Epoch Two of the Kuzco network launched in December 2024, bringing significant changes to the global distributed GPU computing platform. As a #4 ranked provider on the Kuzco leaderboard, I've compiled this comprehensive guide to help you navigate Epoch Two and maximize your earnings potential.

Table of Contents

What is Epoch Two?

Epoch Two is the second phase of the Kuzco network, which began in December 2024 following the conclusion of Epoch One. It introduces several improvements to the network's infrastructure, efficiency, and reward mechanisms.

The term "Epoch" in Kuzco refers to a distinct operational period with its own set of rules, rewards, and technical requirements. Epochs allow the network to evolve and improve while maintaining a stable framework for contributors.

"Epoch Two represents a significant maturation of the Kuzco network, with optimizations that benefit both end-users and GPU providers." — Kuzco Development Team

Key Changes from Epoch One

Epoch Two introduces several important changes from Epoch One:

Major Changes in Epoch Two

  • Reward Mechanism: Points are now calculated based on a combination of compute power, uptime, and task completion quality.
  • Docker Image Update: The kuzcoxyz/worker image has been deprecated in favor of the new kuzcoxyz/amd64-ollama-nvidia-worker image.
  • Model Expansion: Support for additional AI models, including Llama3 and newer Mistral variants.
  • Network Efficiency: Improved task distribution algorithm that reduces idle time and increases overall network throughput.
  • Monitoring Tools: Enhanced dashboard metrics and worker performance analytics.

Hardware Requirements

The hardware requirements for Epoch Two remain similar to Epoch One, but with some changes to ensure optimal performance:

Minimum System Requirements

  • GPU with at least 16GB VRAM (from the supported list)
  • 16GB RAM
  • 30GB free disk space
  • Reliable 100Mbps+ network bandwidth

Supported GPUs

Kuzco continues to support a wide range of NVIDIA, AMD, and Apple Silicon GPUs. The most efficient options based on my analysis are:

GPU Model VRAM Points/Day (Approx.) Power Efficiency
NVIDIA RTX 4090 24GB GDDR6X 80-120M Excellent
NVIDIA RTX 3090 24GB GDDR6X 60-90M Good
Apple M4 Max 64GB Unified 50-80M Excellent
NVIDIA RTX 4080 16GB GDDR6X 40-70M Very Good
NVIDIA RTX 3080 10/12GB GDDR6X 30-50M Good

For a complete list of supported hardware, refer to the official Kuzco hardware documentation.

Software Updates

Epoch Two requires updated software components:

Docker Update

The most significant software change is the deprecation of the old Docker image. If you're running Docker containers, you'll need to update your commands:

# Old command (deprecated)
docker run --rm --runtime=nvidia --gpus all kuzcoxyz/worker --worker <workerid> --code <code>

# New command
docker run --rm --runtime=nvidia --gpus all -e CACHE_DIRECTORY=/root/models -v ~/.kuzco/models:/root/models kuzcoxyz/amd64-ollama-nvidia-worker --worker <workerid> --code <code>

The new Docker image includes several improvements:

  • Model caching for faster task initialization
  • Reduced memory footprint
  • Improved stability for long-running workers
  • Support for the latest AI models

Desktop Client Update

The desktop client has also been updated to version 0.3.0 with several improvements:

Desktop Client v0.3.0 Changes

  • Enhanced UI with real-time performance metrics
  • Auto-recovery feature for unexpected crashes
  • Improved thermal management
  • Support for multi-GPU configurations
  • Advanced logging capabilities

Optimization Strategies

Based on my experience as a top-ranked provider, here are the most effective optimization strategies for Epoch Two:

1. Power Management

Optimal power settings can significantly improve efficiency and earnings:

# For NVIDIA GPUs
sudo nvidia-smi -pl 300 # Set power limit to 300W (adjust based on your GPU model)

# For AMD GPUs
sudo rocm-smi --setpoweroverdrive 80 # Set power to 80% of maximum

Finding the sweet spot between power consumption and performance is crucial. In my testing, running an RTX 4090 at 80-85% of its maximum power limit provides the best efficiency in terms of points earned per watt.

