Ethereum Classic (ETC) mining has grown in popularity as more investors explore cryptocurrency opportunities. Mining profitability depends heavily on the mining rig’s hash rate—the higher the hash rate, the faster the mining process. But what exactly can a miner expect to earn in a day?
A rig with a 100M hash rate can mine approximately 0.7 ETC per day, consuming around 24 kWh of electricity. Setting up such a mining rig may cost about $7,000. Currently, Ethereum Classic’s daily mining output is nearly half that of Bitcoin—a significant achievement that highlights its growing potential. With attractive rewards, many miners are shifting their attention to ETC.
As interest in mining continues, suppliers are now offering multi-GPU dedicated mining rigs. Whether you use AMD or NVIDIA cards, mining remains a competitive endeavor. For example, one professional mining setup features eight GTX 1060 cards, representing a substantial investment for serious miners.
Calculating Ethereum Classic Mining Returns
One of the biggest concerns for miners is how long it will take to recoup their initial investment. A single GTX 1060 is hardly worth the effort—it may not even cover electricity costs over a year. But a rig with eight such cards changes the equation significantly.
Here’s a closer look at a dedicated mining rig with 8 GTX 1060 6GB cards:
- Power supply: 1200W
- Total graphics card TDP: ~960W
- Estimated full system power: ~1000W (including fans and CPU)
- Actual power draw observed: 900–930W
The system runs on Windows Server 2012 R2 and uses a pre-configured batch script to launch the mining software automatically. Users need to set parameters such as mining pool and wallet address before starting.
The mining software included is user-friendly and displays real-time stats like total hash rate, which reached around 181 MH/s in testing. Optimized mining editions of the GTX 1060 can achieve up to 20% better performance.
However, there are trade-offs. The noise level can reach 80 dBA—comparable to standing near a busy highway. Despite the noise, cooling remains effective, with GPU and CPU temperatures staying below 65°C.
Profitability Estimates
Based on the above setup, here’s a sample profit calculation:
- Total rig cost: ~$20,000
- Power consumption: ~1 kWh per hour
- Hash rate: 181 MH/s
- Sample ETC price: $30 (for illustration)
Under these conditions, the rig could generate around $30 per day. At this rate, the initial investment could be recovered in approximately three months—though this is only an estimate. Mining difficulty and cryptocurrency prices change frequently, so results can vary.
It’s important to remember: mining involves financial risk. Market volatility and rising network difficulty can greatly affect returns.
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Is Now the Right Time to Mine ETC?
Ethereum Classic, like Bitcoin, has a limited supply. While it may not be the ideal time to begin mining—given market conditions and competition—opportunities still exist for those with efficient setups and low electricity costs.
Staying informed and using updated tools to monitor earnings and expenses can help miners make better decisions. Diversifying mining activities across different coins can also reduce risk.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much ETC can you mine with one GPU?
It depends on the GPU’s hash rate and network difficulty. A mid-range card like the GTX 1060 might mine a fraction of an ETC per day, which may not be profitable after accounting for electricity.
What is the best mining software for ETC?
Several popular options include Claymore, PhoenixMiner, and GMiner. Choose one based on compatibility, features, and fee structure.
How does mining difficulty affect profitability?
As more miners join the network, difficulty increases, reducing individual rewards. Miners must regularly update their equipment and strategies to stay competitive.
Can you mine ETC with a CPU?
While technically possible, CPU mining is highly inefficient for ETC due to its low hash rate. GPU or ASIC-based mining is recommended.
Does mining ETC consume a lot of electricity?
Yes, mining is energy-intensive. Miners should calculate electricity costs against potential earnings to avoid losses.
What is a mining pool and should I join one?
Mining pools combine computational resources to improve the chance of earning rewards. Solo mining is less likely to be profitable, so pools are recommended for most individuals.
Mining Ethereum Classic can be profitable under the right conditions, but it requires careful planning, quality hardware, and constant monitoring of the crypto environment. Always perform a cost-benefit analysis and use reliable tools to guide your mining journey.