The rise of virtual economies has reached a scale comparable to traditional financial systems, with cryptocurrencies leading the digital revolution. While mining hardware plays a central role in cryptocurrency extraction, mining software is equally vital. As Ethereum (ETH) continues to rank as the second-largest cryptocurrency after Bitcoin, understanding the most efficient ETH mining software and compatible GPU hashrate performance is essential for both novice and experienced miners.
Although Ethereum's transition to Proof-of-Stake (PoS) has ended traditional GPU mining for ETH, many miners have pivoted to alternative networks like Ethereum Classic (ETC) or other GPU-mineable coins. This guide explores historical data, top-performing GPUs for Ethash-based mining, and leading mining software — providing valuable insights for those still engaged in GPU mining ecosystems.
Understanding ETH and ETC Network Hashrate Trends
Over the past month, significant fluctuations in the hashrate of both Ethereum (ETH) and Ethereum Classic (ETC) have been observed. Monitoring these trends helps reveal how network security, miner behavior, and market dynamics interact.
A notable chart by slacknation compared ETC/ETH price movements against their respective network hashrates. The data suggested a strong correlation between coin prices and mining activity — particularly during periods of high profitability. When ETH prices surged, miners flocked to the network; after the merge, much of this computational power migrated to ETC and other Ethash-based chains.
However, it's important to note that short-term data — such as a single week — may not reflect long-term patterns. A full-month analysis provides a more accurate picture of miner behavior and network resilience.
👉 Discover real-time crypto mining trends and network performance metrics here.
Top GPUs for Ethash-Based Mining (ETC, RVN, etc.)
While Ethereum no longer supports GPU mining, many miners continue using their rigs on Ethash-compatible blockchains like Ethereum Classic (ETC), Ravencoin (RVN), and Ergo (ERG). For these networks, GPU performance remains critical.
Here’s a breakdown of popular graphics cards and their typical hashrates under optimized conditions:
High-Performance GPUs
- NVIDIA RTX 3090: Up to 123 MH/s on ETC
- NVIDIA RTX 3080 Ti: ~100 MH/s
- AMD RX 6800 XT: ~96 MH/s
- NVIDIA RTX 3070: ~60 MH/s
Mid-Range Options
- AMD RX 580 (8GB): ~30 MH/s
- AMD RX 570 (4GB/8GB): 28–30 MH/s
- NVIDIA GTX 1080 Ti: ~31 MH/s
- NVIDIA GTX 1070: ~30 MH/s
Entry-Level or Obsolete Cards
- NVIDIA GTX 1050 (2GB): Effectively 0 MH/s — insufficient VRAM
- GTX 1060 (3GB/6GB): Varies; 6GB model reaches ~22 MH/s
💡 Key Insight: A minimum of 4GB VRAM is required for viable Ethash mining. Cards with less memory, such as the GTX 1050 2GB, cannot handle the DAG file growth and are effectively useless for modern mining.
Market volatility directly impacts GPU availability and pricing. During bull runs, demand spikes cause shortages and inflated prices. Conversely, post-halving or post-transition periods often lead to discounted second-hand mining rigs.
Essential Hardware Considerations for Mining Rigs
Building an efficient mining rig goes beyond selecting powerful GPUs. System stability, power efficiency, and thermal management are crucial.
CPU Requirements
Mining places minimal load on the CPU. An entry-level processor is sufficient:
- Intel Celeron G3900 or G3930 are popular choices
- Low power consumption and cost-effective
- Fully capable of managing PCIe lanes and mining OS operations
Motherboard & RAM
- Choose a motherboard supporting multiple PCIe slots (e.g., H110 or B250 mining editions)
- 4–8GB DDR4 RAM is adequate
- Ensure BIOS settings support "above 4G decoding" for stable multi-GPU setups
Power Supply Unit (PSU)
- Use 80+ Gold or Platinum certified units for energy efficiency
- Calculate total system draw: each high-end GPU can consume 250–300W
- Over-provision by 20% to ensure stability
Cooling & Ventilation
Heat is the enemy of sustained performance. Overheating leads to throttling and reduced lifespan.
- Space out GPUs to improve airflow
- Install additional case fans for active cooling
- Operate in well-ventilated areas; avoid enclosed spaces
- Consider open-air mining frames for better heat dissipation
Leading ETH Mining Software: Features & Performance
Even though ETH mining is no longer viable via Proof-of-Work, the following software remains relevant for ETC and similar chains.
1. PhoenixMiner
- One of the fastest Ethash miners available
- Low developer fee (~0.65%)
- Auto-tuning and crash recovery features
- Supports both NVIDIA and AMD GPUs
2. T-Rex Miner
- High-performance CUDA-based miner for NVIDIA cards
- Excellent stability and uptime
- Built-in monitoring via web interface
- Developer fee: ~1%
3. GMiner
- Lightweight and efficient for multi-algo mining
- Supports SSL connections for enhanced security
- User-friendly command-line interface
- Developer fee: ~2%
4. NBMiner
- Broad algorithm support including KawPow and Autolykos
- Good performance across both AMD and NVIDIA
- Regular updates and strong community support
Each tool offers unique advantages depending on your hardware setup and target blockchain.
👉 Explore advanced mining strategies and optimize your returns today.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I still mine Ethereum with a GPU in 2025?
A: No. Ethereum completed its transition to Proof-of-Stake in September 2022 ("The Merge"). GPU mining is no longer possible on the mainnet.
Q: What coins can I mine instead of ETH?
A: Popular alternatives include Ethereum Classic (ETC), Ravencoin (RVN), Ergo (ERG), and Flux (FLUX) — all of which remain GPU-mineable.
Q: Why does VRAM matter so much for mining?
A: Ethash and similar algorithms rely on large DAG files that grow over time. Insufficient VRAM prevents the GPU from storing this data, making mining impossible.
Q: How do I calculate potential mining profits?
A: Use online calculators that factor in hashrate, power consumption, electricity cost, and current coin price. Historical ETH earnings were based on difficulty, network hashrate, and market value.
Q: Is mining still profitable in 2025?
A: Profitability depends on local electricity costs, hardware efficiency, and coin prices. While less lucrative than during bull markets, some miners remain profitable through optimization.
Q: Do I need internet connectivity for mining?
A: Yes. Your miner must connect to a pool server to receive work assignments and submit shares.
Final Thoughts: Adapting to the Post-Mining Era
While traditional ETH mining is obsolete, the infrastructure built around GPU mining remains valuable. Miners who adapt by switching to alternative chains or repurposing hardware for rendering or AI tasks can extend the lifecycle of their investments.
Staying informed about network trends, optimizing software configurations, and maintaining efficient cooling systems are key practices for maximizing output — whether you're mining ETC or exploring new decentralized protocols.
👉 Stay ahead of the curve with real-time blockchain analytics and trading tools.
The world of crypto evolves rapidly. By focusing on flexibility, efficiency, and sustainability, miners can continue thriving in this dynamic landscape.