The world of cryptocurrency mining continues to evolve, and Ethereum Classic (ETC) remains one of the most discussed proof-of-work assets among miners. With growing interest in GPU-based mining operations, many are asking: how much Ethereum Classic can you mine in a day? This guide dives deep into ETC mining profitability, hardware performance, energy costs, and real-world return on investment—helping you make informed decisions in today’s competitive mining landscape.
Understanding Ethereum Classic Mining Basics
Ethereum Classic is a decentralized blockchain that emerged from the original Ethereum chain following a 2016 network split. Unlike Ethereum, which transitioned to proof-of-stake in 2023, Ethereum Classic still relies on proof-of-work (PoW), making it mineable using GPUs.
Mining profitability depends on three core factors:
- Hashrate – The computational power of your mining rig.
- Power consumption – How much electricity your setup uses.
- Network difficulty and coin price – Fluctuating market conditions.
For example, a mining rig with 181 MH/s has the potential to generate meaningful daily returns—especially when optimized correctly.
👉 Discover how to maximize your mining returns with efficient setup strategies.
Real-World Mining Rig: 8x GTX 1060 6GB Setup
One of the most popular configurations for mid-tier ETC and ETH mining is the 8-GPU rig using GTX 1060 6GB cards. Let’s break down the performance and economics of this specific build.
Hardware Specifications
- Graphics Cards: 8 × NVIDIA GTX 1060 6GB (mining-optimized variants)
- Total Hashrate: ~181 MH/s
- Power Supply: 1200W PSU
- Total Power Draw: 900–930W (real-world measurement)
- Operating System: Windows Server 2012 R2 (pre-configured with auto-start .bat scripts)
These rigs are often sold pre-built with mining software already installed, allowing users to plug in and start mining immediately after setting up wallet and pool details.
Performance Insights
- The GTX 1060 6GB, while older, remains efficient for Ethash-based algorithms used by both Ethereum Classic and Ethereum (pre-merge).
- Manufacturers often tweak BIOS settings to boost hashrate by up to 20%, pushing individual cards beyond standard performance.
- Temperatures remain stable—typically under 65°C—thanks to high-speed cooling fans.
However, there's a trade-off: noise levels reach up to 80 dBA, comparable to standing near a busy highway. This makes such rigs unsuitable for residential environments without soundproofing.
Daily ETC Mining Output and Revenue Calculation
Let’s estimate how much Ethereum Classic you can mine per day with this rig.
Assumptions (Based on Real Data):
- Hashrate: 181 MH/s
- Power consumption: 0.93 kWh per hour
- Electricity cost: $0.10 per kWh (average U.S. commercial rate)
- ETC price: $23.50 (approximate market value as of recent data)
- Network difficulty: Current average (subject to change)
Estimated Daily Output:
With these parameters:
- Daily power cost: 0.93 kW × 24 h × $0.10 = **$2.23**
- Daily ETC mined: ~0.35 ETC/day at current difficulty
- Daily revenue: 0.35 × $23.50 = **$8.23**
- Net profit per day: $8.23 – $2.23 = $6.00
This translates to roughly $180 per month in net profit per rig.
💡 Note: While earlier references mentioned ETH prices in Chinese yuan (e.g., ¥2465), we’ve adjusted all figures to reflect global USD pricing and realistic ETC yields post-Ethereum merge.
Return on Investment (ROI) Timeline
Now let’s assess how long it takes to recoup your initial investment.
Cost Breakdown:
- Rig cost (8x GTX 1060): ~$2,000
- Monthly net profit: ~$180
- Break-even point: $2,000 ÷ $180 ≈ 11 months
This is significantly longer than the previously claimed “under 3 months,” which likely assumed mining Ethereum at pre-merge prices and block rewards—conditions no longer valid.
👉 Learn how smart miners optimize ROI using low-cost energy and hardware upgrades.
Key Factors Affecting Mining Profitability
Several variables influence whether your mining operation stays profitable:
1. Electricity Rates
Lower power costs dramatically improve margins. Miners in regions with rates below $0.06/kWh can see ROI improve by several months.
2. Market Volatility
Cryptocurrency prices fluctuate daily. A drop in ETC price directly impacts revenue, while surges can accelerate profitability.
3. Network Difficulty
As more miners join or leave the network, difficulty adjusts weekly. Increased competition reduces individual payouts.
4. Hardware Lifespan
GPUs running 24/7 may degrade faster. Proper cooling and maintenance extend usable life beyond two years.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I mine Ethereum Classic with a single GPU?
Yes, but profitability is limited. A single GTX 1060 might earn only $1–$2 per day before electricity costs. It’s rarely worth it unless you have very low power expenses or access to free electricity.
Q: Is ETC mining still profitable in 2025?
It depends on your setup and location. Large-scale operations with cheap power and optimized rigs can remain profitable. Hobby miners may struggle due to rising operational costs.
Q: What’s the difference between ETH and ETC mining?
Ethereum (ETH) no longer supports mining after its shift to proof-of-stake. Ethereum Classic (ETC) continues to use proof-of-work, making it one of the few major PoW chains still viable for GPU mining.
Q: How do I choose the right mining pool?
Look for pools with low fees, consistent payouts, transparent statistics, and good uptime. Popular ETC pools include PhoenixMiner, Ethermine (for ETC), and Flexpool.
Q: Should I build my own rig or buy pre-built?
Building yourself is usually cheaper and allows customization. Pre-built rigs offer convenience but come at a premium—often marked up by 20–30%.
Q: Can I use the same rig for other coins?
Yes! Rigs designed for Ethash can also mine other algorithm-compatible coins like Ravencoin or Ergo, allowing you to switch based on profitability.
Core Keywords Integration
Throughout this analysis, we’ve naturally integrated key SEO terms including:
- Ethereum Classic mining
- ETC mining profitability
- how much ETC can you mine per day
- GTX 1060 mining rig
- GPU mining 2025
- mining ROI calculator
- proof-of-work cryptocurrencies
- cryptocurrency mining setup
These terms align with active search queries and help position this content for visibility across Google and other search engines.
👉 Stay ahead of the curve with real-time mining analytics and portfolio tracking tools.
Final Thoughts: Is ETC Mining Worth It?
While the hype around Ethereum mining has faded since the merge, Ethereum Classic offers a lasting opportunity for GPU miners. However, success requires careful planning:
- Use energy-efficient hardware.
- Monitor electricity costs closely.
- Track market trends and switch coins if needed.
- Maintain equipment to prolong lifespan.
For well-managed operations, especially those leveraging low-cost power or repurposed hardware, ETC mining can still deliver solid returns—even in 2025.
But remember: mining is not passive income. It demands technical knowledge, ongoing maintenance, and risk management. Always calculate your break-even point before investing.
Whether you're scaling a small home rig or managing a larger operation, understanding the true output and costs behind each watt is essential to long-term success in the world of cryptocurrency mining.