The best mining algorithms for video cards with 4-6 GB of VRAM: RVN, ETC, Flux, Ergo, and others

An overview of current mining algorithms for video cards with four to six gigabytes of VRAM. Which coins to mine in 2026: KawPow, Etchash, ZelHash, Autolykos, FiroPoW, Verthash, and BeamHash III. Selection tips, power consumption, DAG growth, and links to the best resources.

In the world of cryptocurrency, things are changing faster than an April weather forecast. Just yesterday, Ethereum was the main mining hub for home mining rigs, but today, “post-Ethereum” dictates new rules, and owners of cards with a modest four to six gigabytes of video memory often wonder: what should I mine? In this article, we’ll explore which algorithms are worth considering, why memory plays a crucial role, and how to prevent old cards from becoming mere bookends.

Why VRAM Size Matters

Mining isn’t just a gigabyte spec. Each network uses its own mechanism, requiring a specific working dataset (DAG, tables), which must be fully loaded into the GPU’s memory. For example, the modified Etchash algorithm in Ethereum Classic was specifically adapted for 4-gigabyte GPUs: after the “Thanos” update, the DAG file was reduced, and the developers promised support until approximately mid-2025. Some algorithms require slightly more: the GamerHash website already lists five gigabytes of video memory as the minimum for Ethereum Classic.

For Ravencoin, things are more complicated: the KawPow algorithm uses a large mining structure, and its DAG is close to five gigabytes. The authoritative guide from Coincub explicitly recommends cards with six gigabytes or more: although technically four is possible to start with, six to eight gigabytes is better for stable mining in 2026. A summary review from RedSwitches confirms this trend: Ravencoin should expect more than six gigabytes , and owners of six-gigabyte cards may lose support as early as 2027.

Not all algorithms are so memory-hungry. Autolykos V2 , the core of Ergo , stores a table of approximately two gigabytes. Ergo’s documentation emphasizes that the table initially occupied ~2 GB and has since gradually increased. Therefore, three- to four-gigabyte cards are still capable of running, although it’s better to have some headroom for the future. Another example is BeamHash III for the Beam cryptocurrency: the official documentation requires at least three gigabytes of VRAM, making this coin accessible even to older cards like the GTX 1060 3GB.

Algorithms that are compatible with four gigabytes

Let’s talk about specific options for very “small-sized” cards.

Autolykos V2 (Ergo)

The Autolykos V2 algorithm is interesting because the developers strive to maintain accessibility. The table used for calculations takes up approximately two gigabytes, grows slowly, and makes mining possible even with 3–4 GB. The documentation explicitly states that the calculation is based on a single table of approximately 2 GB, and the memory capacity increases as the block height increases. This means that an RX 570 4GB or GTX 1650 4GB are not yet obsolete. On the other hand, the table’s growth over time means that for long-term mining, six gigabytes is recommended.

VertHash (Vertcoin)

Vertcoin was once known as the “people’s coin.” In 2024, the project switched its algorithm to Verthash to combat ASIC miners. The Coincub guide notes that two gigabytes of video memory is sufficient for loading the DAG file, but for stability and future-proofing, four gigabytes or more is recommended . Accordingly, older GTX 1050 Ti 4GB and RX 570 4GB are perfectly comfortable.

BeamHash III (Beam)

BEAM is a confidential project using the BeamHash III algorithm . The developers honestly state: “minimum three gigabytes of VRAM.” This makes Beam perhaps the easiest to mine for 3-4 GB cards. However, the network is growing, and profitability is unstable, so the coin should be viewed more as an experiment or a way to utilize idle hardware.

Cryptonight-Haven (Haven)

Haven Protocol is a lesser-known project that uses a variant of Cryptonight. Hiveon’s article states that Cryptonight-Haven is well-suited for 4GB cards. The downside is low liquidity and volatility, but it’s an acceptable choice for testing older Polaris cards.

VertHash, Cryptonight-Haven, and other niche solutions

Crazy-Mining and Cool-Mining reviews regularly mention niche coins. On their pages, you can find VertHash guides for Vertcoin, as well as discussions of Haven, Firo, and even Conflux. These resources (see links at the end) help you get comfortable setting up miners and choosing the best versions of programs like TeamRedMiner or lolMiner.

Algorithms for cards with five and six gigabytes

When the system already has five to six gigabytes , the range of coins expands noticeably.

