Ethereum PoW (ETHW) emerged as a direct response to one of the most significant transitions in blockchain history — The Merge. When Ethereum shifted from a Proof-of-Work (PoW) to a Proof-of-Stake (PoS) consensus mechanism in September 2022, it left behind miners who relied on computational power to validate transactions. Ethereum PoW was born to preserve the original mining-based ecosystem, offering a continuation of the legacy Ethereum network.
This article explores the fundamentals of ETHW, its price dynamics, technical specifications, and long-term viability in the evolving crypto landscape — all while integrating core SEO keywords such as Ethereum PoW, ETHW price, Proof of Work Ethereum, ETHW to USD, ETHW live chart, Ethereum fork, and PoW cryptocurrency.
What Is Ethereum PoW (ETHW)?
Ethereum PoW (ETHW) is a blockchain network that resulted from a hard fork of the original Ethereum chain at the time of The Merge, which occurred on September 15, 2022. The fork was initiated by members of the mining community, led by veteran Chinese miner Chandler Guo, to maintain a version of Ethereum that continues using the energy-intensive but decentralized Proof-of-Work consensus.
Unlike post-Merge Ethereum, which now relies on staking validators rather than miners, ETHW keeps mining alive. This allows GPU miners and hardware operators to continue contributing to network security and earning block rewards.
👉 Discover how blockchain forks reshape crypto ecosystems and what that means for investors.
Anyone who held ETH on the Ethereum blockchain before block 15,537,393 automatically received an equivalent amount of ETHW on the new chain. This airdrop-style distribution ensured fair access and preserved ownership continuity for users across both networks.
Technical Overview of the ETHW Network
To ensure compatibility and ease of adoption, the ETHW Core development team made minimal changes to the original Ethereum protocol. Their goal was simple: sustain mining operations without compromising network stability.
Key Network Specifications
- Network Name: ETHW-mainnet
- Chain ID: 10001
- Native Token: ETHW
- RPC URL:
https://mainnet.ethereumpow.org - Block Explorer: https://www.oklink.com/en/ethw
These parameters are essential for developers, wallet providers, and users who wish to interact directly with the ETHW blockchain — whether for sending transactions, deploying smart contracts, or running full nodes.
Consensus and Mining Mechanics
ETHW retains the Ethash hashing algorithm, making it accessible to GPU miners. Notably:
- The difficulty bomb has been disabled to prevent artificial mining slowdowns.
- EIP-1559 base fees are redistributed to miners instead of being burned — a major incentive for continued participation.
- There are no plans to make the algorithm ASIC-resistant, allowing flexibility in mining hardware choices.
- Support for 4G DAG size is planned, ensuring future compatibility with consumer-grade GPUs.
This design philosophy emphasizes decentralization through accessible mining, appealing to those who believe PoW offers stronger security guarantees than PoS.
ETHW Price and Market Performance
The ETHW to USD price has experienced volatility since launch, influenced by broader crypto market trends, miner sentiment, exchange listings, and network activity. As a PoW-based asset in a rapidly staking-dominated ecosystem, ETHW faces challenges in maintaining valuation but also holds niche appeal.
Market data shows that ETHW’s circulating supply started equal to Ethereum’s at the time of the fork. However, due to ongoing block rewards (mining), ETHW’s inflation rate exceeds that of PoS Ethereum, leading to gradual supply divergence.
Investors monitoring the ETHW live chart can observe trading patterns across major exchanges where it's listed. While not as widely adopted as ETH, ETHW maintains liquidity on several platforms catering to mining communities and decentralized finance (DeFi) integrations.
Why Did Ethereum PoW Emerge?
The creation of Ethereum PoW was not just technological — it was ideological. Many miners invested heavily in GPUs and infrastructure expecting long-term returns. The shift to PoS rendered their equipment obsolete overnight, sparking resistance.
Chandler Guo and other proponents argued that decentralized mining is a core principle worth preserving. They believe PoS centralizes power among wealthy stakeholders, whereas PoW distributes validation across a broader, more geographically diverse group.
Thus, ETHW represents more than a fork — it's a statement about decentralization, fairness, and user sovereignty in blockchain governance.
How to Claim and Use ETHW
If you held ETH in a self-custody wallet like MetaMask prior to the fork, you likely have claimable ETHW tokens. Here's how to access them:
- Add the ETHW-mainnet network to your wallet using the RPC details.
- Switch your wallet view to the ETHW network.
- Your ETH balance will be mirrored in ETHW.
- Transfer or trade accordingly.
Note: If your funds were held on a centralized exchange during the fork, check whether they supported the ETHW airdrop. Some platforms automatically credited users; others did not.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is ETHW the same as Ethereum?
A: No. While ETHW shares Ethereum’s history up to block 15,537,393, it operates as a separate blockchain with Proof-of-Work consensus. Post-fork developments on each chain are independent.
Q: Can I still mine ETHW?
A: Yes. ETHW remains mineable using GPUs via the Ethash algorithm. Miners receive block rewards and transaction fees, including EIP-1559 base fees previously burned on Ethereum.
Q: What affects ETHW price movements?
A: Like other cryptocurrencies, ETHW price is influenced by market sentiment, exchange volume, mining profitability, regulatory news, and macroeconomic factors. Its niche status makes it more volatile than larger-cap assets.
Q: Will ETHW implement future upgrades?
A: The ETHW Core team focuses on stability and miner sustainability. While major overhauls are unlikely, updates may include DAG size expansion and performance optimizations.
Q: How does ETHW differ from other Ethereum forks?
A: Previous forks like Ethereum Classic (ETC) stemmed from different events (e.g., the DAO hack). ETHW specifically exists to preserve mining after The Merge, giving it a unique origin and purpose among PoW chains.
The Future of Proof-of-Work in a PoS World
As Ethereum moves forward with staking and scalability upgrades like sharding, ETHW stands as a testament to the resilience of PoW ideals. While mainstream attention favors energy-efficient models, there remains a dedicated community that values open participation and hardware-based validation.
Whether ETHW achieves long-term sustainability depends on continued miner support, developer engagement, and adoption in DeFi or NFT ecosystems. Its success may inspire similar movements in other networks considering consensus changes.
👉 Stay ahead of blockchain evolution — explore platforms that support both PoW and PoS innovations.
Final Thoughts
Ethereum PoW (ETHW) is more than just a cryptocurrency — it's a symbol of resistance, decentralization, and community-driven governance. For investors tracking the ETHW price, understanding its origins, technical foundation, and market dynamics is crucial.
With tools like live charts, wallet integrations, and transparent network specs, users can engage confidently with this alternative Ethereum vision. As the crypto world evolves, projects like ETHW remind us that innovation isn’t always linear — sometimes, it forks.