SETI impacted by GPU shortage from mining

porina · February 14, 2018

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Scientists listening out for broadcasts by extra-terrestrials are struggling to get the computer hardware they need, thanks to the crypto-currency mining craze, a radio-astronomer has said.

Source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-43056744

The GPU shortage isn't only impacting gamers, but more scientific uses too. SETI wishes to expand their capability and had put aside some cash for the upgrade, but found the shops empty like the rest of us. What was around, they noted had shot up in price.

It should be noted this is the wider SETI project, and isn't directly related to seti@home.

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"We've got the money, we've contacted the vendors, and they say, 'We just don't have them'," said Dr Werthimer.

We know that feeling...

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Three months ago, the Hera team had budgeted for a set of GPUs that cost around $500 (£360) - the price has since doubled to $1,000.

"We'll be able to weather it but it is coming out of our contingency budget." added Prof Parsons.

"We're buying a lot of these things, it's going to end up costing about $32,000 extra."

From those numbers, they "only" want 64 cards, not a huge quantity by mining standards. Maybe they should contact nvidia or AMD directly and offer them a chance to save the day and score some PR points.

Also, at those prices, that would be consumer cards wouldn't they? You'd think pro level ones would still be available. If consumer nvidia, would they be impacted by the datacentre ban previously anyway?

Edited February 14, 2018 by porina
expanded writeup

NMS · February 14, 2018

So, who's next? Goverment?

Kinda wish there was a proper tax on mining.

alextheaverage · February 14, 2018

4 hours ago, NMS said:

So, who's next? Goverment?

Kinda wish there was a proper tax on mining.

I'm not sure you'd be able to properly tax it. There are definitely ways on how to tell if someone is mining but at least in America's case were don't have a very tech adept government at any level.

I do agree though, it would probably kill the craze near overnight for the small fry.

Ithanul · February 18, 2018

On 2/14/2018 at 2:39 PM, NMS said:

So, who's next? Goverment?

Kinda wish there was a proper tax on mining.

The gov pretty much buys from these companies with contracts which the companies are held to. So, the gov probably not even bothered by this shortage.