Mining Ethereum Proof-of-Work (ETHW) remains a compelling opportunity for crypto enthusiasts seeking alternative mining avenues after the Ethereum network's transition to Proof-of-Stake. With the right hardware, strategy, and understanding of pool versus solo mining dynamics, miners can optimize profitability and sustainability in the current landscape.
This comprehensive guide explores the technical requirements, profitability factors, mining software configurations, and strategic insights needed to succeed in ETHW mining—whether you're joining a pool or attempting solo efforts.
Understanding the Ethereum PoW DAG File Size
A critical factor in ETHW mining is the DAG (Directed Acyclic Graph) file used by the Ethash consensus algorithm. This file is loaded into GPU memory during mining and grows over time, directly impacting hardware compatibility.
As of now, the ETHW DAG size is approximately 6.772 GB. This means only GPUs with at least 7 GB of VRAM can effectively mine Ethereum PoW. Devices with less than 7 GB will fail to load the DAG file and are therefore incompatible.
Note: These limits are more stringent on Windows systems. Due to background UI processes and driver overhead, Windows consumes additional GPU memory, reducing available space for DAG. As a result, some GPUs that barely meet the 7 GB threshold may stop mining earlier on Windows compared to Linux.
👉 Discover how to maximize your mining efficiency with real-time data analysis tools.
Hardware Requirements for ETHW Mining
To mine ETHW profitably, you need compatible hardware capable of handling the growing DAG size and maintaining stable hashrate performance.
Supported Devices:
- NVIDIA GPUs (e.g., RTX 3060 Ti, 3070, 3080, 3090)
- AMD GPUs (e.g., RX 6700 XT, 6800, 6900 XT)
- ASIC miners optimized for Ethash (such as Innosilicon A11 series)
All devices must have minimum 7 GB of VRAM, though 8 GB or more is recommended for future-proofing as the DAG continues to expand.
Hashpower Rental Options
For those without dedicated rigs, renting hashpower offers a flexible alternative. Platforms like NiceHash and MiningRigRentals allow users to lease computational power temporarily and direct it toward ETHW mining pools.
While convenient, rented hashpower should be evaluated carefully against electricity costs, pool fees, and network difficulty to ensure net gains.
Pool Mining vs Solo Mining: Key Differences
Choosing between pool mining and solo mining significantly affects your reward structure, consistency, and risk profile.
| Aspect | Pool Mining | Solo Mining |
|---|---|---|
| Collaboration | You join forces with other miners | You mine independently |
| Reward Frequency | Regular payouts based on contributed hashrate | Only when you find a full block |
| Risk Level | Lower – steady income stream | High – long dry spells possible |
| Best For | Beginners and mid-tier miners | Experienced miners with large hashrate |
When Should You Choose Solo Mining?
Solo mining ETHW is only advisable if:
- You have sufficient hashrate to find 2–3 blocks per day
- You can tolerate extended periods without rewards
- You're technically proficient and monitor network difficulty closely
Most miners benefit more from pool participation, especially under PPLNS (Pay Per Last N Shares) models that distribute rewards fairly based on recent contributions.
👉 Learn how advanced analytics can help predict optimal mining windows.
Ethereum PoW Solo Mining Calculator Insights
While exact profitability varies daily due to fluctuating coin prices, network difficulty, and electricity costs, a reliable mining calculator helps estimate potential returns.
Key inputs include:
- Your total hashrate (e.g., 100 MH/s)
- Power consumption (watts per device)
- Electricity cost (per kWh)
- Pool fee percentage
- Current ETHW price in USD or BTC
Using these variables, miners can project:
- Daily/weekly/monthly revenue
- Net profit after operational costs
- Break-even timeline
For solo miners, success depends heavily on luck and timing. Even with high hashrate, block discovery isn't guaranteed. Monitoring real-time network difficulty trends allows strategic entry points—especially useful when leveraging rented hashpower during low-difficulty periods.
Recommended Strategy:
- Track ETHW network difficulty using trusted calculators.
