Ethereum Classic (ETC) mining has drawn increasing interest from cryptocurrency enthusiasts and investors alike, especially as alternative blockchain networks gain traction. With the growing popularity of GPU-based mining setups, many are asking: how much Ethereum Classic can you actually mine in a day? This article dives into ETC mining profitability, hardware requirements, energy consumption, and return on investment — all to help you make informed decisions in today’s competitive mining landscape.
Understanding Ethereum Classic Mining Basics
Ethereum Classic is a proof-of-work (PoW) blockchain that branched off from the original Ethereum chain following a 2016 hard fork. Unlike Ethereum, which transitioned to proof-of-stake in 2022, ETC remains fully mineable using GPUs, making it one of the few major PoW cryptocurrencies still accessible to individual miners.
Mining profitability depends on several key factors:
- Hashrate (measured in MH/s)
- Power consumption (in watts)
- Electricity cost (per kWh)
- Current ETC market price
- Network difficulty
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Daily ETC Mining Output: Real-World Estimates
So, how many ETC coins can you mine per day?
For a typical high-performance mining rig — such as one equipped with 8x GTX 1060 6GB graphics cards — the total hashrate averages around 181 MH/s. Under current network conditions (as of early 2025), this setup can generate approximately:
0.7 ETC per day
This figure may vary slightly depending on network difficulty fluctuations and pool performance. At an average ETC price of around $35 (subject to market changes), this translates to roughly **$24.50 in daily revenue**.
Keep in mind that mining Ethereum Classic isn't just about raw output — operational costs, especially electricity, play a massive role in net profit.
Power Consumption & Operational Costs
The same 8-GPU rig consumes about 900–930 watts under full load, including power for the motherboard, CPU, and cooling fans. That’s roughly 22 kWh per day (930W × 24 hours ÷ 1000).
If your local electricity rate is $0.10 per kWh, your daily power cost would be:
$2.20 per day
Subtracting this from daily earnings gives a net profit of about:
$22.30 per day
While this seems promising, initial hardware investment must also be factored in.
Hardware Investment: What You’ll Need
Building or buying a professional mining rig involves significant upfront costs:
| Component | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| 8x GTX 1060 6GB (mining-optimized) | $12,000 – $14,000 |
| 1200W PSU + Frame + Motherboard | $1,500 – $2,000 |
| Cooling & Accessories | $500 |
| Total Initial Investment | ~$16,000 – $18,000 |
Some pre-built rigs have been reported to cost up to $20,000, depending on region and availability.
At a net profit of $22.30 per day, the break-even period would be approximately:
717 days (~24 months)
However, if ETC price increases or network difficulty stabilizes favorably, this timeline could shorten significantly.
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Noise, Heat & Practical Considerations
Mining isn't just about numbers — real-world usability matters.
The 8-GPU GTX 1060 rig produces noise levels up to 80 dBA, comparable to standing near a busy highway. This makes indoor placement impractical for most homes unless soundproofing measures are taken.
On the upside:
- Temperature remains stable at under 65°C thanks to aggressive fan cooling.
- The system runs automatically via pre-configured
.batfiles on Windows Server 2012 R2. - Mining software provided by vendors is user-friendly and requires minimal technical knowledge after initial setup.
Still, long-term reliability and maintenance should not be overlooked. Continuous operation puts stress on components, increasing failure risk over time.
Is GPU Mining Still Worth It in 2025?
With Bitcoin nearly exhausted and Ethereum no longer mineable via GPUs, many miners have shifted focus to alternatives like Ethereum Classic, Ravencoin, or Ergo.
While ETC offers one of the most stable and established PoW ecosystems today, profitability hinges on three core variables:
- Market Price Volatility: A rise in ETC value directly boosts revenue.
- Network Difficulty Trends: Increased miner participation raises difficulty, reducing individual rewards.
- Energy Efficiency: Lower power draw per MH/s means higher margins.
For beginners, starting with a single mid-range GPU (like an RTX 3060 or RX 6700 XT) might be more practical than jumping into large-scale rigs.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I use a regular gaming PC to mine Ethereum Classic?
Yes, but profitability will be limited. A standard gaming GPU like the GTX 1060 yields only about 0.1 ETC per day, which may not cover electricity costs depending on your region.
Q: How does ETC mining compare to Bitcoin mining?
Bitcoin uses ASICs exclusively and is far more competitive. ETC remains GPU-minable, offering lower entry barriers but also lower overall returns compared to early Bitcoin days.
Q: Does mining damage my graphics card?
Continuous full-load operation increases wear and tear. However, modern GPUs can last 2–3 years under mining conditions if properly cooled and maintained.
Q: What mining software is best for ETC?
Popular options include PhoenixMiner, T-Rex Miner, and GMiner — all optimized for AMD and NVIDIA cards with low developer fees and stable performance.
Q: Do I need a special wallet for mined ETC?
Yes. Use a secure wallet like MetaMask (for software storage) or Ledger/Trezor (for hardware-level security) to store your mined ETC safely.
Q: Will Ethereum Classic switch to proof-of-stake?
As of now, there are no official plans for ETC to abandon proof-of-work. The community strongly supports maintaining PoW integrity, distinguishing it from Ethereum's post-merge model.
Final Thoughts: Mining in the Modern Era
While the golden age of easy crypto profits has passed, Ethereum Classic remains one of the last viable options for GPU miners seeking consistent returns. With careful planning — from selecting efficient hardware to managing power costs — mining can still yield meaningful income over time.
However, success requires realistic expectations. Mining is no longer a "get-rich-quick" scheme; it’s a long-term investment that demands technical know-how, patience, and adaptability to market shifts.
Whether you're expanding an existing operation or starting small, staying informed is key. Monitoring network trends, energy costs, and exchange rates can make the difference between profit and loss.
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By focusing on efficiency, sustainability, and smart resource allocation, miners can continue to thrive even in today’s evolving digital asset landscape.