Cryptocurrency mining has evolved rapidly, and while Bitcoin, Ethereum (ETH), and Zcash (ZEC) remain popular, market fluctuations often prompt miners to explore alternative coins. One such emerging mining opportunity gaining traction is Ethereum Classic (ETC) — a robust, high-potential digital asset that’s drawing attention due to its increasing exchange listings and relatively low mining difficulty. This guide walks you through setting up a 6-GPU mining rig using the Biostar TB350-BTC motherboard and GTX 1050 Ti graphics cards, optimized for efficient ETC mining.
Why Mine Ethereum Classic (ETC)?
Ethereum Classic emerged as a result of a hard fork from the original Ethereum blockchain following a major hack on "The DAO" project in 2016. Unlike ETH, which has since shifted toward proof-of-stake, ETC maintains a proof-of-work consensus mechanism, making it an attractive option for GPU miners.
Several factors make ETC a compelling choice:
- Growing Exchange Support: ETC has been listed on major platforms like Huobi and is expected to launch on OKCoin, increasing liquidity and visibility.
- Stable Market Value: With a current price above $130 per coin (as of latest data), ETC offers strong return potential.
- Low Mining Difficulty: Compared to saturated networks like ETH or Bitcoin, ETC remains accessible for small- to mid-scale mining operations.
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Hardware Requirements for ETC Mining
To build an efficient and cost-effective mining rig, selecting the right components is crucial. Here's what you’ll need:
1. Motherboard: Biostar TB350-BTC
Designed specifically for cryptocurrency mining, this AMD-based board supports up to six GPUs via PCIe slots. All six slots require riser cables (PCIe x1 to x16), so ensure you have high-quality USB 3.0 risers ready before assembly.
Key Features:
- 6 PCIe slots (all via risers)
- Support for AMD Ryzen processors
- Optimized BIOS settings for mining stability
2. Graphics Cards: GTX 1050 Ti (6x)
While powerful GPUs like RX 580 or RTX 3060 Ti are common in mining rigs, the GTX 1050 Ti offers a compelling balance of performance and power efficiency. Each card consumes only around 75W, reducing overall power draw and heat output.
Note: You can use other compatible GPUs, but the 1050 Ti is ideal for low-power setups.
3. Power Supply Unit (PSU): 600W Modular
A 600-watt modular PSU such as the Segotep GP700P provides sufficient power for six GTX 1050 Ti cards without over-provisioning. Ensure your PSU has multiple SATA and 4-pin Molex connectors to support all riser cables.
Tip: Use separate 12V rails if available to distribute load evenly across GPUs.
4. Memory: 8GB DDR4 RAM
Mining doesn’t require large amounts of system memory. A single 8GB DDR4 stick, such as the Asgard Rechi module, is more than adequate for running the operating system and mining software.
5. Storage & OS
A basic SSD or even a USB flash drive can host your OS. Install Windows 10 or Linux (Ubuntu recommended for advanced users) and update all drivers accordingly.
BIOS Setup and Optimization
The Biostar TB350-BTC comes with mining-friendly firmware updates that simplify configuration.
Updated BIOS Benefits:
- Pre-configured settings for multi-GPU operation
- No manual PCIe lane adjustments needed
- Auto-detection of GPUs
How to Update BIOS:
- Download the latest BIOS file (
B35BG707.BSS) from the official Biostar support page. - Extract the file to a FAT32-formatted USB drive.
- Boot into BIOS by pressing DEL during startup.
- Press F3 to load optimized defaults.
- Save and reboot.
This streamlined setup eliminates complex configurations, allowing faster deployment of your mining rig.
Software Setup: Mining ETC with Paladin Miner
Once hardware is assembled and the OS installed, it’s time to configure the mining software.
Step 1: Choose a Mining Client
We recommend Paladin ETH&ETC Miner, a lightweight and efficient tool supporting both Ethereum and Ethereum Classic.
Download from official sources and extract the files.
Step 2: Select ETC as Your Mining Coin
Open the miner configuration interface and select ETC (Ethereum Classic) from the coin dropdown menu.
Step 3: Connect to a Mining Pool
Joining a pool increases reward consistency. We suggest using F2Pool (Spark Pool) — one of the largest and most reliable pools for ETC.
Example pool settings:
- Pool Address:
etc.f2pool.com:8118 - Username: Your wallet address
- Password: x (can be left blank)
Step 4: Set Up an ETC Wallet
If you don’t already have a wallet:
- Sign up on a supported exchange like Bitrue or another ETC-enabled platform.
- Navigate to “My Funds” > “Ethereum Classic (ETC)” > “Deposit.”
- Copy your unique wallet address.
Paste this address into your mining software under the wallet field.
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Final Configuration Steps
Before launching the miner:
Adjust Virtual Memory (Pagefile)
Windows default virtual memory may be insufficient for multi-GPU operations.
Set custom size:
- Initial: 16,384 MB
- Maximum: 32,768 MB
(Applies per drive; adjust based on available disk space.)
Monitor Power and Temperatures
Use tools like MSI Afterburner or HWInfo to track:
- GPU utilization
- Core temperature
- Power draw per card
Ensure temperatures stay below 75°C for optimal longevity.
Performance Results & Power Consumption
After running the rig continuously for 16 hours, our test setup yielded approximately 0.2 ETC — a promising return given the low power consumption.
Estimated Power Usage:
- Total system draw: ~450W
- Daily consumption: ~10.8 kWh
- At $0.10/kWh: ~$1.08/day in electricity
With ETC priced above $130, even modest daily yields translate into positive net gains, especially when scaling to multiple rigs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Is Ethereum Classic still mineable after Ethereum’s shift to proof-of-stake?
Yes. While Ethereum (ETH) has transitioned to proof-of-stake, Ethereum Classic (ETC) continues to operate on a proof-of-work model, making it fully mineable with GPUs.
Q2: Can I use different GPUs in the same rig?
It's technically possible, but not recommended. Mixing GPU models can cause driver conflicts and uneven hashing performance. Stick to identical cards for stability.
Q3: How often should I update my BIOS or mining software?
Update BIOS only when new mining-specific versions are released. For software, check monthly for performance improvements or security patches.
Q4: What happens if the ETC price drops?
Market volatility affects profitability. However, low-difficulty coins like ETC allow quicker break-even points compared to high-barrier networks.
Q5: Are there risks involved in cryptocurrency mining?
Yes. Risks include hardware wear, fluctuating returns, and regulatory changes. Always assess local laws and electricity costs before investing.
Q6: Can I mine other coins with this rig?
Absolutely. The same setup can switch between ETH, ETC, RVN, or other DAG-based cryptocurrencies depending on market conditions.
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Final Thoughts
Mining Ethereum Classic offers a practical entry point for individuals looking to capitalize on decentralized networks without competing in highly saturated markets. With the Biostar TB350-BTC motherboard, low-power GTX 1050 Ti cards, and proper software configuration, you can build a stable, energy-efficient rig capable of generating consistent returns.
As blockchain ecosystems evolve, staying adaptable — switching coins, optimizing setups, and monitoring trends — will be key to long-term success in crypto mining.
Whether you're expanding an existing operation or starting fresh, ETC presents a timely opportunity worth exploring.