[PConline News] Over the past six months, gamers concerned about the graphics card market have been frustrated by the high prices driven by cryptocurrency mining. The market has seen significant speculation, with some cards even selling at inflated prices, making it difficult for regular players to get a fair deal. Recently, there's been a lot of buzz about an upcoming "mining crash." What does this mean? First, virtual currency prices may drop sharply. Second, graphics card prices could return to normal—or even fall further. Third, a large number of mining rigs will likely hit the secondary market as miners look to sell their equipment.
This isn't the first time we've seen such a cycle. History repeats itself—back in 2013, the last mining boom also ended in a similar way. This year’s mining trend has lasted just a few months, and many of the graphics cards currently being used for mining are still relatively new. Some even come in brand-new boxes, making them appear as if they're fresh from the factory. For example, a GTX 1060 priced at around 1999 yuan might be mined for two or three months before being resold online or in physical stores. Can you tell the difference?
Mining and gaming are entirely different in terms of workload. Mining puts heavy pressure on the GPU, which can significantly shorten its lifespan. When the mining bubble bursts, some GPUs will be sold cheaply, while others will be refurbished and resold. These second-hand cards are hard to detect for the average consumer.
Many people believe that checking for "yellow chrysanthemum" (a sign of overuse) is a reliable way to spot mined cards. However, if a GPU was only used for mining for one to three months, this mark is barely visible. Even manufacturers can’t always determine with certainty whether a card has been used for mining.
So, what should you do? If you're an average user looking to buy a graphics card, it's best to go through trusted channels like Tmall flagship stores, JD.com, or Amazon. These platforms offer more security compared to smaller Taobao shops, local stores, or third-party resellers, which are often the main sources of used mining cards. Be cautious and do your research before making a purchase.
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