• AHemlocksLie@lemmy.zip
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    edit-2
    9 months ago

    I could be mistaken, but I don't think that's unreasonably long for miners. Probably unfavorably long, but not prohibitively so. Plus, it means it's viable for hackers since it'll actually turn a non negligible profit. Hackers don't have to break even. They use your hardware and your electricity and take all the revenue while you take all the costs.

    GPU mining has been unprofitable for years now. It was only kept afloat by Ethereum, but that went proof-of-stake. Its been unprofitable in Bitcoin for ages now, since like... Early to mid 2010s. Ever since the rise of ASICs, GPU mining has been a great way to light cash on fire. I don't think GPU mining will ever be substantially profitable again. If it ever does, I think an ASIC can be built for any algorithm if it's profitable enough to do so.

    It seems counter intuitive, but I think mining is going to remain an important aspect of cryptocurrencies. It burns energy, but I think it will help keep the game theory appropriately balanced for all actors in system.

    • FuckyWucky [none/use name]
      ·
      edit-2
      9 months ago

      yes but hackers have to use existing cpus, they can't buy new ones so it's unlikely to push up cpu prices. Besides they'll always exist as long as there is any money to be done. They have no costs, no need to pay for cpus or for power.

      I do not think the current crypto price spike is going to last very long. At some point the etf holders will sell.