- Launch solo campaigns during temporary dips in difficulty.
- Use automated scripts to start/stop miners based on profitability thresholds.
Top ETHW Mining Pools Comparison
Here are two leading pools supporting ETHW mining:
2Miners SOLO
- Reward System: SOLO
- Pool Fee: 1.5%
- Minimum Payout: 0.1 ETHW
- Hashrate: 103.40 Gh/s
- Miners Active: 43
- Server Location: EU
Ideal for experienced miners aiming to capture full block rewards without sharing.
2Miners PPLNS
- Reward System: PPLNS
- Pool Fee: 1%
- Minimum Payout: 0.1 ETHW
- Hashrate: 3.73 Th/s
- Miners Active: 1,273
- Server Location: EU
Better suited for consistent earnings through shared block rewards.
Choosing between them depends on your risk tolerance and hashrate capacity.
Mining Software Configuration Guide
Below are standard configuration examples for popular ETHW-compatible mining software. Replace YOUR_WALLET_ADDRESS and RIG_ID with your actual details.
Phoenix Miner
PhoenixMiner.exe -pool ethw.2miners.com:2020 -wal YOUR_WALLET_ADDRESS -pass x -worker RIG_ID
pauselolMiner
lolMiner.exe --algo ETHASH --pool ethw.2miners.com:2020 --user YOUR_WALLET_ADDRESS.RIG_ID
pauseRigel
rigel.exe -a ethash --coin ethw -o stratum+tcp://ethw.2miners.com:2020 -u YOUR_WALLET_ADDRESS -w RIG_ID
pauseGminer
miner.exe --algo ethash --server ethw.2miners.com:2020 --user YOUR_WALLET_ADDRESS.RIG_ID
pauseT-Rex
t-rex.exe -a ethash -o stratum+tcp://ethw.2miners.com:2020 -u YOUR_WALLET_ADDRESS -w RIG_ID -p x
pauseTeam Red Miner
teamredminer.exe -a ethash -o stratum+tcp://ethw.2miners.com:2020 -u YOUR_WALLET_ADDRESS.RIG_ID -p x
pauseEthminer
ethminer -U -P stratum1+tcp://[email protected]:2020
pauseThese templates support seamless integration with major pools and are widely used across both NVIDIA and AMD setups.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I mine ETHW with a 6GB GPU?
No. The current DAG size exceeds 6.7 GB, making it impossible for GPUs with only 6 GB of VRAM to process mining tasks. Only GPUs with 7 GB or more are viable.
Q: Is Linux better than Windows for ETHW mining?
Yes. Linux uses fewer system resources for display management, leaving more VRAM available for DAG loading. This can extend the usable life of borderline GPUs (like certain 7GB models).
Q: How often does the DAG file grow?
The DAG file grows approximately every 15,000 blocks, which translates to roughly once every 5–7 days, depending on network conditions.
Q: What happens when my GPU can no longer mine due to DAG size?
Once the DAG exceeds your GPU’s memory capacity, mining becomes impossible. At that point, consider switching to a different algorithm or upgrading hardware.
Q: Are ASIC miners more profitable than GPUs?
Generally yes—ASICs offer higher hashrate and energy efficiency. However, they lack flexibility since they’re designed for specific algorithms like Ethash.
Q: How do I choose between SOLO and PPLNS pools?
Choose SOLO if you have high hashrate and accept reward volatility. Opt for PPLNS if you prefer regular, predictable payouts even with smaller rigs.
👉 Access real-time market data to fine-tune your mining decisions instantly.
Final Thoughts
Ethereum PoW mining remains a viable path for those equipped with compatible hardware and informed strategies. Whether participating in a stable pool or pursuing solo block discovery, success hinges on monitoring network metrics, optimizing configurations, and adapting to evolving conditions.
By leveraging accurate calculators, efficient software setups, and timely decision-making, miners can maintain profitability in an increasingly competitive environment.
Stay updated, stay efficient—and mine smart.