Ethereum mining remains a compelling opportunity for GPU-powered miners, even as the network transitions toward proof-of-stake. With growing interest in maximizing returns, many miners are asking: Is it better to mine Ethereum solo or engage in dual mining? And more specifically, does mining Ethereum (ETH) alongside Siacoin (SC) impact ETH profitability?
This comprehensive guide explores the nuances of Ethereum mining strategies, compares solo versus dual mining performance, and reveals how modern mining software can boost efficiency—without compromising primary coin rewards.
Understanding Ethereum Mining Basics
Ethereum currently operates on a proof-of-work (PoW) consensus mechanism, relying on miners to validate transactions and secure the network. Unlike Bitcoin’s SHA-256 algorithm, Ethereum uses Ethash, a memory-hard hashing algorithm designed to resist ASIC dominance and promote decentralized mining through consumer-grade GPUs.
The Ethash algorithm requires miners to load a large dataset known as the DAG (Directed Acyclic Graph) into GPU memory. As the DAG file grows over time, older or lower-memory cards (like the GTX 1050) may eventually become obsolete for efficient mining.
Currently, the average block time is targeted at 15 seconds, with difficulty adjustments ensuring network stability. Ethereum’s global hashrate sits around 235 TH/s, significantly lower than Bitcoin’s exahash-scale operations but still highly competitive.
Solo Mining vs. Dual Mining: What’s the Difference?
Solo Mining (Single-Algorithm Mining)
Solo mining involves using your GPU exclusively to mine one cryptocurrency—in this case, Ethereum. All computational power is dedicated to solving Ethash puzzles, aiming to maximize ETH output.
Pros:
- Stable and predictable ETH hashrate
- Simpler configuration and fewer software dependencies
- Lower risk of crashes or instability
Cons:
- Leaves potential secondary revenue untapped
- Less efficient use of idle GPU resources
Dual Mining (Multi-Algorithm Mining)
Dual mining allows your GPU to simultaneously mine Ethereum and another compatible coin—commonly Siacoin (SC) or TurtleCoin (TRTL)—using the same hardware without significantly increasing power draw.
Modern mining software like ETH+SC dual miners split GPU workload intelligently:
- Primary core handles Ethash (ETH)
- Secondary core or idle threads process Blake2s (SC)
Pros:
- Extra income from secondary coin with minimal added cost
- Improved overall profitability per watt
- Utilizes underused GPU cycles
Cons:
- Slight increase in system complexity
- Potential for marginally reduced ETH hashrate if not optimized
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Does Dual Mining ETH + SC Reduce Ethereum Hashrate?
This is the critical question: Does mining Siacoin alongside Ethereum hurt your main ETH earnings?
The short answer: Minimal impact when done correctly.
Well-optimized dual mining software leverages otherwise unused GPU resources—such as compute units not fully engaged during DAG reads—to process SC’s Blake2s algorithm. In most cases, the drop in ETH hashrate is negligible (typically 0–3%), while the added SC revenue can increase total daily profits by 10–20%.
For example:
- A rig achieving 42 MH/s on ETH alone might drop to 41 MH/s when dual mining SC.
- However, the additional SC earnings could add $0.50–$1.00 per day per GPU, depending on market prices and pool performance.
Thus, dual mining often results in higher net profitability, even with a slight reduction in primary coin output.
Can You Mine Ethereum with a GTX 1050?
While possible, mining Ethereum with a GTX 1050 (especially 2GB or 3GB variants) is no longer practical due to DAG size growth.
As of early 2024, the Ethereum DAG exceeds 5GB, which exceeds the memory capacity of most 1050 models. Even if the card runs, frequent memory swapping leads to:
- Dramatically reduced hashrates (< 8 MH/s)
- High stale share rates
- System instability
Recommendation: Use GTX 1050s for lighter algorithms (e.g., KawPow, RandomXL) or consider upgrading to at least GTX 1660 Super, RTX 3060, or RX 6700 XT for viable Ethash mining.
Estimating Ethereum Mining Profitability
Let’s break down realistic earnings based on current network conditions (as of 2025):
| GPU Model | Avg. ETH Hashrate | Daily ETH Earnings | Monthly USD Value* |
|---|---|---|---|
| RTX 3060 | ~44 MH/s | ~0.0028 ETH | ~$75 |
| RX 6700 XT | ~56 MH/s | ~0.0036 ETH | ~$96 |
| RTX 3080 | ~95 MH/s | ~0.0061 ETH | ~$163 |
*Based on ETH price of $2,700
Over two years, a well-maintained 8-GPU rig (e.g., using RTX 3070s) could generate approximately 140 ETH, assuming stable network conditions and electricity costs below $0.12/kWh.
Additionally, some mining pools offer loyalty tokens or platform rewards—though these should be evaluated carefully for real-world value.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Will Ethereum 2.0 eliminate GPU mining?
A: Yes. Once Ethereum fully transitions to proof-of-stake (PoS), traditional GPU mining will no longer be possible. However, this transition is complete as of 2024, meaning Ethash-based mining is now historical. Miners should consider alternative PoW chains like Ethereum Fair, EthereumPoW, or other Ethash-based forks.
Q: Is dual mining safe for my hardware?
A: Yes. Dual mining doesn’t increase voltage or thermal stress beyond normal levels when properly configured. Most modern software maintains safe operating thresholds.
Q: Do I need special software for dual mining?
A: Yes. You’ll need a dual-mining-enabled miner such as GMiner, T-Rex Miner, or NBMiner that supports both Ethash and Blake2s algorithms simultaneously.
Q: How much more profit can I make with dual mining?
A: On average, miners report 10–20% higher total revenue when including SC or other dual-mineable coins, after accounting for minor ETH hashrate reductions.
Q: Can I switch back to solo mining anytime?
A: Absolutely. Switching between solo and dual mining only requires changing miner configurations—no hardware modifications needed.
Q: Are there tax implications for dual mining?
A: Yes. In most jurisdictions, both ETH and SC earnings are considered taxable income at the time of receipt. Keep accurate records of mined amounts and fair market values.
Final Thoughts: Maximize Returns Before the End of PoW
While Ethereum’s official mainnet has moved to PoS, various community-driven forks continue supporting GPU mining via PoW. For those still participating in these networks, dual mining represents a smarter way to extract maximum value from existing hardware.
By combining high-efficiency GPUs with optimized dual-mining software, you can:
- Maintain strong ETH-equivalent output
- Earn supplementary income from SC or similar coins
- Extend the profitability window of your mining rig
Always monitor network changes, electricity costs, and hardware longevity to ensure sustainable returns.
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