Report: Repurposing Nvidia Crypto Mining GPUs into Gaming GPUs is Not Recommended
A recent report from VideoCardz detailed the adventures of a Spanish YouTuber who attempted to convert an MSI CMP 50HX crypto mining graphics card into a gaming GPU. In theory, the TU102 chip found in the CMP 50HX is similar to the RTX 2080 Ti, leading to optimism about its gaming potential. However, the reality, as the report reveals, was quite different.
The mining card does not have a monitor output, so it needs to be connected to a system with integrated graphics and used as a secondary GPU. Additionally, the CMP 50HX is equipped with a blower-style cooler, and repurposing it also presents a challenge with recognizing drivers.
Despite the effort and investment required to convert the mining GPU into a gaming model, the results were disappointing. The CMP 50HX was restricted to 4 PCIe lanes, and the modder was unable to unlock the blocked lanes, leading to lackluster performance. Considering the cost and complexity of this process, it is not a practical way to obtain a budget gaming graphics card.
Purchasing a second-hand GeForce GPU may be a more sensible option, especially given the potential drawbacks and uncertainties associated with repurposing mining graphics cards. While the experiment was impractical, it did showcase the potential challenges and limitations of repurposing mining GPUs.
