Definitive Guide to Dual Mining: ETC + Siacoin

Dual mining has emerged as a powerful strategy for cryptocurrency miners looking to maximize returns from their GPU rigs. By simultaneously mining two different cryptocurrencies—typically using the Ethash algorithm for the primary coin and Blake-2s for the secondary—miners can significantly boost profitability without requiring additional hardware. This guide dives deep into how dual mining works, how to set it up with Ethereum Classic (ETC) and Siacoin (SC), and what real-world gains you can expect.

Whether you're running a single GPU or an 8-GPU rig, this step-by-step walkthrough will help you optimize performance, manage heat and power consumption, and earn extra income from underutilized computational resources.

How Does Dual Mining Work?

Dual mining allows your GPU to split its processing power between two blockchains at once. The primary algorithm—commonly Ethash—powers coins like Ethereum Classic, Ethereum, Musicoin, and others. Meanwhile, the secondary coin uses a lightweight algorithm such as Blake-2s, which is compatible with Siacoin (SC), Decred (DCR), Lbry (LBRY), or Pascal (PASC).

👉 Discover how to unlock hidden mining profits with dual-mode setups today.

The key advantage lies in efficiency: while the GPU is already hashing Ethash-intensive workloads, a small portion of idle memory and logic units can be allocated to mine a second coin with minimal performance impact on the primary one.

For example:

• You’re mining Ethereum Classic (ETC) using Claymore’s miner.
• Your rig achieves a stable 250 MH/s on an 8x GTX 1070 setup.
• By enabling dual mining mode, you begin also mining Siacoin in parallel.

You do this by adding specific parameters to your .bat file:

-mode 0 -dpool stratum+tcp://eu.siamining.com:7777 -dwal e713cacee7bb50a6034c11ddbb56d84194ef7553d6caed555f466ae8655a09298d455948280b.RIG1 -dcoin sc -dcri 45

Note: Replace the wallet address with your own. You can generate a Siacoin wallet by downloading the official Sia app or through supported exchanges.

The -dcri value controls intensity—adjust it carefully so your primary hashrate doesn’t drop significantly. For optimal results, aim to maintain 95–100% of your original Ethash hashrate.

Reward Systems: PPS vs PPLNS

Siamining.com uses the PPS (Pay Per Share) model, meaning you receive a fixed payout per valid share regardless of block discovery luck. This ensures predictable earnings but may come with slightly higher fees.

Alternatively, PPLNS (Pay Per Last N Shares) rewards miners based on recent contributions when a block is found. While potentially more profitable over time, PPLNS introduces volatility and requires consistent uptime.

Most dual miners prefer PPS for its stability—especially when managing multiple rigs or monitoring profitability across changing market conditions.

Setting Up Dual Mining on Your GPU

Proper configuration is essential to balance performance, temperature, and longevity. Follow these steps to fine-tune your system:

Step 1: Optimize Fan Speed and Power Limits

Use tools like MSI Afterburner to control your GPU settings:

• Set fan speed to 80–90% to manage heat effectively.
• For NVIDIA cards, set power limit to 100% for maximum stability.
• Monitor temperatures closely—ideally staying below 75°C under load.

High thermal stress is one of the biggest drawbacks of dual mining, so adequate airflow and case ventilation are non-negotiable.

Step 2: Tune the -dcri Parameter

This setting adjusts the intensity of secondary coin mining. Start with default values and tweak using keyboard controls (+ / -) during runtime:

• Observe changes in both primary (ETC) and secondary (SC) hashrates.
• Adjust until your main Ethash output drops no more than 2–3% (e.g., from 250 MH/s to 245–248 MH/s).
• Once optimal, hardcode the final -dcri value into your batch file.

Here are average recommended starting points:

• GTX 1060: ~200 MH/s → -dcri 30–35
• AMD RX 480–580: ~350 MH/s → -dcri 40–45
• GTX 1070: ~450 MH/s → -dcri 45–50

Keep in mind that variations exist even among GPUs of the same model due to manufacturer overclocks or VRAM differences.

👉 See how top miners optimize their dual mining rigs for peak efficiency.

How Much Can You Earn With Dual Mining?

When configured correctly, dual mining can add substantial passive income. On average:

• A well-tuned 8-GPU rig mining ETC + SC can generate up to $60 extra per month.
• This additional revenue often covers electricity costs entirely—or even turns a net profit in low-power regions.

However, consider these trade-offs:

• Power consumption increases by ~20%, depending on GPU load and tuning.
• Heat output rises significantly, requiring better cooling solutions.
• Lifespan of GPUs may decrease due to sustained high temperatures and fan wear.
• Noise levels increase dramatically, making indoor placement impractical.

Despite these challenges, many miners accept the risks knowing that hardware depreciation is inevitable in fast-evolving crypto markets. Most high-performance GPUs are expected to remain under warranty or replaced within 1–2 years anyway.

Why Choose Siacoin?

Among available options (Decred, Lbry, Pascal), Siacoin stands out for its clear utility: decentralized cloud storage. Users rent unused hard drive space globally, secured by blockchain contracts. This real-world application gives Siacoin long-term potential beyond speculative value.

Additionally:

• Active development team and ecosystem growth.
• Compatibility with major Ethash dual-mining pools.
• Transparent economic model with predictable inflation.

While personal preference plays a role, Siacoin’s combination of technical feasibility and fundamental strength makes it a top choice for secondary mining.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I dual mine Zcash or other Equihash coins?

No. Dual mining is only possible with Ethash-based primary coins like Ethereum Classic or Ethereum. Equihash algorithms (used by Zcash, Zclassic, etc.) do not support concurrent secondary mining in current miner software.

Does dual mining damage my GPU?

It increases heat and fan usage, which can accelerate wear over time. However, if temperatures are managed properly and the card remains within safe operating limits (below 80°C), long-term damage is unlikely. Regular maintenance helps extend lifespan.

Is dual mining still profitable in 2025?

Yes—especially when pairing high-hashrate Ethash coins with low-overhead secondaries like Siacoin. Profitability depends on electricity cost, market prices, and proper tuning. With rising energy costs, every extra dollar counts.

Can I use any mining pool for Siacoin?

Yes, but choose wisely. Popular pools include Siamining.com (PPS) and various PPLNS options. PPS offers stable payouts; PPLNS may yield higher returns for consistent miners.

Do I need two separate wallets?

Yes. You’ll need:

1. An Ethash wallet (e.g., for ETC).
2. A Siacoin wallet (via Sia-UI or exchange deposit address).

Ensure both wallet addresses are correctly entered in your miner configuration.

What happens if I set -dcri too high?

Your primary hashrate will drop significantly, reducing overall profitability. Excessive intensity may also cause instability, crashes, or thermal throttling. Always test incrementally.

Dual mining represents a smart evolution in GPU utilization—turning idle compute cycles into tangible rewards. While not without risks, careful setup and monitoring make it a viable option for serious miners aiming to squeeze every last drop of value from their rigs.

👉 Start maximizing your mining returns with expert-backed dual-mode strategies now.

With the right balance of ETC and Siacoin, you're not just mining crypto—you're optimizing the future of decentralized computing.