphire Pulse RX 516 and the Nvidia GTX 1050 Ti, it is evident that both graphics cards offer considerable mining capabilities for entry-level miners. While the RX 516 showcased strong performance in Monero mining, the GTX 1050 Ti proved to be superior in Ethereum and Zcash mining. Moreover, considering the efficiency and pricing factors, the 1050 Ti emerges as the more compelling choice for miners. Ultimately, the decision between these two graphics cards depends on individual preferences, algorithm preferences, and budget constraints.