Blog » Best GPU for Mining in 2026
Last updated August 2026 · 6 min read · By CoinCalculators Team
The RTX 4090 is the best GPU for mining in 2026, running Kaspa's KHeavyHash algorithm at 3.8 Gh/s on 300W — about 12.7 Mh/W, well ahead of every other consumer card on efficiency. If you already own an RTX 3080 or 3090, both remain solidly profitable at low electricity rates; the AMD RX 6900 XT works but trails the Nvidia lineup.
| Rank | Card | KHeavyHash (KAS) | Power | Efficiency | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | RTX 4090 | 3.8 Gh/s | 300W | 12.7 Mh/W | Highest raw output + efficiency |
| 2 | RTX 3080 | 1.7 Gh/s | 225W | 7.6 Mh/W | Best efficiency per dollar of hardware |
| 3 | RTX 3090 | 2.1 Gh/s | 285W | 7.4 Mh/W | Higher raw hash rate than the 3080 |
| 4 | RX 6900 XT | 1.2 Gh/s | 200W | 6.0 Mh/W | AMD owners, lower power ceiling |
Figures are each card's own KHeavyHash (Kaspa) benchmark from our live coins data. Efficiency = hash rate ÷ power draw — the number that actually drives profit per watt.
At 3.8 Gh/s and 300W, the RTX 4090 leads every other card on this list by a wide margin — both in raw output and in efficiency. It's the obvious pick if you're buying new. The drawback is upfront cost: at full retail price, payback time is longer than a used RTX 3080 even though it earns more per day. Run your own numbers on the RTX 4090 calculator page.
The RTX 3080 is the efficiency surprise on this list: at 7.6 Mh/W it edges out the newer, more expensive RTX 3090. Its raw hash rate (1.7 Gh/s) is lower, so total daily output trails the 3090 — but per watt of electricity, it's the better buy if you're mining on a budget or in a used-market card. Check current figures on the RTX 3080 calculator page.
The RTX 3090 outputs more raw hash rate than the 3080 (2.1 Gh/s vs 1.7 Gh/s) but draws more power to do it, landing just behind the 3080 on efficiency at 7.4 Mh/W. It's still a solid card, particularly if you already own one — the honest verdict is that it's not worth buying specifically for mining over a 3080 at similar used-market prices. See the RTX 3090 calculator page.
AMD's RX 6900 XT trails the Nvidia lineup at 6.0 Mh/W, but it's a genuine option if you're already running AMD hardware or find one cheap on the used market. Its lower power draw (200W) also makes it a reasonable pick where circuit capacity, not electricity cost, is your constraint. Full numbers on the RX 6900 XT calculator page.
Buying new and want the best long-term hardware: RTX 4090. Buying used or on a budget: RTX 3080 over the 3090 — you'll get better efficiency for less money. Already own an AMD card: the RX 6900 XT is workable, just plan for lower daily output. Whatever you pick, run it through the GPU calculator with your real electricity rate before buying — efficiency numbers don't account for local power cost, which is usually the bigger factor.
What is the best GPU for mining in 2026?
The RTX 4090, running Kaspa's KHeavyHash at 3.8 Gh/s on 300W — about 12.7 Mh/W, ahead of every other consumer card.
Is the RTX 3080 more efficient than the RTX 3090 for mining?
Yes — 7.6 Mh/W versus 7.4 Mh/W on KHeavyHash, despite the 3090 having higher raw hash rate.
Is AMD or Nvidia better for mining?
Nvidia's RTX 30/40-series currently leads on KHeavyHash efficiency. The RX 6900 XT is workable but trails at roughly 6.0 Mh/W.