Graphics Processing Unit (GPU)

A GPU, or graphics processing unit, is a piece of computer hardware responsible for putting digital images on your computer monitor, laptop, smartphone, or mobile device.

Before cryptocurrencies, when GPUs were discussed, it was primarily in reference to desktop computers or gaming machines.

Recently, with the explosion of cryptocurrencies and cryptocurrency mining specifically, GPUs have been used to mine Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and several other cryptocurrencies.

GPUs are very similar to CPUs, in that they can also process a large number of mathematical computations that are needed to decode different hashes over and over.

GPUs are rated by their hash rate, power consumption, electricity inputs, and heating.

It’s very common to see multiple GPUs combined into a single, more powerful mining rig.

Related Terms

CPU

A CPU, or central processing unit, is the brain of a computer that executes, or processes, the instructions that come from computer programs, operating systems, and other computer hardware. It is the most important part of any computer. CPUs have become an integral component of crypto mining rigs, the computer hardware that is used to […]

Data Center

In crypto mining, Data Centers are custom facilities that house large scale installations of cryptocurrency mining operations. These data centers are normally designed to efficiently run mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems associated with crypto mining operations. The more computers and servers a data center holds, the more hash power the data center has to utilize for mining

Desktop Wallet

A common type of crypto wallet used to securely store and manage your private keys on a computer hard drive. They’re considered more secure than web-based wallets, since you can only access them from wherever your computer is located, and again, you control your private keys.

The Merge

The Merge signifies a time in the future when the Ethereum blockchain transitions from the proof-of-work (PoW) consensus mechanism to a proof-of-stake (PoS) blockchain.

Market Capitalization (Market Cap)

Market Capitalization (Market Cap) is a total dollar value given to an asset (like Bitcoin), or an entire asset class (all cryptocurrencies), calculated by taking that asset’s circulating supply and multiplying it by the market price of that asset.