Ravencoin (RVN) has emerged as one of the most popular Proof-of-Work cryptocurrencies for GPU mining, second only to Ethereum and Ethereum Classic in terms of active miner support. Built on the KawPow algorithm—a memory-intensive, GPU-focused consensus mechanism—RVN mining performance hinges heavily on effective GPU overclocking, power limit tuning, and memory optimization. Similarly, FIRO mining using the FiroPoW algorithm shares nearly identical technical requirements, making this guide equally valuable for both coins.
Whether you're transitioning from Ethereum mining or building a new rig, understanding how to fine-tune your graphics cards can dramatically improve energy efficiency and profitability.
Are GPU Overclocking Settings for Ravencoin and FIRO Mining Different?
At first glance, Ravencoin and FIRO appear to use different algorithms—KawPow and FiroPoW, respectively. However, both are derived from ProgPoW, making their computational demands remarkably similar.
On October 26, 2021, FIRO completed a hard fork from MTP to FiroPoW, a ProgPoW variant optimized for fairness and ASIC resistance. Given this architectural similarity, the overclocking principles for both coins are nearly identical. This means that tuning your GPU for high-efficiency RVN mining will yield nearly optimal results when switching to FIRO.
👉 Discover how to maximize your mining returns with precision GPU tuning.
In practice, miners can use the same configuration profiles across both networks. If you're exploring alternative coins post-Ethereum's shift to Proof-of-Stake, RVN and FIRO represent two of the most viable options with stable ecosystems and active communities.
How to Overclock GPUs for Ravencoin Mining
Overclocking is not a one-size-fits-all process—it requires experimentation, monitoring, and careful balancing of hash rate versus power consumption.
Your local electricity cost plays a crucial role in determining the ideal overclocking strategy:
- Aggressive undervolting may reduce hash rate by 20% but cut power usage by up to 39%, ideal for high-electricity-cost regions.
- Conversely, high-performance overclocks can boost hash rates by 10–15% but increase power draw by 22–30%, which only makes sense with cheap electricity.
Profitability calculators often display average optimal settings, but experienced miners know each GPU has unique silicon quality. For example:
An RTX 2070 Super can achieve:
- 17.05 MH/s at 89W (5.22 W/MH) – highly efficient
- 20.88 MH/s at 121W (5.8 W/MH) – balanced
- Up to 26.05 MH/s at 209W (8 W/MH) – maximum performance (requires excellent cooling)
All benchmarks referenced here were obtained using T-Rex Miner v0.24.2, with plans to update as new hardware and software become available.
Step-by-Step GPU Overclocking for the KawPow Algorithm
KawPow relies heavily on both GPU core and memory performance. To maximize output without instability, follow a structured approach:
Step 0: Assess Profitability and Power Costs
Before adjusting any settings, calculate potential earnings using tools like 2CryptoCalc. Input your electricity rate (per kWh) to determine which power-to-performance ratio suits your operation best.
This baseline helps you decide whether energy efficiency or raw hash rate should be your priority.
Step 1: Maximize Memory Clock Stability
Memory performance is the primary bottleneck in KawPow mining.
- Increase memory clock in +50 MHz increments.
- Test stability after each change.
- Once crashes occur, step back by 50 MHz to ensure reliability.
🔥 Pro Tip: GPU memory chips heat up under load. Even if stable at idle, overheating may cause errors during extended mining sessions. Monitor thermals closely.
⚠️ Note for older cards: Do not enable "The Pill" on GTX 1080 or 1080 Ti. At fixed power limits, it offers no benefit and reduces overclocking stability.
Step 2: Optimize Core Clock and Voltage
For Windows users, MSI Afterburner provides precise control over voltage and clock curves.
- Adjust core clock in +25 MHz steps.
- Find the highest stable frequency, then reduce by one step.
- On systems with variable electricity pricing, consider creating multiple profiles (e.g., eco mode during peak hours).
