Back in February ahead of the launch of the RTX 3060, Nvidia announced plans to limit mining performance on future GeForce graphics cards, starting with the RTX 3060. Unfortunately just a few weeks later, Nvidia accidentally shipped a beta driver without the limitations in place. Now, Nvidia looks to be replacing the GA106-300 GPU with an updated version.
According to HKEPC (via Videocardz), Nvidia is currently working on a new GPU codenamed GA106-302, which would replace the GA106-300 currently in the RTX 3060. This new chip would get a new PCI Device ID, which would stop the beta driver free of mining restrictions from being used.
Aside from covering up the beta driver mistake, this tweaked GPU would also come with “further mechanisms” to limit Ethereum mining on the RTX 3060. Presumably, these additional protections will also carry forward to future GPUs, including the rumoured RTX 3080 Ti and RTX 3070 Ti.
Nvidia hasn't said anything officially, but GA106-302 equipped RTX 3060 models should start circulating in the months to come if this information is accurate.
Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.
KitGuru Says: With dedicated mining oriented CMP graphics cards now in circulation and new protections in place on GeForce GPUs, there should be more stock available for PC gamers.