How to Mine Ethereum? Complete Step by Step Mining Process

Ethereum, the world's second most popular cryptocurrency previously used Proof-of-work consensus like Bitcoin to record transactions and validate blocks. 

Bitmain, a manufacturer of ASIC chips for crypto-mining, recently announced the launching of an Application Specific Circuit (ASIC) miner for Ethereum mining. Thus, suggesting to its developers that the Ethereum Mining Industry will focus solely on Proof-of-Work.

Almost 115,708,027 Ethereum has been mined as of today, with a trading volume of $29,107,123,138.

This Ethereum Mining lesson will go over the many concepts and components associated with Ethereum Mining.

Related: How does Ethereum work?

What is Ethereum Mining?

Mining cryptocurrency is the process of solving complex mathematical problems. Miners are essentially the foundation of many cryptocurrency networks because they devote their time and computing power to solving certain math problems, so providing a "proof-of-work" for the network, which confirms Ether (ETH) transactions. Ethereum, like Bitcoin (BTC), employed a proof-of-work (PoW) consensus method but now has converted to a proof-of-stake (PoS) system.

Aside from that, miners are in charge of creating new Ether tokens through this method, as they obtain Ether incentives for successfully completing a PoW operation.

PoW is based on fundamental aspects of the hash function, which is an "encrypted" piece of data created procedurally from some random input. The distinction between hashes and traditional encryption is that the operation is one-way.

The only way to determine what input was used to generate a specific hash is to hash all conceivable input combinations and see which one fits. This is exacerbated further by the fact that little changes in the basic data will yield radically different conclusions.

As now we know what is Ethereum Mining now let's see how mining works.

Also Read: A Brief History of Ethereum

How to Mine Ethereum

Blockchains use the mining process to validate and confirm new transactions on the network. This procedure is linked to the proof-of-work (PoW) consensus. It contributes to the elimination of the vulnerability to double spending and associated attacks. When a miner successfully mines a block, it is validated on the blockchain and uploaded to the network.

Ethereum mining can be a capital-intensive operation depending on the complexity of mining and the competition. To begin mining on Ethereum, follow these steps:

Make an Ethereum-based cryptocurrency wallet.

To mine Ethereum, you will need a cryptocurrency wallet that can store the rewards once they are mined. There are numerous alternatives available, some of which are popular:

• Trezor One

• MetaMask

• Ledger S Nano

• Exodus

• Mist

Mining Hardware

To mine Ether, you will need an extremely powerful computer system. Due to the severe competition, a powerful system is required. A low-powered system will not mine quickly enough to generate a profit. However, there are a few things to consider before purchasing crypto-mining technology. The elements are as follows:

• Equipment costs

• Cooling system

• Electricity supply and price

• High-speed internet connection

• Legality

Ethereum Mining Method

You can select the optimal mining strategy for your needs based on your budget and investment strategy. You can take one of three approaches:

Cloud Mining

If you do not have the resources to set up mining equipment, cloud mining may be a suitable option. Companies hire out their mining power and handle the entire procedure for you. You will receive the prizes once the block has been mined. The company charges a price for its services.

When you invest in a cloud mining service, the entire procedure takes place online. So, before you choose one, look into the platform's history and credibility. In this regard, ECOS and StormGain are two prominent service providers.

Pool Mining

Pool mining entails collaborating with other miners and pooling all of your resources. The pool's payouts are distributed based on the hash power offered. Consider the pool size, cost, and minimum payout when selecting a pool.

Independent Mining

Independent mining is the greatest option if you are determined to accomplish everything alone. All mining profits go into your pocket, but you must bear all expenses on your own.

Install Mining Rigs

Installing the necessary mining software after you have built up your setup is critical. You have the following options:

• Go Ethereum

• Minedollars

• MinerGate

• Cudo Miner

• EasyMiner

• Ethermine

• Phoenix Miner

Collecting Rewards

The rewards are transferred to your synced crypto wallet after a block is mined. If you are mining in a pool, inquire about the manner of earning rewards from the pool leader. Most pools will pay you in monthly instalments based on the group's mining success.

Note: Ethereum has been shifted to Proof-of-stake and it can’t be mined at the present moment. Although, you could still stake Ethereum and become a validator in the Ethereum ecosystem.

Conclusion

Finally, to keep the hardware in good working order, the devices should be frequently maintained, cleaned, and dusted. Other details are involved in establishing a successful mining farm, many of which are fiercely kept as trade secrets. This tutorial is not intended to be exhaustive, but if you are serious about mining, you should now have a solid knowledge base from which to conduct further study.

Mining can be intimidating at first, but after you understand your options and get the hang of it, it can be extremely rewarding. In the future, you can apply your mining skills and experience to a different blockchain and mint a different cryptocurrency.

Ethereum Mining FAQs

How long does it take to mine 1 Ethereum?

As of September 13, 2021, it takes approximately 7.5 days to mine Ethereum at a hash rate or hashing power of 500 mh/s with an NVIDIA GTX 3090 that hashes at around 500MH/s. It should take significantly longer with a GPU that hashes at roughly 28.2 MH/S.

Is Ethereum mining still possible?

The Ethereum blockchain recently underwent a fundamental mutation that altered the nature of how Ethereum is created and confirmed, and as a result, mining Ethereum is no longer possible.

How much Ethereum is left to mine?

There are numerous currencies with a limited quantity. Ethereum, on the other hand, has an endless supply. There were 113.5 million tokens in circulation in January 2021. There will be approximately 120 million by April 2022.