Understanding the Ethereum Mining Errors: “H-not-zero” and “Share is above target”
As a blockchain enthusiast and miner, you’ve likely encountered various errors while mining Ethereum on your cgminer setup. In this article, we’ll break down what these error codes mean and why they occur.
What does “H-not-zero” mean?
The first error code we’ll cover is “H-not-zero”. This error occurs when the hash of the block you’re trying to mine doesn’t match the expected hash for that particular GPU. In other words, the hash generated by your mining rig’s GPU hasn’t changed since the last time it was sent to the network.
When a miner tries to validate their transaction on the Ethereum blockchain using the latest hash, they need to ensure that the new block has been mined after the previous one. If not, the validation process will reject the block due to “H-not-zero”. This error is usually caused by:
- GPU issues
: The GPU’s hash output may be different from what you expected.
- Incorrect mining software settings: Changes in the mining software settings or configuration can cause the GPU to produce incorrect hashes.
Why is it “H-not-zero”?
The “H-not-zero” error occurs because Ethereum requires a new block to be mined after each transaction, ensuring that the blockchain is updated with fresh data. In this case, the error happens when the miner tries to validate their block using an older hash output from the previous block.
What does “Share is above target” mean?
The second error code we’ll cover is “Share is above target”. This error occurs when your mining rig’s share of the Ethereum network doesn’t match the expected amount. In other words, you’re not contributing enough to the network rewards pool.
To understand this error, let’s break down what the Ethereum network does:
- Network validation: The validator nodes on the network validate and agree on new blocks.
- Block reward distribution
: New blocks are broadcasted to the network, and validators receive a share of the block reward based on their mining power.
The “Share is above target” error happens when your mining rig’s contribution (i.e., its share) exceeds the expected amount. This can be caused by:
- Incorrect mining software settings: Changes in the mining software settings or configuration can cause your rig to produce more than intended shares.
- Over-mining: Running the mining software too frequently or aggressively can result in excessive mining power, leading to an imbalance in network rewards.
How to resolve these errors
To fix these issues:
- Check GPU hash output: Verify that your GPU’s hash output matches what you expected for that particular block.
- Adjust mining software settings: Make sure the mining software is configured correctly and not producing excessive shares.
- Reduce mining power: Lowering the mining power can help reduce network rewards, but be cautious not to decrease it too much.
In conclusion, the “H-not-zero” and “Share is above target” error codes are important issues that need attention from both miners and validators. By understanding what these errors mean and how they occur, you’ll be better equipped to troubleshoot and resolve any problems that arise during your Ethereum mining activities. Happy mining!
