Ethereum Mining Problem: Device Not Found, No GPU Output on Multiple Computers
As a cryptocurrency enthusiast with multiple computers to use, you are probably no stranger to the frustration that comes with troubleshooting issues in the digital realm. I recently encountered a similar issue 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 that is affecting Ethereum mining.
The Problem
My setup consisted of two ATI 7700HD graphics cards (one in a separate case with a third XFX HDI 7870) and an x64-based Windows 10 system. The hardware was optimized for Ethereum mining using AMD’s Radeon software. Initially, everything seemed to be working fine, but after some time spent idle, I noticed that my Ethereum mining process had crashed, leaving no GPU output on my computers.
Device Not Found Error
Upon investigation, I discovered that my operating systems were reporting a “Device Not Found” error when attempting to launch AMD Radeon software. This error message typically indicates that the system cannot find one or more devices with the specified drivers installed.
GPU Output Issue
The final issue was that despite having multiple graphics cards used for Ethereum mining, the output was not visible on any of my computers. The Radeon software was still installing and configuring properly, but I could not see any GPU activity.
Potential Causes and Solutions
- Hardware Configuration: While all three systems were configured to use the x64 architecture, the AMD Radeon Graphics drivers may have a version conflict or incorrect settings that are not compatible with Ethereum mining.
- Driver Issues: Outdated or corrupt graphics drivers can cause system instability, including the inability to launch Radeon software properly and display GPU activity on all devices.
- Network Connectivity: A temporary issue may be related to network connectivity issues or interference from other devices.
Potential Solutions
To resolve these issues:
- Update your graphics drivers
: Make sure your drivers are up to date. graphics are updated by following these steps:
- On Windows 10: Open Device Manager (press Win + X > Devices and Sound > Device Manager), expand “Display adapters” to find your graphics card, right-click it and select “Properties”. Click the “Driver” tab and click “Update driver”.
- On older systems or non-Windows-based computers: Refer to the manufacturer’s documentation for updating drivers.
- Disable AMD Radeon Software: Try disabling AMD Radeon Software to rule out any conflicts:
- Windows 7: Open Radeon Software, right-click 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 your card. graphics card from the list of available devices and select “Disable device”.
- Network Settings: Verify that your system’s network settings are correct:
- Make sure you have a stable internet connection.
- Check if other devices are interfering with your Ethernet or Wi-Fi connections.
Conclusion
This issue affected all three computers, resulting in a “Device not found” error and no GPU output in the Ethereum mining setup. By identifying potential hardware conflicts, driver issues, and network connectivity issues, you can take steps to resolve these issues and ensure that your Ethereum mining operation runs smoothly.
If you have encountered similar issues or have any questions about this issue, please feel free to ask in the comments below.
