Ravencoin (RVN) has emerged as a compelling option for crypto enthusiasts interested in GPU mining and decentralized asset creation. Unlike many other blockchains, Ravencoin was specifically designed to support the issuance and transfer of digital assets — all while remaining accessible to individual miners using consumer-grade hardware. If you're asking, "How does Ravencoin mining work?", this guide will walk you through everything from the underlying consensus algorithm to setting up your own mining rig.
This article breaks down the essentials of RVN mining, explains why it's still viable in 2025, and provides a step-by-step setup guide to help you begin earning passive income through GPU mining.
What Is Ravencoin?
Ravencoin launched on January 3, 2018, as an open-source blockchain forked from Bitcoin’s codebase. It uses the UTXO (Unspent Transaction Output) model and operates on a Proof-of-Work (PoW) consensus mechanism powered by the KAWPOW hashing algorithm.
Unlike Ethereum or other smart contract platforms, Ravencoin doesn’t support complex dApps or Turing-complete programming. Instead, its primary purpose is simple yet powerful: enabling fast, secure, and efficient creation and transfer of digital assets — such as tokens representing real-world items like gold, stocks, or collectibles.
The project’s name comes from the Game of Thrones universe, where ravens serve as messengers carrying truths across vast distances — symbolizing how Ravencoin aims to transmit value and ownership securely across its network.
👉 Discover how blockchain innovation continues to evolve with platforms like Ravencoin.
The Unique Consensus Algorithm Behind Ravencoin
Ravencoin shares structural similarities with Bitcoin but diverges significantly in its choice of mining algorithm. While Bitcoin relies on SHA-256 — which is now dominated by ASIC miners — Ravencoin uses KAWPOW, a memory-hard PoW algorithm designed to resist ASIC dominance.
Originally, Ravencoin used the X16R algorithm at launch, later upgrading to X16Rv2 in October 2019 before transitioning to KAWPOW. These changes were made to preserve decentralization by preventing specialized hardware from monopolizing block production.
Why KAWPOW Matters
KAWPOW is derived from ProgPoW and optimized for GPUs, making it ideal for home miners. It requires significant memory bandwidth and computational diversity, effectively leveling the playing field between individual users and large-scale mining operations. This design philosophy ensures broader participation and enhances network security through decentralization.
By favoring GPUs over ASICs, Ravencoin remains one of the few PoW blockchains where retail miners can still compete profitably — especially those with NVIDIA or AMD graphics cards equipped with at least 4 GB of VRAM.
Ravencoin Tokenomics: Supply, Rewards & Halving
Understanding Ravencoin’s economic model is key to evaluating its long-term potential and mining profitability.
- Maximum Supply: Like Bitcoin, Ravencoin has a capped supply of 21 million RVN coins.
- Block Time: A new block is mined every 60 seconds.
- Current Block Reward: As of now, each successfully mined block yields 5,000 RVN.
- Halving Schedule: The reward halves approximately every four years. The next halving event will reduce block rewards to 2,500 RVN per block.
This predictable emission schedule helps maintain scarcity and incentivizes early participation in the network. With no pre-mine or ICO, all RVN tokens are distributed fairly through mining, reinforcing trust and decentralization.
Use Cases for Ravencoin
While RVN itself serves as the native utility token — used for transaction fees and miner rewards — the real innovation lies in its ability to issue custom digital assets.
Asset Creation Made Simple
Users can create:
- Fungible tokens representing shares, commodities, or loyalty points.
- NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens) for digital art, collectibles, or in-game items.
For example, in 2018, Chainstone Labs issued 12.4 million digital shares via the Ravencoin blockchain, showcasing its enterprise-grade utility for tokenized securities.
Although Ravencoin does not support smart contracts like Ethereum, its lightweight asset issuance protocol offers faster transactions and lower fees — ideal for businesses and creators who prioritize simplicity and speed.
Additionally, RVN is available as a BEP-20 token on Binance Smart Chain, allowing integration into DeFi ecosystems for lending, borrowing, and yield farming.
How to Store RVN Safely: Choosing a Wallet
Before starting any mining operation, you need a secure wallet to receive and store your RVN rewards.
Recommended Ravencoin Wallets:
- Raven Core (Official desktop wallet for Windows, Mac, Linux)
- Exodus (User-friendly interface with portfolio tracking)
- Edge Wallet (Mobile-focused with strong security)
- Mango Farm Assets Wallet (Supports RVN-based tokens and NFTs)
- Trust Wallet (Mobile option with BSC compatibility)
👉 Learn how secure digital asset storage starts with choosing the right wallet.
