Mining Ethereum Classic (ETC) shares nearly identical processes with Ethereum mining, supporting the same hardware and mining software. If you're a recently displaced Ethereum miner, Ethereum Classic welcomes you—you can start mining ETC using your existing hardware by simply switching to a mining pool that supports Ethereum Classic.
ETCHash: The Mining Algorithm
ETC's mining algorithm closely mirrors Ethereum's ETHash but includes a minor upgrade to enhance miner-friendliness. During the 2020 Thanos upgrade, ETC implemented ECIP-1099, which adjusted ETHash into ETCHash.
Key highlights:
- Ethereum's DAG exceeded 4GB in 2020, rendering many 4GB GPUs obsolete for ETH mining.
- Ethereum Classic modified its algorithm to ensure 4GB cards remain viable for ETC mining until mid-2025.
Hardware Requirements
Two primary hardware types are profitable for mining Ethereum Classic:
GPU Mining
Ideal GPUs for ETC mining balance power efficiency with at least 4GB memory. Before purchasing:
- Search for "[current year] best GPU for Ethereum Classic mining" for updated recommendations.
- Check WhatToMine for profitability metrics.
ASIC Miners
ASICs (Application-Specific Integrated Circuits) are specialized chips designed for specific algorithms. While ETHash initially resisted ASICs due to DAG memory demands, manufacturers eventually developed ETHash-compatible ASICs.
To explore options:
- Search "ETHash ASIC Miners" and verify manufacturer specs for ETCHash support.
Community Support
For additional guidance:
- Join the #mining channel on Ethereum Classic's Discord.
FAQ
Q1: Can I use my existing Ethereum mining rig for ETC?
Yes! Switch to an ETC-supported pool and adjust your mining software settings.
Q2: How long will 4GB GPUs remain viable for ETC mining?
Until mid-2025, per current DAG size projections.
Q3: Are ASICs more profitable than GPUs for ETC?
ASICs typically offer higher hash rates but require upfront investment. Use profitability calculators to compare.
Q4: Where can I find reliable mining pools?
👉 Best ETC mining pools
Contributors to this guide are acknowledged for their insights.