2. Cooling Optimization

Temperature management is critical for long-term stability. Keep your GPUs below 75°C for optimal performance and longevity. Consider these cooling solutions:

  • Ensure proper case airflow with intake and exhaust fans
  • For multi-GPU setups, maintain at least 1-2 slots of spacing between cards
  • Consider aftermarket cooling solutions for high-density setups
  • Keep ambient room temperature below 26°C (78°F)

3. Network Optimization

Network latency and stability directly impact earnings in Epoch Two:

  • Use wired Ethernet connections instead of WiFi
  • Ensure your internet connection has at least 100Mbps up/down
  • Consider a connection with low latency to major data centers
  • Use Quality of Service (QoS) settings on your router to prioritize Kuzco traffic

4. Software Configuration

Optimize your operating system and software configuration:

  • Disable unnecessary background services and applications
  • For Windows, use "High Performance" power plan
  • For Linux, consider a minimal server distribution for dedicated machines
  • Use the latest GPU drivers optimized for compute workloads

Earnings Potential Analysis

Epoch Two has shown different earnings patterns compared to Epoch One. Here's a breakdown of what you can expect:

Earnings Comparison: Epoch One vs Epoch Two

Comparison of average daily earnings between Epoch One and Epoch Two for different GPU models

Key observations from my earnings analysis:

  • Higher-end GPUs have seen a 15-20% increase in points per day compared to Epoch One
  • Mid-range GPUs (16GB VRAM) have maintained similar earning rates
  • Task distribution is more consistent, resulting in fewer idle periods
  • Peak earning hours have shifted slightly, with higher activity during 1200-2000 UTC

Based on current network conditions, here's what you can expect in terms of ROI:

GPU Model Avg. Purchase Cost Monthly Points (Approx.) Estimated ROI Period
NVIDIA RTX 4090 $1,600 2.4-3.6B 3-4 months
NVIDIA RTX 3090 $1,000 1.8-2.7B 3-5 months
NVIDIA RTX 4080 $1,100 1.2-2.1B 4-6 months
Apple M4 Max (MacBook) $3,500 1.5-2.4B 9-12 months

These ROI estimates include electricity costs based on an average rate of $0.12/kWh. Your actual results may vary based on your location, electricity costs, and network conditions.

Common Issues & Troubleshooting

Here are solutions to the most common issues encountered in Epoch Two:

Worker Initialization Failures

If your worker fails to initialize, check these common causes:

  • Insufficient disk space for model caching
  • Outdated Docker image (ensure you're using the new image)
  • Invalid worker ID or registration code
  • GPU driver incompatibility

Solution: Clear cache directory, update to the latest Docker image, and verify your worker credentials in the Kuzco dashboard.

Duplicate GPU Errors

This error occurs when multiple workers attempt to use the same GPU:

  • Check for zombie processes from previous worker instances
  • Ensure you don't have multiple worker containers accessing the same GPU
  • Verify GPU visibility in container environment

Solution: Run docker ps -a to list all containers and use docker rm -f <container-id> to remove conflicting instances. Then restart your worker.

Low Points Earnings

If your earnings are lower than expected:

  • Check network latency to Kuzco servers
  • Monitor GPU temperature (thermal throttling reduces performance)
  • Verify you're using the latest software versions
  • Check for background processes competing for GPU resources

Solution: Implement the optimization strategies detailed in this guide, particularly focusing on cooling, network stability, and power management.

Worker Stability Issues

For workers that crash or become unresponsive:

  • Add the --restart=always flag to your Docker command
  • Monitor system memory usage (OOM crashes are common)
  • Check GPU driver compatibility
  • Review system logs for error patterns

Solution: Implement auto-recovery with Docker's restart policy and consider setting up external monitoring to automatically restart failed workers.

Conclusion & Future Outlook

Epoch Two represents a significant evolution of the Kuzco network, with improvements in efficiency, stability, and earnings potential. By implementing the optimization strategies outlined in this guide, you can maximize your earnings and contribute to the growth of this innovative distributed computing platform.

Looking ahead, I anticipate further developments in the Kuzco ecosystem:

  • Expansion to include more specialized AI model types
  • Further optimization of the reward mechanism
  • Improved tools for multi-GPU management
  • Potential integration with other blockchain networks

As we continue through Epoch Two, I'll update this guide with new findings and optimization techniques. Feel free to reach out with questions or share your own experiences in the comments section below.

Devender Garg

About the Author

Devender Garg is a top-ranked Kuzco provider (#4 on the leaderboard) with over 12B total $KZO points earned. With a background in technical optimization and SEO, he provides professional services to help clients maximize their earnings on the Kuzco network.