As we progress through 2025, Ethereum (ETH) has surged past previous highs, stabilizing above $1,800 and reigniting global interest in ETH mining—Hong Kong included. By late 2024, the local market already faced shortages and inflated prices for the latest GPU models.
This guide by Caismining provides a cost breakdown for ETH mining in Hong Kong, including electricity expenses, and offers tailored advice to avoid common pitfalls. Relying solely on online tutorials can be misleading—our 5+ years of mining experience across various setups confirms that real-world conditions often differ from lab tests.
Warning: Mining under suboptimal conditions can lead to equipment damage or operational failures.
1. Calculating Electricity Costs for ETH Mining in Hong Kong
Understanding Power Consumption
Electricity usage (kWh) = Device wattage × operational hours.
Example: An 800W mining rig running 24/7 consumes:
- Daily: 800W × 24h = 19.2 kWh
- Monthly: 19.2 kWh × 30 days = 576 kWh
Power Rates by Provider
- CLP (Kowloon/New Territories): ~$1.2/kWh (commercial/residential)
Monthly cost: 576 kWh × $1.2 = **$691.20** - HK Electric (Hong Kong Island): ~$1.3/kWh
Monthly cost: 576 kWh × $1.3 = **$748.80**
Note: Rates escalate with higher usage tiers. Multi-rig setups require adjusted calculations.
2. The Pitfalls of Online Mining Benchmarks
Pushing GPUs to their ETH mining limits accelerates component degradation due to sustained high temperatures. Failures may manifest weeks or months later, causing instability or undetectable hardware—requiring system reinstalls or lengthy troubleshooting.
3. GPU Stacking ≠ Linear Hashrate Gains
High-end GPUs generate extreme heat under load. When clustered, thermal buildup reduces efficiency even at 100% fan speed. Mid-tier cards often offer better cost/performance ratios in space-constrained environments like Hong Kong.
4. Hidden Costs: Peripheral Hardware and Setup
Building a 6-GPU platform? Prioritize motherboards with 6+ PCIe slots—avoid unstable splitter cables. High-wattage PSUs (1,000–1,200W) are scarce and expensive, inflating per-MH/s costs versus mid-tier setups.
5. GPU Variability: No One-Size-Fits-All Settings
Identical GPU models may differ in silicon quality and RAM brands, requiring unique overclocking parameters. Incorrect settings risk gradual damage, as mining demands 24/7 operation—unlike intermittent gaming OC.
6. TDP vs. Actual Mining Power Draw
GPU power consumption varies by workload. Mining and gaming at 100% load utilize different instructions, making TDP ratings unreliable for estimating mining wattage.
7. Heat and Noise: Modern GPUs vs. Legacy Rigs
Newer GPUs like the ETH Mining V6 deliver 360+ MH/s at half the power/heat of older models (e.g., 180 MH/s at 1,000W). However, confined spaces benefit from multi-rig mid-tier setups for optimal thermals and acoustics.
8. Home Mining Feasibility
- Scenario 1 (No AC):
3 rigs in a 200 sq. ft. space raise ambient temps to 33–35°C with minimal noise (fans at 50–60%). - Scenario 2 (With AC):
1HP AC maintains 25°C; mining noise becomes negligible.
9. Power Strip Safety
Hong Kong’s 13A outlets support ~3,000W. A standard strip can safely power three 800W rigs (2,400W total).
10. Maximizing Mining Profits
ETH mining is a long-term play to accumulate crypto during bullish cycles. Current ROI: ~5 months. Post-ROI, sell partial holdings to recoup initial costs, then mine profitably.
Pro Tip: Hong Kong’s space constraints demand balancing hash rate, cooling, and footprint. Choose rigs that align with your environment.
FAQs
Q1: Can I use gaming GPUs for ETH mining?
A: Yes, but expect higher wear. Optimize airflow and avoid overclocking beyond 70% power limits.
Q2: How do I reduce electricity costs?
A: Mine during off-peak hours or use renewable energy sources like solar panels.
Q3: Is liquid cooling viable for mining rigs?
A: Overkill for most setups. Airflow optimization is more cost-effective.
Q4: What’s the minimum investment to start mining?
A: ~$2,000 for a single-GPU rig. Scalability depends on goals.
Q5: How often should I maintain my rig?
A: Clean dust filters monthly and inspect thermal paste quarterly.
Q6: Can mining trigger fire hazards?
A: Unlikely with quality PSUs and proper load distribution. Use surge protectors.