KawPow (Ravencoin)

Ravencoin remains one of the few PoW networks that hasn’t yet experienced an ASIC monopoly. The KawPow algorithm is designed in such a way that it requires a fairly large amount of video memory. Coincub’s manual emphasizes: “mining requires at least four gigabytes , but six gigabytes or more provide stability.” RedSwitches’ review adds that by 2026, the DAG file will approach 5.2 GB, so 6 GB cards may soon become unusable. This means that an RX 5600 XT 6GB or GTX 1660 Super might still work, but the time slack is limited.

Etchash (Ethereum Classic)

Ethereum switched to Proof-of-Stake, but Ethereum Classic retained PoW. After the ECIP-1099 update, the algorithm was renamed Etchash and had a smaller DAG. Ethereum Classic developers intentionally reduced the file size so that 4GB cards could continue mining until mid-2025. In practice, GamerHash warns that the DAG size is now approaching 5GB, so cards should have at least 5GB of VRAM. This algorithm is currently suitable for 6GB GTX 1660 Ti or RX 6600 XT cards.

ZelHash/Equihash (Flux, Bitcoin Gold)

Flux uses ZelHash (Equihash 125.4) . The RedSwitches summary guide notes that the algorithm doesn’t have a classic DAG, but stability is achieved with six to eight gigabytes , with eight gigabytes yielding the best results. The same source states that Bitcoin Gold , which uses Equihash (144.5), technically runs on two-gigabyte cards, but in 2026, six to eight gigabytes is recommended for efficiency.

FiroPoW (Firo)

The FiroPoW algorithm is known for its commitment to privacy. A recent Coincub guide states that Firo mining in 2026 requires at least six gigabytes of video memory, as the algorithm builds the DAG in VRAM. Older four-gigabyte cards are no longer suitable. The RTX 3060 Ti or RX 5700 XT are optimal.

KHeavyHash (Kaspa)

The Kaspa cryptocurrency has captured the attention of miners with its speed. The kHeavyHash algorithm can be run even on 3GB cards, but the authors of EMCD warn that older cards show very low profitability, and only modern cards with ample VRAM are truly effective. Since ASIC devices for Kaspa hit the market in 2025, GPU mining is becoming a hobby for those who already have the hardware.

What Beginners Forget: Power Consumption and DAG Growth

Beginners often focus solely on VRAM capacity, but forget about other factors. In practice, the following are important:

Power consumption and cooling. The RedSwitches review guide emphasizes that efficiency (solations/watt) is more important than pure hashrate. Overclocking a card for a few megahashes can easily result in tens of watts of extra heat.
DAG growth. Even if the algorithm runs on 4 GB today, the DAG may exceed that limit tomorrow. The Ergo table is gradually expanding, while Ravencoin’s DAG is growing and will approach six gigabytes by 2027. Always check the DAG calendar on minerstat or similar services.
Software and drivers. Hiveon and Cool-Mining often mention that the correct driver version and miner settings are important for older cards. For example, TeamRedMiner, lolMiner, and NBminer frequently update support for low-RAM cards.

Some personal observations

Have you ever tried mining at night on an old RX 570? It’s as noisy as a jet, but it produces enough heat to warm a room in winter. However, if electricity in Finland is cheaper than heating, mining becomes a kind of heater. Though, try explaining to your neighbors why you have your window open in winter…

A couple of years ago, I decided to test Vertcoin on a GTX 1050 Ti. The hashrate was ridiculous, the profit was tiny, but the process itself was almost like stamp collecting. It’s these experiments that make the crypto world interesting: sometimes you find an unpopular coin that explodes a year later, and sometimes you’re just trying to give your graphics card a run for its money.

Conclusion: Choose an algorithm and think ahead

To summarize briefly:

Autolykos (Ergo), Verthash (Vertcoin), BeamHash III (Beam), and Cryptonight-Haven are suitable for 3–4 GB cards . These algorithms can give older GPUs a second life, but their profitability is often low.
More popular coins are available for 5–6 GB cards : Ravencoin (KawPow), Ethereum Classic (Etchash), Flux (ZelHash), Bitcoin Gold (Equihash 144.5), Firo (FiroPoW), and Kaspa (kHeavyHash). However, for long-term stability, it’s recommended to have a reserve of six or even eight gigabytes.
Always consider DAG growth and energy consumption . Even the most profitable algorithm will become meaningless if your electricity bill exceeds your income.

Mining in the post-Ethereum era is a constant search for compromises between hardware, memory, algorithm, and electricity cost. Read guides, experiment, and don’t be afraid to try new things. And if you need inspiration or instructions on setting up a miner, check out resources like cool-mining.org , crazy-mining.org , crypto-mining.blog , or crypto-wallets.org —they always have the latest reviews and helpful tips.