Asic miners using the etchash algorithm

What is the Etchash algorithm and how is it similar to ethash?

The new Etchash algorithm is, in essence, a reworking of the old ethash and appeared after Ethereum switched to staking and abandoned POW in September 2022. It is essentially a modified version of the Ethash algorithm that allows equipment specifically designed for Ethash to be used for mining. Projects such as Ethereum Classic, the newly created EthereumPOW, and Zilliqa have already implemented it.
The algorithm works simply: it creates a huge data file (called a DAG file) up to 4 GB in size and loads it into the memory of the mining equipment, specifically for calculating certain sections of code that the pool provides to the miner. Every 30k blocks, this file increases in size (file weight), and with it, the memory requirements of the devices increase.
Etchash was originally developed for video cards, but in 2018 the first Ethash Asic Miner appeared. Since then, specialized devices have taken the lion’s share of mining, such as the innosilicon A10 Pro or A11, and over time the most popular E9 and e9 pro from bitmain, leaving video cards behind. The algorithm requires a minimum of 4 GB of RAM, and this requirement is constantly increasing as the DAG file grows.

What coins can be mined on Etchash?

Ethereum Classic remains the main coin on this algorithm. After the main Ethereum switched to staking, most miners migrated here. EthereumPOW was created as a fork of the original Ethereum for those who did not want to switch to staking. Zilliqa also uses Etchash, but in dual mode — you can mine ZIL and other coins simultaneously on the same hardware.
The cost of mining on this algorithm directly depends on the price of Bitcoin, which is literally tied to this coin, and everything on the Etchash algorithm correlates with this coin after a while. When BTC rises, miners switch to altcoins, including ETC, which increases the complexity of the network — provoking a decrease in profits. When the main market falls, many turn off their equipment, making mining more profitable for the remaining participants. Blocks in the Ethereum Classic network are generated every 13-15 seconds.

How to choose an Ethash miner?

Jasminer produces two main lines of devices. The X16-Q is a quiet, compact miner with a performance of 1.95 GH/s and a power consumption of 620 W. The X44-P is a powerful Ethash ASIC with 23.4 GH/s, consuming 2550 W and generating a lot of noise.
Antminer E9 remains a popular choice among experienced miners. There are several modifications: the regular E9, the more powerful E9 Pro with up to 3.7 GH/s, and the water-cooled E9 Hydro version.
iPollo produces interesting hydrominers for home use. The V1 Hydro provides 850-900 MH/s while consuming 800 W. It is less efficient than its competitors, but ideal for heating systems — you can use the heat from the miner to heat your home through a water circuit.