How to Mine Ethereum: Step-by-Step Guide & Alternatives
Are you searching for how to mine Ethereum in 2025? This is a common question, but the crypto landscape has changed: you can’t mine Ethereum anymore due to The Merge. So, what options are left for miners and those looking to earn from Ethereum today? In this guide, you’ll learn why Ethereum mining is obsolete, what changed after the Merge, and practical alternatives—from mining coins like Ethereum Classic to staking ETH for rewards. We’ll break down everything beginners and ex-miners need to know, with step-by-step advice, comparisons, and how OKX can help you move forward securely.
Why You Can't Mine Ethereum Anymore: The Merge & Proof of Stake Explained
Before 2022, mining Ethereum was a profitable way to earn crypto rewards. Miners used powerful computers to solve complex mathematical puzzles, securing the Ethereum network and creating new ETH. This method, called Proof of Work (PoW), required significant energy and specialized hardware.
However, everything changed with "The Merge" in September 2022. Ethereum transitioned from Proof of Work to Proof of Stake (PoS) to improve network efficiency, reduce energy consumption, and scale for the future. Instead of miners, validators now secure the blockchain by locking (or "staking") their ETH as collateral.
So, can you still mine Ethereum? The short answer is no. Mining Ethereum is no longer possible because it no longer uses Proof of Work. Now, to help secure the Ethereum network and earn new ETH, you need to stake your coins—not mine them.
This change was game-changing for crypto miners. Many had to look for new ways to earn revenue, like mining Ethereum Classic or staking their ETH. For users and investors, Proof of Stake brought lower energy usage and new earning opportunities.
OKX provides up-to-date resources and a user-friendly platform for staking ETH or exploring earn options. To stay ahead in the post-Merge era, refer to platforms like OKX for the latest guidance on Ethereum-related opportunities.
What Was Ethereum Mining? Hardware, Software, and Pools
Even though you can’t mine Ethereum now, understanding how it worked is still useful—especially for ex-miners seeking alternatives. Here’s a quick look at the essentials: hardware, software, and mining pools.
Mining Hardware Basics
Mining Ethereum used to require either powerful GPUs (graphics processing units) or ASICs (application-specific integrated circuits). Most miners preferred GPUs, as ASICs were expensive and harder to get. GPUs like the Nvidia RTX 3080 or AMD RX 5700 were popular in mining rigs because they offered high hash rates with relatively manageable electricity usage.
ASICs, although much faster, could only mine specific algorithms and often had higher upfront costs. One advantage of GPUs was their flexibility: when ETH mining ended, GPU owners could repurpose their hardware for other coins or tasks, while ASICs risked becoming obsolete.
💡 Pro Tip: Always calculate your GPU's efficiency (hashrate/watt) before mining a new coin!
Mining Software Options
To mine Ethereum, users installed mining software like Ethminer, PhoenixMiner, or Gminer. These tools were straightforward to set up: after installing, miners would connect their equipment to a mining pool (or try solo mining, though it was much less common) and start hashing away for block rewards.
Many mining programs offered features like remote monitoring and automatic optimization for various GPUs. For beginners, Ethminer and Etherminer were highly recommended for their ease of use and solid community support.
How Mining Pools Worked
Solo mining Ethereum was rarely profitable unless you had a massive setup. That’s why most users joined mining pools—groups of miners who combined computing power to increase the chances of earning rewards. Popular pools like Ethermine or SparkPool distributed block rewards proportionally to users based on their contributed hash rate.
Mining pools provided consistent payouts and reduced the frustrating randomness of solo mining.
Alternatives Now That You Can't Mine ETH: Ethereum Classic & Mineable Coins
With Ethereum’s switch to Proof of Stake, former ETH miners have several options:
- Ethereum Classic (ETC): This is the original Ethereum blockchain, still running Proof of Work and thus mineable with many of the same GPUs and ASICs used for ETH.
- Monero (XMR): Known for privacy and CPU/GPU mining accessibility.
- Ravencoin (RVN) & Ergo (ERG): These also support GPU mining and have active communities.
