Configure Your AMD Drivers for “Compute” Mode for Better Mining Performance

Along with modifying your GPU BIOS, there are a number of things you can do to get every little bit out of your mining operation. If you are an AMD user, AMD has packaged their drivers, since 17.10.2, with a neat little feature, if you hunt for it… a switch for Compute GPU Workloads.

Although there isn’t much data out there as to what, exactly, the switch does. Many of us have noticed an increase in productivity from systems that have this feature enabled. The only bit of information we could find on this was a blurb on AMD’s Driver Support Page, “AMD Radeon Settings now allows the GPU to be optimized for Graphics or Compute Workloads. Switching to Compute Workload should provide better performance with Blockchain Compute applications. More information on Blockchain Compute technology can be found online.”

In order to enable Compute mode on your graphics cards, there are some simple instructions to follow. However, it is recommended that you completely remove your current drivers and software before you install the newer versions.

Removing your current drivers, completely:

In order to remove your current drivers and software completely, you can undergo an intense search and destroy mission, or use a simple tool. Personally, anything that makes my job easier is welcome. To that end, The Display Driver Uninstaller (DDU) is the tool of choice for me.

In order to ensure that all traces of your display drivers and software are removed completely, you should execute the application from within safe mode. In Windows 10, safe mode is an easy process.

Windows Key +R to open the Run Dialogue Box
Type msconfig.exe
Select the “Boot” Tab
Check the box for “Safe boot”

Once you are in Safe mode, run the application. At the top, there is a HUGE button, “Clean and restart.” Your drivers will be uninstalled and your system will reboot into Windows. Once the process is completed, go ahead and install the latest version of the AMD Catalyst Drivers.