Always download wallets from official sources to avoid malware. Never share your seed phrase, and consider using cold storage (hardware wallets) for larger holdings.
You can find all verified Ravencoin wallets at ravencoin.org/wallet.
Step-by-Step Guide to Mining Ravencoin
Mining RVN is accessible to anyone with a modern GPU. Follow these steps to set up your own mining rig:
Step 1: Set Up a Ravencoin Wallet
Download Raven Core or another trusted wallet. During setup:
- Create a new wallet.
- Save your 12-word seed phrase securely offline.
- Wait for full blockchain synchronization.
- Navigate to “Receive” and copy your public address.
This address will be used in your mining software configuration.
Step 2: Install Mining Software
Choose a GPU-compatible miner that supports KAWPOW:
| Software | Developer Fee | GPU Compatibility |
|---|---|---|
| NBMiner | 1% | NVIDIA & AMD |
| Gminer | 2% | NVIDIA |
| T-Rex Miner | 1% | NVIDIA |
| TeamRedMiner | 2% | AMD |
| Kawpowminer | 0% (Open-source) | NVIDIA |
We recommend NBMiner for its efficiency and cross-platform support.
⚠️ Note: Your antivirus may flag mining software as suspicious. Add exceptions in your security settings under "Virus & Threat Protection" > "Manage Settings" > "Exclusions".
Step 3: Join a Mining Pool
Solo mining is impractical due to low odds of finding blocks. Instead, join a mining pool to combine hashing power and earn consistent rewards.
Popular pools include:
- 2Miners (
rvn.2miners.com:6060) - Flypool
- Nanopool
Visit miningpoolstats.stream/ravencoin for real-time data on pool performance and distribution.
Ensure no single pool controls more than 40% of the network hash rate to maintain decentralization.
Step 4: Configure Your Miner
Extract the NBMiner files and edit start_rvn.bat. Replace placeholders with:
nbminer -a kawpow -o stratum+tcp://POOL_ADDRESS:PORT -u YOUR_WALLET_ADDRESS.WORKER_NAMEExample:
nbminer -a kawpow -o stratum+tcp://rvn.2miners.com:6060 -u RJabc123xyz456def789ghi.rig1Save the file and close it.
Step 5: Start Mining
Double-click start_rvn.bat. The console will display your hash rate, connection status, and accepted shares. Within minutes, you’ll see activity on your chosen pool’s dashboard.
Payouts occur once you reach the pool’s minimum threshold — typically around 1 RVN.
Use the CoinWarz Ravencoin Mining Calculator to estimate profits based on your hash rate, power consumption, and local electricity costs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is Ravencoin Mining Still Profitable?
Yes, mining RVN can still be profitable with efficient GPUs like the NVIDIA RTX 3060 Ti or AMD RX 6700 XT — especially in regions with low electricity costs. Always calculate ROI using up-to-date tools before investing in hardware.
Can I Mine Ravencoin with Any GPU?
You need a GPU with at least 4 GB of VRAM. Most modern NVIDIA and AMD cards meet this requirement. Older or integrated graphics may not perform adequately.
Why Does Ravencoin Use KAWPOW?
KAWPOW was adopted to prevent ASIC dominance and promote fair access to mining. It favors GPUs with high memory bandwidth, ensuring decentralization and broader participation.
How Often Are RVN Blocks Mined?
A new block is added to the Ravencoin blockchain every 60 seconds, providing frequent opportunities for miners to earn rewards.
Can I Stake Ravencoin Instead of Mining?
No. Ravencoin operates solely on Proof-of-Work. There is no staking mechanism available.
Where Can I Trade My Mined RVN?
RVN is listed on major exchanges including Binance, KuCoin, and OKX. After accumulating sufficient coins from mining, you can transfer them securely for trading or holding.
Final Thoughts: Is RVN Mining Worth It?
Ravencoin stands out in the crowded crypto space by focusing on accessibility and utility. Its commitment to ASIC resistance allows everyday users to participate in securing the network — turning standard gaming rigs into income-generating machines.
With a capped supply of 21 million coins, regular halvings, and growing use cases in asset tokenization, RVN offers both short-term mining rewards and long-term investment potential.
Whether you're building a small home rig or exploring passive income options in crypto, Ravencoin mining remains a viable entry point — especially if you already own compatible hardware.
👉 Start exploring decentralized networks and digital asset innovation today.