A self-proclaimed cryptocurrency miner with four years of experience, Jaxson Davidson, recently sparked controversy by tweeting photos of his mining operation. The images revealed rows of NVIDIA GPUs, including what appears to be GeForce RTX 3070 Founder's Edition cards, fueling speculation about bulk acquisitions during the global GPU shortage.
Key Details from the Mining Facility Reveal
- Location: The facility is reportedly housed in Utah's Tonaquint Data Center, a popular choice among miners due to its cost-effective infrastructure.
GPU Inventory: Observers noted multiple RTX 3070 Founder's Edition models, raising questions about procurement methods.
- Davidson claims all non-CMP cards were sourced from small businesses at a premium (~$1200 per unit).
- He denies using "special channels" to acquire non-LHR (unlocked hashrate) versions directly from NVIDIA.
Miner's Response to Backlash
Davidson addressed concerns:
- Ethical Sourcing: Emphasized compliance with official channels for CMP 170HX mining GPUs.
- Future Plans: Mentioned potential resale of used GPUs but warned buyers about risks associated with ex-mining hardware.
- Cooling Tips: Shared advice on managing thermals for Ethereum (ETH) and Ravencoin (RVN) mining setups.
Why This Matters for Gamers and Tech Enthusiasts
The ongoing GPU scarcity has left many questioning how miners secure large quantities of high-demand models like the RTX 3070, while consumers face:
- Price Gouging: Secondary market markups exceeding MSRP.
- Supply Chain Delays: No clear timeline for normalization post-pandemic.
👉 Struggling to find GPUs at retail prices? Explore alternatives
FAQ: Addressing Common Concerns
Q: How did the miner acquire so many RTX 3070 cards?
A: Davidson states purchases were made through small businesses, not retail or NVIDIA direct sales.
Q: Are these GPUs safe to buy secondhand?
A: Mining GPUs endure heavy 24/7 workloads, potentially reducing lifespan. Proceed with caution.
Q: When will GPU availability improve?
A: Industry analysts suggest shortages may persist into 2025 due to semiconductor constraints.
Q: What’s the difference between CMP and gaming GPUs?
A: NVIDIA’s Cryptocurrency Mining Processors (CMP) lack display outputs and are optimized for mining efficiency.
Bottom Line
While Davidson’s setup highlights the scale of professional mining operations, it underscores broader market challenges:
- Ethical Procurement: Transparency in sourcing remains contentious.
- Consumer Impact: Gamers and creators continue to face limited options amid inflated prices.
👉 Stay updated on GPU market trends
For now, buyers are advised to weigh risks carefully or consider waiting for new-generation releases.
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