Compare BTCMiner vs. Excavator

BTCMiner is a software application designed for Bitcoin mining that enables users to profit from their ZTEX USB-FPGA Module. The design of these FPGA boards includes a USB interface, eliminating the need for additional hardware such as JTAG programmers, which facilitates the creation of cost-effective FPGA clusters utilizing standard USB hubs. The software features dynamic frequency scaling and overclocking based on error metrics, allowing BTCMiner to automatically select the optimal frequency that yields the highest number of valid hashes. A single instance of the software can manage numerous FPGA boards—potentially hundreds—limited only by the availability of USB host controllers. Users can add or remove FPGA boards in real-time, and the software supports enumeration of the boards along with cluster partitioning based on these identifiers. It also incorporates a power-saving mode that activates after five minutes of inactivity per command. Additionally, it includes temperature monitoring and an overheat shutdown feature for the USB-FPGA Module 1.15y rev. 2, providing further protection against overheating by shutting down the system if the error rate increases excessively. This comprehensive approach ensures both efficiency and safety in Bitcoin mining operations.

Excavator is a lightweight mining application created and officially endorsed by NiceHash, offering impressive hashrate capabilities without any fees, which sets it apart from other third-party mining solutions that typically impose a 1% development charge. It employs a unique mining protocol that minimizes complications with routers and firewalls while optimizing bandwidth usage and reducing latency. As an in-house developed miner, it can be relied upon due to the transparency of its creators. The software efficiently manages multiple DAG files within the GPU memory, enabling rapid transitions between them without incurring downtime. Additionally, it features overclocking options through an API, and one of its standout characteristics is its ability to revert to stock settings during DAG generation, ensuring higher stability for overclock settings. It is important to note that unstable DAG generation may lead to permanently rejected shares until a miner restart occurs. Excavator can be accessed as part of the NiceHash Miner package or downloaded separately as a standalone tool, catering to the needs of various users in the mining community. Furthermore, its ease of use and integration capabilities make it an attractive choice for both novice and experienced miners alike.