Hardware & Software Requirements
Hardware and software used for ETH often work for ETC and similar coins. ETC mining supports both common GPUs and some ASICs. Popular ETC mining software includes PhoenixMiner and GMiner. Most coins have recommended pools listed on their project websites (for ETC, Ethermine and 2Miners are leading options).
Why ETC is the #1 Alternative
Ethereum Classic is the top alternative for many ex-ETH miners due to similar mining algorithms (Etchash vs. Ethash), comparable hardware requirements, and strong exchange support.
You can easily trade ETC or other mineable coins on OKX—providing reliable liquidity and management tools for your mining rewards.
Step-by-Step: How to Mine Ethereum Classic or Another Altcoin in 2025
If you still want to mine and earn crypto, follow these steps to mine Ethereum Classic (ETC) or similar altcoins in 2025:
- Choose Your Hardware: For ETC, GPUs like RTX 3070 or AMD RX 6600 XT deliver good performance; ASICs like the Antminer E9 also work well.
- Install Mining Software: Download GMiner, PhoenixMiner, or another ETC-compatible app. Configure miner settings for the right coin and pool.
- Join a Mining Pool: Go to a reputable pool (e.g., Ethermine or 2Miners). Register, obtain the pool’s mining address, and copy it into your miner.
- Set Up a Wallet: Create an ETC wallet for your payouts. You can use dedicated wallets or store ETC on an exchange with strong security, like OKX.
- Start Mining: Launch your miner, join the pool, and monitor your stats.
💡 Pro Tip: Withdraw your mined ETC regularly to a secure wallet—or sell instantly on OKX for quick liquidity!
Should You Join a Mining Pool or Try Cloud Mining?
When mining ETC or altcoins, miners generally face a choice: solo mining, pooling, or using cloud mining services.
- Mining Pools: Offer predictable rewards by combining your hashpower with others. Top pools like Ethermine and 2Miners have years of trust and transparent stats.
- Solo Mining: Only practical if you have enterprise-grade hardware or want to gamble for a big win—risks major luck factor and income inconsistency.
Cloud Mining: Third-party services (e.g., NiceHash, Genesis Mining) rent you hashpower for a fee. While convenient, many are overpriced, risky, or sometimes outright scams. Always research provider reputation and terms.
| Aspect | Solo Mining | Mining Pool | Cloud Mining |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rewards | Low/rare | Steady/smaller | Dependent on contract |
| Risk | High | Moderate | Often high/scam risk |
| Upfront Cost | High | Moderate | Low/variable |
Mining Economics: Cost, Profitability & Legal Considerations in 2025
Mining isn't a guaranteed profit. You must balance:
- Hardware cost: GPUs ($200–700+), ASICs ($1,500+).
- Electricity: Mining can use hundreds of watts/hour; high electricity prices can erase earnings.
- Mining pool fees: Typically 1-2% of rewards.
To calculate potential profits:
- Determine your hardware’s hash rate and power consumption.
- Multiply by pool and electricity costs.
- Subtract expenses from expected rewards (use an online calculator like OKX’s crypto mining profit calculator).
Legality is another factor: some countries restrict home mining due to energy concerns or regulation. Always check your local laws.
💡 Pro Tip: Mining in regions with cheaper electricity can greatly improve ROI. But weigh the risk and legal landscape first.
How to Stake Ethereum (ETH): The Official Successor to Mining
With mining off the table, staking Ethereum is the new way to earn ongoing rewards from ETH. Here’s a simple walkthrough for staking on OKX:
- Go to OKX Earn: Visit the Ethereum staking page.
- Choose ETH staking: Select a flexible or fixed-term ETH staking product. OKX shows expected APY and lock-up periods.
- Deposit ETH: Transfer ETH from your wallet or OKX account. No need for 32 ETH minimum—OKX allows you to stake any amount.
- Confirm and Track: Click "Stake" and monitor your rewards directly on the platform.
OKX highlights ease of use, safety, and transparency—plus useful tools for maximizing your staking earnings. Staking rewards (APY) fluctuate, but typical rates are clearly displayed. You’ll see daily interest accrual for flexible products and can withdraw at any time, depending on platform rules.
