How to Mine Ethereum (ETH) and Ethereum Classic (ETC): A Complete 2025 Guide

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Ethereum (ETH) has surged in value, solidifying its position as the second-largest cryptocurrency by market capitalization, just behind Bitcoin. With growing interest in decentralized finance and blockchain technology, many are turning their attention to how Ethereum and its counterpart, Ethereum Classic (ETC), are mined. This guide walks you through everything you need to know about ETH and ETC mining — from hardware setup to software configuration — in a clear, step-by-step format.

Whether you're a beginner exploring crypto mining or an enthusiast looking to optimize your rig, this article covers essential insights while aligning with current best practices for 2025.

Understanding Ethereum and Ethereum Classic

Ethereum (ETH) is a decentralized, open-source blockchain platform known for enabling smart contracts and decentralized applications (dApps). Its native cryptocurrency, Ether (ETH), powers transactions and computational operations on the network.

Ethereum Classic (ETC) is a continuation of the original Ethereum blockchain, preserved after a contentious hard fork in 2016 following the DAO hack. While both share common roots and use similar consensus mechanisms historically, they have since evolved independently.

Both ETH and ETC originally relied on the Ethash algorithm, a proof-of-work (PoW) hashing function designed to be memory-hard and resistant to ASIC mining, favoring GPU-based miners. However, it's important to note: Ethereum transitioned to proof-of-stake (PoS) in 2022 via "The Merge," ending traditional mining for ETH.

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Despite this, Ethereum Classic (ETC) remains a proof-of-work blockchain, meaning it can still be mined using GPUs. Therefore, this guide focuses primarily on ETC mining, while clarifying the current state of ETH.

Can You Still Mine Ethereum (ETH)?

No — Ethereum no longer supports mining.

As of September 2022, Ethereum completed "The Merge," shifting from energy-intensive proof-of-work mining to an energy-efficient proof-of-stake model. Validators now secure the network by staking ETH instead of solving cryptographic puzzles with hardware.

This means:

However, Ethereum Classic (ETC) continues to operate under PoW, making it one of the few major smart contract platforms still open to GPU miners.

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These keywords reflect high-intent search queries related to blockchain mining activities and are naturally integrated throughout this guide.

How to Mine Ethereum Classic (ETC)

Since ETC uses the same Ethash algorithm that once powered Ethereum, much of the legacy ETH mining knowledge applies directly to ETC today.

Step 1: Set Up Your Mining Rig

Mining ETC requires a dedicated system built around powerful graphics cards. Here’s what you need:

Hardware Requirements:

While CPUs were once viable, they are now ineffective due to low hash rates. Modern mining is dominated by GPUs.

Step 2: Install Operating System and Drivers

Use a stable OS optimized for mining:

Ensure all GPUs are recognized in Device Manager before proceeding.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Is Ethereum mining still profitable in 2025?

A: No. Ethereum no longer uses proof-of-work mining after transitioning to proof-of-stake in 2022. You cannot mine ETH. However, Ethereum Classic (ETC) remains mineable and may offer profitability depending on electricity costs and market conditions.

Q: What is the difference between ETH and ETC mining?

A: ETH mining ended in 2022. ETC continues using the Ethash algorithm, allowing GPU miners to earn rewards. The setup process is nearly identical to old ETH mining configurations.

Q: Which GPUs are best for ETC mining?

A: AMD Radeon cards like the RX 5700 XT and RX 6800 generally provide higher efficiency with Ethash. NVIDIA RTX 30-series cards also perform well but may require tuning for optimal memory clock settings.

Q: Do I need a wallet to receive mined ETC?

A: Yes. You’ll need a compatible cryptocurrency wallet that supports ETC, such as MetaMask (with custom network addition), Trust Wallet, or a hardware wallet like Ledger.

Q: Are there risks involved in crypto mining?

A: Yes. Risks include hardware wear, high electricity bills, price volatility, and potential regulatory changes. Always calculate return on investment (ROI) before building a rig.

Step 3: Download and Configure Mining Software

Several reliable Ethash-compatible miners support ETC:

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Setup Process:

  1. Download your chosen miner from the official website.
  2. Extract files to a dedicated folder.
  3. Edit the start.bat file using Notepad.
  4. Replace the placeholder wallet address with your valid ETC wallet address.
  5. Save and run the script.

Example command line:

t-rex.exe -a ethash -o stratum+tcp://etc.f2pool.com:1800 -u YOUR_ETC_WALLET_ADDRESS -p x

Always verify pool URLs and port numbers from trusted sources.

Choosing a Mining Pool

Solo mining is impractical due to low odds of finding blocks. Joining a mining pool increases consistent earnings by combining hashing power.

Top Pools for ETC Mining:

Pools typically charge a small fee (1–3%) and pay out based on your contributed hash rate.

System Optimization Tips

To maximize efficiency and prevent crashes:

For advanced tuning guides and community support, visit forums like EthFans.org or Reddit’s r/EtherMining.

Final Thoughts

While Ethereum (ETH) is no longer mineable, Ethereum Classic (ETC) remains a viable option for GPU miners in 2025. With the right hardware, software configuration, and pool selection, individuals can participate in securing a decentralized network while earning cryptocurrency rewards.

Mining profitability depends heavily on local electricity rates, hardware efficiency, and coin prices — so always conduct thorough research before investing time and money.

As blockchain ecosystems continue evolving, staying informed ensures you make smart decisions in the dynamic world of digital assets.

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