First apologies if this question already posted. I searched and searched didn't find relevant post so I am posting it here:
I just recently switched from Slush to Bitminter to mine Namecoin alongside Bitcoin, and also tested Bitparking as well based on good feedback from other users. Here are my findings.
Using the same rig, and same reward threshold of .01, I was almost getting reward from Slush every day but it took more than 5 days to get reward from Bitminter. And forget about Bitparking, while they offer multiple alt coins, their rewards were minuscule compared to other two. So I finally today switched back to mine just bitcoin on Slush, and again I am happy to see my rewards coming every day.
My rig setup and configured correctly. But I wonder wheather the less TH/s of bitminter is contributing factor why the pay out is less than 5 time than of Slush, or is it because my hash power being divided to solve Namecoin.
I am a Noob but not a rookie. I like the idea of mining multiple coins but not at expense of losing around 5x reward value. Any words of wisdom greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Sean
You're comparing somewhat small pools against each other over a very short time frame, while difficulty is increasing every 10 days roughly. When looking at smaller pools, variance over the course of a few days can be *significantly* higher. In the case of BitParking, you could end up making more in a week there than you do in a month somewhere else if they have a burst of luck, or you can make almost nothing in a week.
The larger the pool, the less they should vary from expected payout. For a larger pool, when the pool has bad luck, you still limp away with a few coins. When it has good luck, you get a decent bonus. Smaller pools are more extreme, where bad luck can mean empty pockets for a day, and good luck can feel like hitting a jackpot.