As of October 27, 2025, the viability of mining Ethereum (ETH) with 3GB graphics cards is a complex issue. Historically, 3GB cards like the GTX 1060 3GB were used, achieving around 21 Mh/s with overclocking. However, the increasing DAG size (Directed Acyclic Graph) presents a challenge.
The DAG is a dataset that miners need to load into their GPU memory. As the Ethereum blockchain grows, so does the DAG, eventually exceeding the capacity of smaller memory cards. While some miners reported success with Claymore miner, tweaking its DAG allocation, the long-term functionality is debatable.
Alternatives & Considerations:
- Ethereum Classic (ETC): While 3GB cards were previously viable for ETC, it’s uncertain if that remains true.
- Other Coins: RavenCoin is an option if power costs are low.
- Mining Software: lolMiner’s zombie mode may work, but performance might depend on PCIe slot configuration.
- Future viability: Most likely, 3GB cards will be EOLed.
While some users report continued mining with specific software configurations, relying on 3GB cards for Ethereum mining in late 2025 is risky. The DAG size is the primary limiting factor, and alternative coins or upgrading hardware are more sustainable options.
Factors to Consider Before Investing Time:
- Electricity Costs: Mining profitability is heavily dependent on electricity prices. With lower hashrates from older cards, the cost per ETH mined could be significantly higher.
- Hardware Longevity: 3GB cards are aging. The risk of hardware failure increases, potentially leading to downtime and lost revenue.
- Pool Compatibility: Not all mining pools may support older mining software or the “zombie mode” required for 3GB cards. Check compatibility before committing.
- Ethereum 2.0 (Proof-of-Stake): While the transition to Proof-of-Stake is complete, the landscape of available coins to mine is still developing. The best course of action might be to invest in newer, more efficient hardware for mining alternative cryptocurrencies.
The Verdict: A Risky Proposition
Attempting to mine Ethereum with 3GB graphics cards in late 2025 is a high-risk, potentially low-reward endeavor. While some specialized configurations might still function, the limitations and potential costs outweigh the benefits for most miners. It’s generally advisable to explore alternative cryptocurrencies, upgrade to newer hardware with larger memory capacities, or consider other investment options.
Exploring Alternatives: Beyond Ethereum
Given the limitations of 3GB cards for Ethereum, miners are forced to explore alternative cryptocurrencies. Several factors influence the choice of a suitable coin:
- Algorithm Compatibility: The mining algorithm must be compatible with the hardware. 3GB cards might be better suited for algorithms that are less memory-intensive.
- Profitability: Use mining calculators to estimate potential revenue based on hashrate, power consumption, and coin price.
- Network Hashrate and Difficulty: Lower network hashrate can make it easier to find blocks, but it also suggests lower overall adoption and potentially higher volatility.
- Market Capitalization and Liquidity: Coins with higher market capitalization and liquidity are generally more stable and easier to exchange for other cryptocurrencies or fiat currency.
- Community and Development: A strong community and active development team are essential for the long-term viability of any cryptocurrency.
Examples of Potential Alternative Coins (as of late 2025):
- Ravencoin (RVN): RVN is designed for asset transfer and might be suitable for some 3GB cards.
- Ethereum Classic (ETC): While DAG size is still a concern, ETC might remain viable for longer than ETH, albeit with potentially lower profitability.
- Conflux (CFX): CFX uses a Tree-Graph consensus mechanism, which could potentially be less memory-intensive than Ethash.
- Beam (BEAM): BEAM is a privacy-focused cryptocurrency that utilizes the Equihash algorithm.
The Future of Mining and 3GB Cards
The cryptocurrency mining landscape is constantly evolving. The shift from Proof-of-Work (PoW) to Proof-of-Stake (PoS) for Ethereum has fundamentally altered the industry. The rise of ASICs (Application-Specific Integrated Circuits) for certain algorithms further complicates the situation. 3GB graphics cards are increasingly obsolete for mining profitable cryptocurrencies. While ingenuity and software tweaks can extend their lifespan marginally, the long-term outlook is bleak.
Recommendations:
- Sell the 3GB Cards: The best course of action might be to sell the cards while they still retain some value on the used market.
- Invest in Newer Hardware: If mining is still desired, invest in newer, more efficient GPUs with larger memory capacities (8GB or more).
- Explore Other Cryptocurrency-Related Opportunities: Consider other avenues in the cryptocurrency space, such as staking, trading, or developing blockchain applications.
