Ethereum Classic Mining: Step-by-Step Beginners Guide

Mining Ethereum Classic (ETC) remains one of the most accessible entry points into cryptocurrency mining, especially for beginners. Unlike the now-proof-of-stake Ethereum (ETH), Ethereum Classic continues to operate under a proof-of-work consensus mechanism, allowing individuals to mine new blocks using consumer-grade hardware. This guide walks you through everything you need to know—from setup and software to profitability and best practices—so you can start mining ETC efficiently and confidently.

What Is Ethereum Classic?

Ethereum Classic is the original Ethereum blockchain that continued running after a major network split in 2016. When the infamous DAO hack led to a loss of millions in ETH, the Ethereum community split: one group supported a hard fork to reverse the theft (creating what we now call Ethereum), while another group believed in preserving blockchain immutability—“code is law.” That principle gave birth to Ethereum Classic, which maintains the unaltered transaction history.

Today, Ethereum Classic stands as a decentralized, community-driven blockchain focused on long-term viability and resistance to centralization. Its continued use of proof-of-work makes it a prime candidate for GPU miners looking for profitable alternatives to more competitive networks.

Can You Still Mine Ethereum Classic?

Yes—Ethereum Classic is still mineable and uses the Etash algorithm, a memory-hard hashing function well-suited for GPUs. Since Ethereum’s transition to proof-of-stake in 2022, many miners redirected their hardware toward ETC, but network difficulty has remained relatively stable compared to other coins.

This balance between accessibility and profitability makes ETC an attractive option, especially for those with existing gaming rigs or mid-tier graphics cards. Tools like WhatToMine consistently rank Ethereum Classic among the top coins for GPU mining returns.

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Essential Requirements for Mining ETC

Before launching your mining operation, ensure you have the following components:

1. A Compatible Wallet

You’ll need a wallet that supports Ethereum Classic (ETC), not just Ethereum (ETH). Popular options include:

• Exodus – User-friendly desktop/mobile wallet
• Coinomi – Secure multi-asset mobile wallet
• Hardware wallets – Ledger or Trezor (with ETC app support)

Make sure to back up your recovery phrase securely.

2. Mining Hardware

While ASICs exist for Etash, GPU mining dominates due to flexibility and lower entry cost.

Recommended GPUs:

• NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 Ti, 3070, or higher
• AMD Radeon RX 6700 XT and above

Minimum requirements:

• At least 4GB VRAM
• Stable power supply (600W+ for multi-GPU setups)
• Adequate cooling and ventilation

Many miners build rigs with 4–6 GPUs for increased hashrate.

3. Mining Software

Choose software compatible with your GPU and operating system (Windows or Linux). Top options include:

• Claymore Dual Miner – Supports both NVIDIA and AMD; enables dual mining (e.g., ETC + Siacoin)
• Ethminer – Open-source, community-maintained, great for Linux users
• MinerGate – Beginner-friendly GUI client with minimal setup

4. Join a Mining Pool

Solo mining is impractical due to low block find probability. Joining a mining pool increases your chances of regular payouts by combining hash power with others.

Top ETC mining pools:

• Nanopool – Reliable, global servers, low 1% fee
• Ethermine – Large pool with transparent statistics

Pools typically pay out when you reach a set threshold (e.g., 0.1 ETC).

Step-by-Step: How to Mine Ethereum Classic Using Nanopool

Nanopool offers one of the easiest onboarding experiences for beginners. Here's how to get started.

Step 1: Set Up Your ETC Wallet

Create or open your Ethereum Classic wallet and copy your receiving address. You’ll need this shortly.

Step 2: Download Mining Software via Nanopool

Go to nanopool.org, select Ethereum Classic, and click Quick Start. Choose your GPU type (NVIDIA or AMD) to download the recommended miner.

Note: Nanopool suggests FinMiner for NVIDIA and Claymore for AMD, though Claymore works well for both.

Step 3: Configure the Miner

Option A: Using Claymore Dual Miner

1. Extract the downloaded .zip file.
2. Return to Nanopool’s Quick Start page and use the config generator.
3. Enter your ETC wallet address.
4. Select a secondary coin (Siacoin or PascalCoin) and provide its wallet address.
5. Download the generated config .zip, extract dpools.txt, epools.txt, and start.bat into your miner folder.
6. Run start.bat to begin mining.

The command prompt will display real-time stats: hashrate, accepted shares, and connection status.

Option B: Using FinMiner (NVIDIA)

1. Download FinMiner from GitHub and extract files.
2. Open config.ini in Notepad.

3. Replace wallet= with your ETC address:

   wallet=YOUR_ETC_ADDRESS
   algorithm=Etash
   coin=ETC
   rigName=MyRig
   [email protected]
   pool1=etc-eu1.nanopool.org:19999
   pool2=etc-eu2.nanopool.org:19999
   pool3=etc-us-east1.nanopool.org:19999

4. Save and run Finminer.exe.

You’re now mining!

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Maximizing Mining Profitability

To get the most out of your setup:

• Monitor electricity costs—profitability depends on local kWh rates.
• Overclock GPUs carefully to boost performance without overheating.
• Use dual mining cautiously; it can reduce primary coin output.
• Track performance via Nanopool’s dashboard using your wallet address.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is Ethereum Classic mining profitable in 2025?

Yes, depending on your hardware and energy costs. With efficient GPUs like the RTX 3070 or RX 6800, many miners achieve positive returns at current ETC prices and network difficulty levels.

Can I mine ETC with my gaming PC?

Absolutely. Most modern gaming PCs with 4GB+ VRAM can mine ETC effectively. Just ensure proper cooling during extended sessions.

Do I have to pay taxes on mined ETC?

In most jurisdictions, mined cryptocurrency is considered taxable income at fair market value when received. Keep records of all mined amounts and dates.

What’s the difference between ETH and ETC mining?

ETH no longer supports mining after transitioning to proof-of-stake in 2022. ETC remains proof-of-work, making it one of the few major Ethereum-based coins still open to miners.

How often does Nanopool pay out?

Nanopool processes payouts automatically once your balance reaches 0.1 ETC. Payments usually arrive within minutes of hitting the threshold.

Can I mine ETC on a laptop?

Technically yes, but not recommended. Laptops lack adequate cooling and power delivery for sustained mining, risking hardware damage.

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Final Thoughts

Ethereum Classic mining offers a practical and rewarding gateway into the world of crypto mining. With minimal setup time, broad GPU compatibility, and consistent profitability potential, it's ideal for hobbyists and part-time miners alike.

Whether you're repurposing an old gaming rig or building your first multi-GPU setup, following this guide ensures a smooth start. As network conditions evolve, staying informed about difficulty trends, coin value, and energy efficiency will help maintain long-term success.

Remember: always prioritize safety, secure your wallet, monitor system temperatures, and explore platforms that support seamless conversion and storage of your earnings.

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