[PCWorld News] Over the past six months, gamers concerned about the graphics card market have probably noticed that due to the "mining" trend, GPU prices have been inflated and speculative. Even without a huge price hike, it's still difficult for gamers to get their hands on affordable cards, causing frustration among many. Recently, there's been a lot of talk about an upcoming "mine crash." What does this mean? First, the prices of various cryptocurrencies are expected to drop. Second, graphics card prices may return to normal or even fall further. Third, a large number of mining rigs will be sold off by miners entering the secondary market.
This situation isn't new. History has shown that every mining boom eventually ends with a similar crash. The last major mining wave around 2013 ended in much the same way. This year’s cycle has lasted just a few months, and many GPUs that were recently used for mining are still relatively new. Some are even sold as brand new, such as a GTX 1060 priced at 1999 yuan, which was mined for two or three months before being repackaged and resold online or in physical stores. Can you tell the difference?
Graphics card mining and gaming are completely different experiences. Mining puts heavy stress on the hardware, which can significantly reduce the lifespan of a GPU. When the mining bubble bursts, some cards will be sold cheaply, while others might be refurbished and passed off as new. For consumers, it's hard to detect these “mine cards†without proper knowledge.
Of course, many experienced users claim they can spot a mined card by checking for the so-called "yellow chrysanthemum" (a sign of overheating). However, if a card was only mined for one to three months, this feature is often not obvious. Even manufacturers struggle to accurately determine whether a GPU was used for mining.
So, the final advice is: if you're an average user looking to buy a graphics card, it's best to go through reliable channels like Tmall flagship stores, JD.com, Amazon, or other trusted retailers. These platforms offer better guarantees. On the other hand, Taobao C stores, local shops, second-hand markets, and even some online resellers are more likely to be sources of previously mined cards. Keep this in mind when making your next purchase.
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