Ethereum Classic (ETC) mining remains a topic of interest for many cryptocurrency enthusiasts. Understanding the hardware requirements, profitability factors, and strategic approaches is essential for anyone considering mining this digital asset. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of ETC mining, from hardware specifications to pool selection and software configuration.
Understanding DAG File Size in Ethereum Classic Mining
The DAG (Directed Acyclic Graph) file is a crucial component in Etchash algorithm mining, which Ethereum Classic utilizes. This file is loaded into the GPU memory and continuously grows in size over time.
As of now, the DAG file size for Ethereum Classic is approximately 3.93 GB. This means only GPUs with more than 4 GB of memory can currently mine ETC. GPUs with less than 4 GB of RAM are incapable of mining ETC due to insufficient memory capacity.
Important timeline considerations:
- GPUs with 4 GB RAM will become unable to mine ETC around October 2025
- GPUs with 6 GB RAM will remain capable until approximately September 2032
Note that these estimates are accurate for Linux mining systems. Windows systems typically allocate more GPU memory for interface elements, leaving less available for DAG storage. Therefore, Windows-based mining rigs may experience compatibility issues slightly earlier than these projections suggest.
Hardware Requirements for ETC Mining
Both GPU and ASIC mining devices can effectively mine Ethereum Classic. Popular options include NVIDIA and AMD graphics cards, with a minimum requirement of 4 GB GPU memory. The Ethereum Classic network incorporates uncle blocks (similar to stale blocks in other networks), which mining calculators must account for when estimating profitability.
👉 Explore mining hardware compatibility tools
Pool Mining vs. Solo Mining: Key Differences
Pool mining involves collaborating with other miners to combine computational resources and share rewards proportionally based on contributed hash power. Solo mining means working independently to solve blocks alone.
Solo mining only becomes profitable if you can consistently find 2-3 blocks within a 24-hour period. For most miners, especially those with limited hardware resources, pool mining represents a more stable and predictable earning strategy. We recommend solo mining only for experienced miners with substantial computational power.
Ethereum Classic Solo Mining Calculator
Solo mining profitability depends on several factors including your hash rate, network difficulty, and current ETC price. While specific calculator tables were provided in the original content, the key metrics to consider include:
- Estimated time to find a block
- Potential ETC, BTC, and USD earnings
- Pool fees and minimum payout thresholds
- Current network hash rate and active miner count
Optimal ETC Solo Mining Strategies
Successful solo miners typically monitor Ethereum Classic network conditions closely and may employ advanced strategies such as hash rate leasing during favorable conditions. Mining success depends on more than just pool server reliability and luck—accurate calculation and strategic timing are essential components of profitable solo mining.
👉 Get advanced mining calculation methods
Video Guide: How to Mine Ethereum Classic
Visual guides can significantly ease the learning curve for new miners. While we cannot embed videos directly, numerous educational resources are available that demonstrate:
- Hardware setup and configuration
- Mining software installation
- Wallet setup and security measures
- Monitoring and optimization techniques
Mining Software Configuration Examples
Proper software configuration is crucial for efficient mining operations. Below are examples of command line parameters for popular mining software:
PhoenixMiner
PhoenixMiner.exe -pool etc.2miners.com:1010 -wal YOUR_WALLET_ADDRESS -pass x -worker RIG_ID
pauselolMiner
lolMiner.exe --algo ETCHASH --pool etc.2miners.com:1010 --user YOUR_WALLET_ADDRESS.RIG_ID
pauseRigel
rigel.exe -a etchash -o stratum+tcp://etc.2miners.com:1010 -u YOUR_WALLET_ADDRESS -w RIG_ID
pauseGminer
miner.exe --algo etchash --server etc.2miners.com:1010 --user YOUR_WALLET_ADDRESS.RIG_ID
pauseT-Rex
t-rex.exe -a etchash -o stratum+tcp://etc.2miners.com:1010 -u YOUR_WALLET_ADDRESS -w RIG_ID -p x
pauseTeam Red Miner
teamredminer.exe -a ethash -o stratum+tcp://etc.2miners.com:1010 -u YOUR_WALLET_ADDRESS.RIG_ID -p x
pauseNanominer
cmdline_launcher.bat -algo etchash -coin etc -pool1 etc.2miners.com:1010 -wallet YOUR_WALLET_ADDRESS -rigName RIG_ID
pauseNBminer
nbminer.exe -a etchash -o stratum+tcp://etc.2miners.com:1010 -u YOUR_WALLET_ADDRESS.RIG_ID
pauseRemember to replace "YOUR_WALLET_ADDRESS" with your actual ETC wallet address and "RIG_ID" with your mining rig identifier.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum GPU memory required for ETC mining?
Currently, you need a GPU with at least 4 GB of memory to mine Ethereum Classic. The DAG file size continues to grow, so future requirements will increase. GPUs with 4 GB will become obsolete for ETC mining around October 2025.
Is solo mining profitable for Ethereum Classic?
Solo mining can be profitable if you have sufficient hash rate to consistently find blocks. For most individual miners, pool mining provides more consistent earnings. Solo mining generally requires enough computational power to find 2-3 blocks daily to be worthwhile.
How does Windows differ from Linux for ETC mining?
Windows typically allocates more GPU memory for system interface elements, leaving less available for the DAG file. This means Windows mining rigs may become unable to mine ETC slightly earlier than Linux systems with identical hardware specifications.
What factors affect ETC mining profitability?
Key factors include your hardware's hash rate, electricity costs, pool fees, network difficulty, Ethereum Classic's market price, and the inclusion of uncle blocks and transaction fees in block rewards.
Can ASIC miners be used for Ethereum Classic?
Yes, ASIC miners designed for Ethash/Etchash algorithms can effectively mine Ethereum Classic. However, ensure the specific model has adequate memory for the current DAG size requirements.
How often do mining profitability calculations need updating?
Mining profitability changes constantly due to fluctuating cryptocurrency prices and network difficulty. Serious miners typically monitor these metrics daily and adjust their strategies accordingly for optimal returns.