Table of Contents
Overview
GPU passive income has evolved beyond crypto mining. With platforms like Griddly Hub, you can earn by sharing your GPU's compute power for AI training, rendering, and scientific research — without the volatility of cryptocurrency.
The key factors determining earnings are VRAM capacity, compute performance, and power efficiency. Higher-end GPUs earn more, but used mid-range cards often have better ROI.
TL;DR — Quick Recommendations
- Best Overall: RTX 4090 ($150-200/mo)
- Best Value New: RTX 4080 Super ($100-130/mo)
- Best Value Used: RTX 3080 Ti ($70-90/mo)
- Best Entry: RTX 3060 12GB ($30-40/mo)
Complete GPU Rankings
Rankings based on monthly earnings potential, ROI, and overall value:
| # | GPU | Monthly | VRAM | Price | ROI |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | RTX 4090 Best Overall | $150-200 | 24GB GDDR6X | $1,599 | 8-10 mo |
| 2 | RTX 4080 Super Best Value | $100-130 | 16GB GDDR6X | $999 | 8-10 mo |
| 3 | RTX 3090 Best Used | $90-120 | 24GB GDDR6X | $800 (used) | 7-9 mo |
| 4 | RTX 4080 | $90-115 | 16GB GDDR6X | $1,199 | 11-13 mo |
| 5 | RTX 4070 Ti Super | $70-90 | 16GB GDDR6X | $799 | 9-11 mo |
| 6 | RTX 3080 Ti Best Budget | $70-90 | 12GB GDDR6X | $500 (used) | 6-7 mo |
| 7 | RTX 3080 10GB | $60-80 | 10GB GDDR6X | $400 (used) | 5-7 mo |
| 8 | RTX 4070 Ti | $60-75 | 12GB GDDR6X | $799 | 11-13 mo |
| 9 | RTX 3070 Ti | $50-65 | 8GB GDDR6X | $350 (used) | 6-7 mo |
| 10 | RTX 4070 Most Efficient | $45-60 | 12GB GDDR6X | $599 | 10-13 mo |
| 11 | RTX 3070 | $45-55 | 8GB GDDR6 | $300 (used) | 6-7 mo |
| 12 | RTX 3060 Ti | $40-50 | 8GB GDDR6 | $280 (used) | 6-7 mo |
| 13 | RTX 4060 Ti | $35-45 | 8GB/16GB GDDR6 | $399 | 10-12 mo |
| 14 | RTX 3060 12GB Entry Level | $30-40 | 12GB GDDR6 | $230 (used) | 6-8 mo |
RTX 40 Series Breakdown
RTX 4090
24GB GDDR6X • 450W TDP
RTX 4080 Super
16GB GDDR6X • 320W TDP
RTX 4080
16GB GDDR6X • 320W TDP
RTX 4070 Ti Super
16GB GDDR6X • 285W TDP
RTX 4070 Ti
12GB GDDR6X • 285W TDP
RTX 4070
12GB GDDR6X • 200W TDP
RTX 4060 Ti
8GB/16GB GDDR6 • 160W TDP
RTX 30 Series Breakdown
Best Value for Money
RTX 30 series cards offer the best ROI due to low used prices. A used RTX 3080 Ti at $500 pays for itself in just 6-7 months.
RTX 3090
24GB GDDR6X • 350W TDP
RTX 3080 Ti
12GB GDDR6X • 350W TDP
RTX 3080 10GB
10GB GDDR6X • 320W TDP
RTX 3070 Ti
8GB GDDR6X • 290W TDP
RTX 3070
8GB GDDR6 • 220W TDP
RTX 3060 Ti
8GB GDDR6 • 200W TDP
RTX 3060 12GB
12GB GDDR6 • 170W TDP
Key Factors for Earnings
VRAM
More VRAM = more valuable workloads. 24GB GPUs earn significantly more.
Power Efficiency
Lower power = lower electricity costs = higher net profit.
Compute Performance
Faster GPUs complete more tasks per hour.
Initial Cost
Used GPUs often have better ROI than new ones.
VRAM is King
24GB GPUs (RTX 4090, RTX 3090) earn significantly more because they can handle larger AI models. The jump from 12GB to 24GB can mean 50%+ more earnings.
ROI Analysis
Return on investment varies significantly. Used RTX 30 series cards often pay for themselves faster than new RTX 40 series:
| GPU | Cost | Monthly | ROI | Year 1 Profit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RTX 3080 Ti (used) | $500 | $80 | 6.3 mo | $460 |
| RTX 3060 12GB (used) | $230 | $35 | 6.6 mo | $190 |
| RTX 4090 (new) | $1,599 | $175 | 9.1 mo | $501 |
| RTX 4080 Super (new) | $999 | $115 | 8.7 mo | $381 |
Our Top Picks
RTX 4090
Highest earnings ($150-200/mo), 24GB VRAM handles all workloads. Worth the premium if you can afford it.
RTX 4080 Super
Excellent balance of earnings and cost. 16GB handles most workloads. Good gaming performance too.
RTX 3080 Ti
Incredible value at $500 used. Pays for itself in 6-7 months. Great for budget builds.
RTX 4070
Only 200W power draw. Lowest electricity costs. Great for regions with expensive power.
RTX 3060 12GB
Cheapest way to start earning. 12GB VRAM is valuable. Perfect for first-time GPU earners.