Ethereum mining has evolved significantly over the years, especially after the network’s transition to Proof of Stake (PoS). However, many users still seek information on how to mine Ethereum using GPUs, understand mining software options, and evaluate reliable mining pools. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about ETH mining software, GPU mining with cards like GTX 1050, top Ethereum mining pools, and what to watch out for in the mining ecosystem—all updated for 2025 relevance.
Understanding Ethereum Mining Basics
While Ethereum officially moved to PoS with "The Merge" in 2022, ending traditional Proof of Work (PoW) mining, discussions around ETH mining persist—often referring to historical practices or confusion with other PoW-based Ethereum forks like Ethereum Classic (ETC).
Still, for educational purposes and legacy systems, understanding how GPU mining worked—and how similar principles apply to other coins—is valuable for crypto enthusiasts.
What Is Mining Software?
Mining software acts as a bridge between your hardware (like a GPU or ASIC) and the blockchain network. It directs your device’s computational power toward solving complex cryptographic puzzles required to validate transactions and earn rewards.
For Ethereum (prior to PoS), popular mining software included:
- Claymore’s Dual Miner (now discontinued)
- PhoenixMiner
- T-Rex Miner
- GMiner
These tools optimized GPU performance and supported various algorithms such as Ethash.
👉 Discover high-performance mining solutions compatible with modern networks.
Can You Still Mine Ethereum With a GTX 1050?
The NVIDIA GTX 1050, though entry-level by today's standards, was once used by hobbyists for light Ethereum mining. While it's no longer profitable (or possible) to mine mainnet ETH, some users explore mining alternative Ethash-based coins such as:
- Ethereum Classic (ETC)
- Filecoin (via bridged networks)
- Other GPU-mineable altcoins
Key Considerations:
- Hashrate: The GTX 1050 delivers approximately 10–13 MH/s on Ethash, which is low compared to modern GPUs.
- Power Efficiency: Its TDP (~75W) makes it relatively efficient, but electricity costs often outweigh returns.
- Mining Software Compatibility: Most current miners support older cards, but optimization may be limited.
If you're experimenting with a 1050, consider joining a pool that supports small contributors and offers transparent payout structures.
Top Ethereum Mining Pools (Historical & Forked Chain Use)
Although Ethereum no longer supports PoW mining, these pools were leaders during its active mining era and remain relevant for ETC and similar chains.
1. Ethermine (Ethpool)
- Market Share: ~23%
- Hashrate: ~399.1 GH/s (historical)
- Payout Method: PPLNS
- Fee: 1%
As one of the earliest official Ethereum pools, Ethermine offered stability and global server coverage. It remains active for Ethereum Classic.
2. F2Pool (Fishpool)
- Market Share: ~10%
- Hashrate: ~19.38 TH/s
- Payout Method: PPS+
- Fee: 2.5%
Known for ease of use and multi-currency support, F2Pool allowed miners to switch between BTC, LTC, ETH, and more. High fees but reliable payouts.
3. Sparkpool
- Market Share: ~29%
- Hashrate: ~56.96 TH/s
- Payout Method: PPS+
- Fee: 1%
A dominant Chinese-based pool with strong infrastructure. Sparkpool provided consistent uptime and low reject rates.
4. DwarfPool
- Payout Method: HBPPS (Hourly Best Pay Per Share)
- Fee: 1%
- Features: Low rejection rate, real-time stats
DwarfPool stood out for transparency and hourly payouts, ideal for smaller miners wanting predictable income.
5. Ntminerpool (Open Source Pool)
- Payout Method: PPLNS
- Minimum Hashrate: 5 MH/s
- Fee: 1%
A newer entrant known for stability and low entry barriers, making it suitable for beginners or those with modest rigs.
Common Pitfalls in Ethereum Mining
Even experienced miners can fall into traps set by misleading pool metrics or unreliable software. Here are key warnings every miner should know.
❌ Misleading Expected Earnings
Many pools display inflated “expected daily earnings” based on ideal conditions. These figures rarely reflect actual payouts due to:
- Network difficulty fluctuations
- Pool luck variations
- Hidden service downtimes
Always cross-check projected vs. real-world results over a week.
❌ Hidden Pool Fees and Deductions
Some pools advertise “0% fee” models but compensate through:
- Reduced payout rates
- Lower accepted share counts
- Delayed settlements
Even with PPS+ models (which offer stable pay), additional internal deductions may reduce net earnings.
❌ Inflated Local Hashrate vs Real Pool Hashrate
Your mining software might show a high local hashrate (e.g., 30 MH/s), but the pool records only 24 MH/s. This discrepancy indicates:
- Stale shares
- Poor internet latency
- Intentional hashrate withholding by malicious pools
Monitor both values regularly to detect inconsistencies.
❌ Fake "Zero-Fee" or "Profit Boost" Mining Software
Third-party tools claiming to eliminate Claymore’s 1% developer fee often come with risks:
- Malware injection
- Coin redirection
- Background cryptojacking
Stick to trusted, open-source, and community-audited software.
👉 Explore secure platforms to manage digital assets earned from mining activities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is it still possible to mine Ethereum in 2025?
A: No. Ethereum transitioned to Proof of Stake in 2022. You cannot mine ETH via GPU or ASIC anymore. However, you can participate in staking or mine Ethereum Classic (ETC), which still uses PoW.
Q: Can I use my old GTX 1050 for any profitable mining?
A: Profitability is extremely low. While you can mine ETC or other lightweight PoW coins, electricity costs usually exceed rewards unless you have free or subsidized power.
Q: Are there safe alternatives to Claymore’s miner?
A: Yes. Modern miners like PhoenixMiner, T-Rex Miner, and GMiner are actively maintained, efficient, and trusted by the community. Avoid cracked versions promising zero fees.
Q: How do I choose a reliable mining pool?
A: Look for pools with:
- Transparent statistics
- Consistent payout history
- Low reject rates
- Active community support
Avoid pools with unrealistic promises or poor documentation.
Q: What happens if a pool shows lower hashrate than my local reading?
A: A small gap is normal due to network delay. But if the difference exceeds 10–15%, investigate potential issues like stale shares, connectivity problems, or dishonest pool behavior.
Q: Can mobile phones mine Ethereum?
A: Technically yes via browser-based miners or apps, but practically useless. Mobile CPUs/GPUs lack power, generate excessive heat, and yield negligible returns. Not recommended.
Final Thoughts: From Mining to Modern Crypto Participation
While traditional Ethereum mining is obsolete, the knowledge gained from GPU mining setups, pool selection, and software optimization remains valuable for engaging with other blockchain projects.
Today’s crypto landscape emphasizes staking, node operation, and DeFi participation over raw computation. Users who once mined ETH can now explore staking services or invest earnings into diversified portfolios.
Whether you're revisiting old hardware or learning from past trends, staying informed ensures smarter decisions in the evolving world of digital assets.
👉 Learn how to stake or trade your crypto holdings securely on a trusted platform.