How to Mine Ethereum Classic

Interest in mining Ethereum Classic (ETC) has grown after Ethereum transitioned to Proof-of-Stake. If you’re wondering how to mine ETC, it’s important to understand where to start, what hardware to choose, and how to configure everything. This guide explains how to mine Ethereum Classic effectively and safely.

Key Takeaways

• ETC stayed on Proof-of-Work after the 2016 hard fork and uses the Etchash algorithm — that is why it can still be mined with GPUs, while Ethereum itself moved to Proof-of-Stake in 2022 and can no longer be mined
• Etchash mining requires a GPU with enough video memory for the network’s growing DAG file — by 2026 the requirement is noticeably above the old 4 GB mark, so check the current minimum before buying hardware
• Legitimate mining software never requires disabling your antivirus — treat any “turn off your protection” instruction as a signal to verify the file against the developer’s official source, not as a step to follow
• ETC mining financial result is not a fixed number — it depends entirely on the current coin price, network difficulty, and your electricity cost, so always calculate through a live profitability calculator

What Is Ethereum Classic and How Is It Different from Ethereum?

Ethereum Classic (ETC) is the original version of the Ethereum network, which stayed on the Proof-of-Work algorithm after the 2016 hard fork. The key difference lies in philosophy: Ethereum shifted toward upgrades for security and moved entirely to Proof-of-Stake (PoS), while Ethereum Classic remained committed to the principle that “code is law.” ETC continues to use the Etchash algorithm, which allows miners to repurpose hardware originally meant for Ethereum (ETH).

Key differences:

• algorithm: ETC uses Etchash, ETH uses Proof-of-Stake
• philosophy: ETC stands for blockchain immutability
• use case: Ethereum Classic is more mining-friendly

Why Mine Ethereum Classic?

There are several reasons to consider mining ETC:

• accessibility: etchash is well-known and works with many GPUs
• stable network with developer support
• lower competition: compared to Bitcoin, mining ETC is easier and requires less powerful hardware

Best Hardware for Mining ETC

ETC mining runs on the Etchash algorithm, optimized for GPUs. CPU mining is inefficient.

The Etchash DAG file grows over time, so the video memory requirement rises with it — cards that were sufficient a few years ago may no longer fit the current DAG. Check the current DAG size and minimum VRAM before choosing a card.

NVIDIA GPUs:

• GeForce RTX 5080: a current-generation option
• GeForce RTX 3090: great for professional farms
• GeForce RTX 3070 Ti: a solid mid-range choice

AMD GPUs:

• Radeon RX 7900 XTX: High performance and efficiency
• Radeon RX 7900 XT: More affordable alternative
• Radeon RX 580 8GB: Budget-friendly for beginners

Use profitability calculators to estimate your financial result based on electricity costs and network difficulty.

Mining Software Setup for Ethereum Classic

To begin mining ETC, you’ll need to configure your miner software by choosing a program, setting up a pool, and adding your wallet address.

Here’s your step-by-step guide:

1. Register on a mining pool. EMCD Mining Pool supports ETC (Etchash). You’ll get a wallet or login ID for payouts
2. Download a miner from official sources only. For Etchash, current options include lolMiner for Nvidia, AMD, and supported Intel GPUs, as well as TeamRedMiner for AMD hardware. T-Rex for Nvidia and NBMiner for Nvidia or AMD still list Etchash support
3. Extract the miner archive. If your antivirus flags a mining executable, do not disable your protection — verify the file against the developer’s official source and published checksum first, and only add that specific verified file to exclusions through your antivirus’s official interface if you are certain it is a false positive
4. Edit or create a .bat file in the miner folder.
5. Enter your ETC wallet address for receiving payouts.

If using HiveOS, upload a JSON-based flight sheet.

Profitability & Financial result Calculation

Use tools to calculate profit based on:

• GPU hash rate
• Power consumption and electricity costs
• Current ETC price and pool fees

Income is a moving target: it changes with the ETC price, network difficulty, and your electricity rate. Run your exact GPU model through a live calculator with today’s numbers and treat the result as a snapshot, not a fixed figure.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

1. Using unsuitable GPUs. Cards with too little video memory for the current Etchash DAG will not work — check the current DAG size and minimum VRAM before buying or repurposing a card
2. Incorrect miner configuration. Wrong pool address or wallet format = lost financial result
3. No temperature monitoring. Mining stresses GPUs. Overheating leads to hardware failure
4. Ignoring electricity costs. High energy rates can wipe out profits

Tips:

• Monitor temps with MSI Afterburner, GPU-Z, or HiveOS
• Use profitability calculators
• Plan for cooling and power load before mining

Storing and Withdrawing ETC

After mining, secure storage is crucial:

• Crypto Exchanges: holding coins on an exchange means trusting a third party — accounts can be frozen and platforms can be hacked, so exchanges are not suited for long-term storage
• Hardware Wallets: best for large sums and long-term storage
• Software Wallets: convenient for smaller balances and day-to-day use

Tips:

• Always enable 2FA
• Backup your seed phrase
• Don’t keep large amounts on exchanges
• Store backups offline and securely

Ethereum Classic’s Future

ETC is one of the few major cryptocurrencies still using Proof-of-Work. Its role grows as Ethereum shifts to PoS, and miners look for alternatives.

Prospects:

• continued network development
• active mining community
• lower entry barrier vs. Bitcoin

Risks:

• high ETC price volatility
• competition from other PoW coins
• potential protocol changes

Miners must stay informed and flexible.

FAQ

Best GPUs for ETC mining?

Current examples include GeForce RTX 5080, RTX 3070 Ti, RTX 3090, AMD RX 7900 XTX/XT — check a live calculator for up-to-date Etchash hashrates and make sure the card’s VRAM covers the current DAG.

Monthly income from ETC mining?

Depends on hash rate, energy cost, ETC price. Use WhatToMine for estimates.

Can I mine ETC on a regular PC?

Yes, with a GPU whose video memory covers the current Etchash DAG, but efficiency will be low compared to dedicated rigs.

Best miner settings?

Use Etchash algorithm, proper pool address, and optimize GPU settings for max hash rate and efficiency.

Most profitable ETC pool?

Profitability depends mostly on your hardware and electricity, not the pool alone — compare current fees and payout models.

Is it safe to store ETC on an exchange?

Not for large sums. Use cold wallets for long-term storage.