Calculator
Model different scenarios to understand how variables like revenue decay, service life, and resale value affect your GPU returns.
Disclosure: This tool performs mathematical calculations based on historical data and user-provided assumptions. Results are hypothetical scenarios for educational purposes only. Past performance does not predict future results. Silicon Network provides no guidance on appropriate assumptions.
How It Works
The Calculator lets you play with variables to see how they impact return scenarios.
Two modes:
- Generic scenario - Pick any GPU type, enter assumptions, see scenario
- Your GPU - Select one of your actual GPUs, adjust variables, compare to reality
Setting Up a Scenario
Step 1: Select GPU
Option A: Generic Choose "Select a GPU to begin" and pick any GPU type to model a hypothetical purchase.
Option B: Your GPU
Choose one of your actual GPUs from the dropdown (shows as "FarmGPU 50... #34 - gh78" or similar). The calculator will pre-fill with your real data.
Step 2: Purchase Price
Enter what you paid (or would pay) for the GPU.
For generic scenarios: Use current market prices
For your GPU: Pre-filled with your actual purchase price
Step 3: Daily Revenue
Starting point:
Set what the GPU earns per day right now.
Finding a realistic number:
- Check your GPU on My GPUs page for current average
- Look at Network > Earnings page for market rates
- Use your actual history if you own similar GPUs
Step 4: Monthly Revenue Decay
GPU earnings typically decline as newer hardware comes out. Use the slider (0% to 20%) to set the rate: 0% means earnings stay flat forever (unrealistic), 3-5% indicates slow decline (optimistic), 6-10% shows moderate decline (realistic), and 15-20% represents fast decline (pessimistic). At 5% monthly decay, a GPU earning $15/day in Month 1 would earn ~$14.25 in Month 2, ~$13.54 in Month 3, etc.
Step 5: Service Term
How long until the GPU is retired or sold? The slider ranges from 0 to 36 months, with your selected GPU's term marked if applicable. Hardware is typically useful for 24-36 months. Shorter terms mean conservative modeling while longer terms are optimistic but potentially unrealistic.
Step 6: Residual Value
What percentage of your purchase price will you get back when selling the GPU at end of service? Use the slider (0% to 100%) where 0% means worthless at end (worst case), 20-30% shows significant depreciation (realistic), 50% means reasonably holding value (optimistic), and 70%+ is very optimistic. Reality check: GPUs usually sell for 20-40% of original price after 24-30 months, with newer, in-demand models holding value better.
Understanding Your Results
Scenario Values (the 4 boxes)
Scenario IRR/APY: Internal Rate of Return and Annual Percentage Yield—higher means better returns.
Scenario total earnings: Sum of all daily earnings over the service term after decay.
Scenario total return: Earnings plus residual value divided by purchase price. 1.0x means break even, 1.5x is 50% profit, and 2.0x means you doubled your money.
Scenario payback period: How many months until cumulative earnings equal purchase price. Faster is better—compare to your target ROI timeline.
Scenario Overview Chart
The graph shows three lines:
Purchase price (dashed horizontal line)
Your initial investment—the baseline.
Revenue to-date (solid line)
How much you've actually earned so far (only appears if you selected one of your GPUs).
Scenario cumulative revenue (dashed line)
Projected total earnings over time based on your assumptions.
Key moments marked:
- Where the graph line meets the purchase price line = payback period
- End of line = service EOL
Common Questions
Q: Why doesn't my GPU's actual performance match the model?
A: The model is a projection based on assumptions. Reality has variability the smooth curve doesn't capture. If actual is trending way off, your assumptions (especially decay rate) might need adjusting.
Q: Should I use this to decide whether to buy a GPU?
A: Yes, but it's one input among many. Also consider: provider reputation, hardware availability, your risk tolerance, liquidity needs, and market trends.
Q: How do I estimate residual value?
A: Check secondary marketplaces for similar GPUs 18-24 months old. Generally 20-40% of original price. In-demand models hold value better.
Q: Can I save my scenarios?
A: Not currently. Take screenshots or note your assumptions. Copy the results into a spreadsheet for comparison.
Q: What if my assumptions change mid-ownership?
A: Run a new scenario with updated numbers and time remaining. The calculator doesn't "remember" past projections—each run is independent.
Reset
Made a mess of your inputs? Click Reset in the top right to clear everything and start fresh.