From Mining to Staking: A Guide for Former Miners Transitioning to ETH 2.0
If you mined Ethereum in the past, staking might seem unfamiliar—but it’s the logical next step for earning on your ETH.
- Why transition?: Staking is lower risk, needs less technical setup, and delivers steady, predictable rewards. It’s energy-efficient—no noisy GPUs, no huge electric bills.
- Repurposing earnings: You can sell old mining hardware and use the proceeds to buy additional ETH for staking on platforms like OKX. If you still hold mined coins, convert or transfer them to your staking wallet.
- Quick Start: Visit the OKX Earn dashboard, deposit ETH, and start staking with just a few clicks—no minimum hardware or technical skills required.
Staking Security: Risks, Protections, and OKX Insurance
Staking isn’t risk-free. The main concerns:
- Slashing: Validators who act against network rules may lose staked funds (rare if you use a trusted platform).
- Custody Risks: Hacking, technical errors, or platform failure could put funds at risk.
OKX prioritizes user safety with full custody insurance, proof of reserves, and robust security standards. The platform maintains transparency on all staking operations and keeps your assets insured against hacks or operational risks.
Best Practices for Safe Staking:
- Use platforms with insurance and transparent policies.
- Enable two-factor authentication & withdrawal whitelists.
- Never share your credentials.
Earnings Comparison: ETH Staking vs. ETC Mining vs. Other Alternatives [Table]
Below is a side-by-side comparison to help you choose among staking, mining ETC, or other coin mining. This highlights minimum investment, difficulty, potential ROI, and relative risk.
| Option | APY/ROI | Min. Investment | Difficulty | Risks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ETH Staking (OKX) | 3%–5% APY | Any (no minimum) | Very Easy | Low (insured, safe) |
| ETC Mining (GPU) | Varies—1–4% est | ~$500 (GPU, setup) | Moderate | High (cost, legality) |
| Ravencoin Mining | Varies | $400+ | Moderate–High | High |
| Cloud Mining | Variable/low | $100+ (contract fee) | Easy–Moderate | Very High (scam risk) |
ETH staking via OKX Earn provides the most accessible and secure way to earn yield, with transparent rewards and protection for your assets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you still mine Ethereum?
No, you can’t mine Ethereum anymore. The network switched to Proof of Stake with The Merge, ending mining. Today, you can mine alternatives like Ethereum Classic or stake ETH on OKX for passive rewards.
How do you mine Ethereum Classic?
To mine ETC, use a compatible GPU (e.g., RTX 3070), install mining software (PhoenixMiner or GMiner), join a pool like Ethermine, and start mining. Withdraw ETC to your wallet or directly to your OKX account for easy trading.
Is it profitable to mine crypto in 2025?
Profitability depends on hardware and electricity cost versus mining rewards. Use the OKX crypto mining profit calculator to check potential profits before investing.
How do I stake Ethereum?
You can stake Ethereum on OKX by depositing ETH into OKX Earn, selecting a staking product, and starting to earn APY. It’s easy, transparent, and requires no technical skills.
What hardware is needed for crypto mining?
Modern crypto mining typically needs GPUs (for coins like ETC/Ravencoin) or ASICs (for high-efficiency coins). For ETC, a mid-range GPU or specialized ASIC is best.
Is staking Ethereum safe?
Staking ETH is generally safe, especially with a secure platform like OKX. Look for features like insurance, proof of reserves, and robust custody protections to minimize risks.
Conclusion
Ethereum mining is no longer possible after the network’s switch to Proof of Stake, but earning opportunities remain strong. Ex-miners can still mine coins like Ethereum Classic, while ETH holders are encouraged to stake their coins on secure platforms like OKX for passive rewards.
Here are the key takeaways:
- You can’t mine Ethereum anymore—staking is the official replacement.
- Ethereum Classic and other PoW coins are top mining alternatives.
- Staking on OKX offers transparent yields, robust security, and no technical barriers.
- Always check your ROI and local regulations before mining or staking.
Ready to earn with your crypto? Try ETH staking or trade Ethereum Classic on OKX today.
Risk Disclaimer: Cryptocurrency trading, mining, and staking involve risks. Always do your own research and use only capital you can afford to lose. Enable 2FA and follow security best practices.
