A single ASIC holds only a tiny fraction of the total Nervos network hashrate. Without a pool, finding a block would be pure luck. A mining pool bundles the computing power of many devices, finds blocks regularly as a result, and distributes the payout proportionally to the hashrate contributed - predictable instead of random. In return, the pool charges a fee, usually in the low single-digit percentage range.
The common models PPS, PPLNS and FPPS differ in how the risk of individual block finds is distributed between the pool and its participants - a detailed explanation is available on the mining pools overview page. For devices running continuously, the models converge largely over time; what matters is always considering fee and payout model together.
Besides fee and payout model, what counts when choosing a pool: how close the stratum server is to your own location (lower latency reduces the number of rejected shares), the minimum payout, the transparency of the published statistics, and the operator's reliability. Also make sure the pool supports the Eaglesong algorithm and therefore your specific device model, such as the Antminer K7.
Switching pools is possible at any time and takes only a few minutes: simply replace the stratum address in the miner dashboard. Customers who host their Nervos devices with Cryptohall24 choose their pool freely themselves; our team is happy to help with setup on request.