Quark is an algorithm for mining cryptocurrency based on a one-level hash function, which consists of 9 levels of encryption by six different cryptographic algorithms. Quark is not demanding for large amounts of RAM. Also, the Quark has a high 64-bit protection against hacker attacks. Quark is remarkable for its low power consumption.
Quark algorithm was developed by Jean-Philippe Aumasson, Willi Meier, Maria Naya-Plasencia and Luke HanseDom in 2013. A distinctive feature of Quark is the parallel use of 6 hash functions, namely:
- Grostl;
- Blue Midnight Wish;
- Keccak;
- JH;
- Skein;
- Blake.
The need to create a Quark is explained by the needs of application developers working with the RFID Protocol, which requires a lightweight hash function. For example, the Protocol used in SHA-3 aimed at software for personal computers.
The Quark and Proof-of-work/Proof-of-stake
The Quark algorithm is used in consensus-building mechanisms Proof-of-work and [[Proof-of-stake] to increase security and certainty while maintaining the health of the cryptocurrency ecosystem. Comparing with the algorithm Bitcoin SHA-256, Quark is protected from the danger of a single point of failure (SPOF – Single Point of Failure), which is able to stop the entire system. If you identify the problem part in the Quark algorithm, the vulnerability can be eliminated by replacing the hash function.
It is important to add that at the core of their cryptocurrency are objects of investment, and the use of the algorithm Quark, provides confidence in the safety of digital assets, as well as guarantees a high level of security.
Quark Algorithm Coins
On the basis of this algorithm, there are many different cryptocurrencies, among which are: [[[Quark]] (QRK), PIVX (PIVX), AmsterdamCoin (AMS) and others.
Quark Mining
Initially, Quark was used for mining cryptocurrency on processors (CPU), but with the development of graphics cards mining on CPU became ineffective, mining began to be carried out on video adapters from AMD and Nvidia.
The approximate computing power of graphics cards from AMD for the Quark algorithm:
R9 390 is 18.6 Mh/s;
R9 NANO – 25.6 per Mh/s;
R295 – 20 Mh/s;
HD 7990 – 28 Mh/s.
The Nvidia GPU:
RX 480 – 5 Mh/s;
GTX 750 and 6.3 Mh/s.
GTX 970 is 16.6 Mh/s;
RX 980 Ti – of 28.64 Mh/s;
GTX 1070 – 25.86 MH/s;
With the advent of the mining market ASIC-devices, there were mining farms that work with the algorithm Quark:
Baikal miner BK-X – 900 Mh/s;
Baikal Giant+ A2000 – 2000 Mh/s.
The network has many calculators for calculating the profitability of mining on different algorithms, depending on the configuration of the device. For example, as of August 31, 2018, the average profit of mining on Quark for 1 TH energy was 0.0044 BTC per day. The Quark algorithm is considered to be the next generation of hashing mechanisms. It has undeniable advantages and high energy efficiency.