As Ethereum transitions from Proof-of-Work (PoW) to Proof-of-Stake (PoS) with "The Merge," Ethereum Classic (ETC) emerges as a prime alternative for GPU miners. This guide covers everything you need to know about mining ETC in 2025, including hardware requirements, software setup, and pool selection.
Why Mine Ethereum Classic (ETC)?
- PoW Continuity: ETC remains committed to PoW, making it the largest smart contract platform using this consensus mechanism after ETH 2.0.
- Hardware Compatibility: Existing Ethereum mining rigs can easily switch to ETC with minimal adjustments.
- Growing Adoption: ETC’s price and network hashrate have surged post-Merge, signaling increased miner interest.
Key Considerations Before Mining ETC
- Profitability: Use ETC mining calculators to estimate earnings based on your hardware.
- Hardware Lifespan: With ETC’s capped supply (210.7M coins), mining will continue until ~2025.
Ethereum Classic Mining Basics
ETCHash Algorithm
ETC uses ETCHash, a modified version of Ethereum’s Ethash, designed to:
- Resist ASIC dominance.
- Support 4GB GPUs by reducing DAG file size.
Hardware Requirements
1. GPUs (Recommended)
- NVIDIA: RTX 3060 Ti, RTX 3070, GTX 1080 Ti.
- AMD: Radeon VII, RX 6900 XT, RX 5700.
- Minimum: 4GB VRAM.
2. ASICs (Less Common)
Specialized ETCHash ASIC miners exist but are less cost-effective than GPUs.
Step-by-Step Mining Guide
1. Set Up an ETC Wallet
Choose a secure wallet to store mined ETC:
- Software: Exodus, MetaMask (configured for ETC network).
- Hardware: Ledger, Trezor.
- Exchanges: Binance, OKX (for immediate selling).
👉 Get a secure MetaMask wallet
2. Choose Mining Software
Select a miner compatible with your GPU:
| Miner | GPU Type | OS Support |
|---|---|---|
| T-Rex | NVIDIA | Windows, Linux |
| TeamRedMiner | AMD | Windows, Linux |
| GMiner | Both | Windows, Linux |
Download Links:
3. Join a Mining Pool
Top ETC Pools in 2025:
- Ethermine (Low fees, high reliability).
- 2Miners (User-friendly interface).
- F2Pool (Global server coverage).
Pool Stats: Check MiningPoolStats for real-time data.
4. Configure Your Miner
Example for T-Rex Miner (2Miners Pool):
t-rex.exe -a etchash -o stratum+tcp://etc.2miners.com:1010 -u YOUR_ETC_ADDRESS -w RIG_ID -p x
pauseReplace YOUR_ETC_ADDRESS with your wallet.
5. Start Mining
Run the .bat file and monitor your hashrate. Track earnings on the pool’s dashboard.
Profitability & FAQs
Estimated Earnings (2025)
| Hashrate | Daily ETC | Profit* ($0.10/kWh) |
|---|---|---|
| 100 MH/s | ~0.05 | $1.20 |
| 500 MH/s | ~0.25 | $6.00 |
*Assumes ETC price at $24.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is ETC mining still profitable in 2025?
A: Yes, but profitability depends on electricity costs and hardware efficiency. Use calculators for real-time estimates.
Q: Can I mine ETC with a 4GB GPU?
A: Yes! ETCHash optimizes DAG size for 4GB cards.
Q: How often do pools payout?
A: Most pools pay daily after reaching a minimum threshold (e.g., 0.1 ETC).
Q: What’s the best pool for small miners?
A: Ethermine and 2Miners offer low payout thresholds.
Final Tips
- Monitor Hardware: Keep GPUs cool to avoid thermal throttling.
- Diversify: Consider mining other PoW coins like Ravencoin if ETC profitability drops.
- Stay Updated: Follow ETC’s official community channels for algorithm updates.
👉 Start trading mined ETC on OKX
Happy Mining! 🚀