Ethereum Mining Issue: Device Not Found, No GPU Output on Multiple Computers
As a cryptocurrency enthusiast with multiple computers to mine, you’re likely no stranger to the frustration that comes with troubleshooting issues in the digital realm. Recently, I experienced a similar problem on three identical computers: Windows 7, Windows 8, and an older x64-based Windows 10 system. My goal is to share my findings, potential causes, and solutions for this issue, which affects Ethereum mining.
The Problem
My setup consisted of two 7700HD ATI graphics cards (one in a separate enclosure from the third XFX HDI 7870) and an x64-based Windows 10 system. The hardware was all optimized for Ethereum mining using AMD’s Radeon Software. Initially, everything seemed to be working smoothly, but after some time spent idle, I noticed that my Ethereum mining process had stalled, leaving no GPU output on the computers.
Device Not Found Error
Upon investigation, I discovered that my operating systems were reporting a “Device Not Found” error when trying to launch the AMD Radeon Software. This error message typically indicates that the system is unable to find one or more devices with the specified drivers installed.
GPU Output Issue
The final issue was that despite having multiple graphics cards in use for Ethereum mining, the output was not visible on any of my computers. The Radeon Software was still installing and configuring itself correctly, but I couldn’t see any GPU activity.
Potential Causes and Solutions
- Hardware Configuration
: Although all three systems were set up to use the x64 architecture, the AMD Radeon Graphics drivers might have a version conflict or incorrect settings that are not compatible with Ethereum mining.
- Driver Issues: Outdated or corrupted graphics drivers can cause system instability, including the inability to launch the Radeon Software correctly and display GPU activity on all devices.
- Network Connectivity: A temporary issue could be related to network connectivity problems or interference from other devices.
Potential Solutions
To resolve these issues:
- Update Graphics Drivers: Ensure that your graphics drivers are up-to-date by following these steps:
* On Windows 10: Open the Device Manager (Press Win + X > Devices and Sounds > Device Manager), expand “Display Adapters” to find your graphics card, right-click on it, and select “Properties”. Click on the “Driver” tab and click “Update Driver”.
* On older systems or non-Windows-based computers: Consult the manufacturer’s documentation for updating drivers.
- Disable AMD Radeon Software: Try disabling the AMD Radeon Software to rule out any conflicts:
* Windows 7: Open the Radeon Software, right-click on it, and select “Properties”. Uncheck the box next to “Launch” and click “OK”.
* Windows 8: Press Win + R, type “radeoncfg.exe”, and press Enter. Right-click on your graphics card in the list of available devices and select “Disable Device”.
- Network Settings: Verify that your system’s network settings are correct:
* Ensure you have a stable internet connection.
* Check if any other devices are interfering with your Ethernet or Wi-Fi connections.
Conclusion
This issue has affected all three computers, resulting in a “Device Not Found” error and no GPU output on the Ethereum mining setup. By identifying potential hardware conflicts, driver issues, and network connectivity problems, you can take steps to resolve these issues and ensure that your Ethereum mining operation runs smoothly.
If you’ve experienced similar problems or have questions about this issue, please feel free to ask in the comments below.