Voltage matters: Lower voltages allow higher overclocks due to reduced thermal output. For instance:
- At 950 mV, max OC ≈ +125 MHz
- At 800 mV, max OC ≈ +175 MHz
- At 700 mV, max OC can reach +225 MHz (especially on RTX 30xx)
Leave a 50 MHz safety margin on higher-voltage states to prevent driver crashes that wipe all custom profiles.
Can You Dual-Mine Ravencoin with Ethereum or FIRO?
Dual mining allows simultaneous extraction of two cryptocurrencies using the same GPU resources. However, due to algorithmic intensity and memory constraints:
❌ Dual mining RVN + ETH or RVN + FIRO is generally inefficient on modern GPUs without LHR locks.
Here’s why:
- Both KawPow and Ethash are memory-heavy.
- Combined, they consume nearly all available VRAM bandwidth.
- The result? A compromised hash rate across both coins.
For example:
- RTX 2070 Super mining Ethereum alone: ~42 MH/s at 93W
- Mining RVN alone: ~26 MH/s at 200W
- Dual-mining ETH + RVN: ~16.5 MH/s each at 200W — yielding 40% less ETH and 40% less RVN than solo mining
Additionally:
- Windows 10 uses more VRAM than Linux or Windows 7.
- Dual mining is not feasible on 8GB GPUs under Windows 10.
While LHR (Lite Hash Rate) cards might benefit slightly from dual mining due to throttled single-algorithm performance, gains remain marginal unless electricity costs are extremely low.
👉 Learn how top miners optimize multi-algorithm setups for peak efficiency.
RVN Mining Performance on NVIDIA RTX 30 Series
The RTX 30xx series delivers strong performance for KawPow mining—but with limitations.
Despite faster cores and improved memory speeds compared to the 20xx series, the memory bus width remains unchanged, creating a bottleneck. As a result:
Cards with similar bus widths show comparable RVN hash rates:
- RTX 3060 Ti vs. RTX 3070
- RTX 2060 Super vs. RTX 2070
Because of this bottleneck:
- Core overclocking yields diminishing returns
- Maximum RVN hash rate caps around 30–33 MH/s on a 3070
- Power consumption rises disproportionately with core boosts
✅ Best practice: Fully overclock memory (e.g., 8200 MHz for ~31 MH/s), then slightly underclock the core to reduce power draw while maintaining throughput.
This strategy maximizes energy efficiency (W/MH)—a critical metric for long-term profitability.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is Ravencoin mining still profitable in 2025?
Yes. With Ethereum’s transition to Proof-of-Stake eliminating GPU mining rewards, RVN has become one of the most attractive alternatives. Its active community, consistent development, and ASIC-resistant algorithm make it a solid long-term option.
Q: Do I need special software for KawPow mining?
No. Popular miners like T-Rex, GMiner, and NBMiner fully support KawPow. T-Rex is widely recommended for its stability and efficiency.
Q: Can I use AMD GPUs for RVN mining?
Absolutely. While this guide focuses on NVIDIA, AMD cards (especially RX 5700 XT, RX 6700 XT) perform well on KawPow with proper tuning via tools like MSI Afterburner or AMD’s WattMan.
Q: How does temperature affect overclocking stability?
High temperatures degrade memory chip performance and increase error rates. Aim to keep VRAM below 95°C and GPU junction below 75°C for sustained stability.
Q: Should I mine RVN or switch to another coin?
RVN offers excellent balance between profitability and decentralization. However, always compare real-time earnings across coins using profitability calculators before deciding.
Final Thoughts: Is Ravencoin Mining Worth It?
Absolutely. As one of the leading GPU-mineable coins post-Ethereum PoS, Ravencoin represents a compelling opportunity for miners seeking sustainable returns. Combined with FIRO via FiroPoW, it offers flexibility in tuning for energy efficiency or maximum output—depending on your operational costs.
Now is the time to test your hardware's limits, refine overclocking profiles, and prepare for the evolving mining landscape.
👉 Start optimizing your mining rig today and unlock maximum profitability.