Most people think a SHA-256 ASICs can only mine Bitcoin. (Click here to learn how Bitcoin works!)
That’s not true.
If you’re running SHA-256 hardware, there are other tokens you can mine, and if your goal is solo mining, choosing the right one can dramatically improve your odds of success.
In fact, switching from Bitcoin to Bitcoin Cash (BCH) can improve your solo mining odds by 163× at finding a block.
Let’s break it down.
The unit above is a NerdQaxe++
Bitcoin vs Bitcoin Cash: The Odds Explained
The two most popular SHA-256 coins are:
While both use the same mining algorithm, the probability of actually finding a block is wildly different. The follow numbers are calculated using the Bitaxe Gamma 601 V2!
Solo Mining Bitcoin (BTC)
- Block reward: ~$266,000
- Odds of finding a block: ~1 in 4.9 million per day
Mining Bitcoin solo is essentially a lottery ticket.
If you win, it’s life-changing, but the odds are extremely slim.
Solo Mining Bitcoin Cash (BCH)
- Block reward: ~$1,700
- Odds of finding a block: ~1 in 31,000 per day
- The reward is smaller, but the odds are dramatically better.
Why the Difference Matters
This really comes down to two different types of miners:
- Bitcoin solo miners are chasing the massive jackpot, high reward, extremely low probability.
- Bitcoin Cash solo miners want realistic odds. The payout is lower, but you’re far more likely to actually mine a block.
When you compare the probabilities, mining BCH gives you 163× better odds of hitting a block than mining BTC with the same hardware.
For many miners, that trade-off just makes sense.
How to Mine Bitcoin Cash (BCH)
If you’re already solo mining, switching to BCH is surprisingly easy.
Example: Mining on Mining Dutch
If you’re using Mining Dutch, the process is simple:
- Go to your miner group settings
- Change the coin from BTC to BCH (Bitcoin Cash)
- Save and apply
That’s it.
No firmware changes.
No hardware swaps.
Just a coin selection change, and your odds instantly improve by 163×.
Not Using Mining Dutch?
No problem.
Different pools have slightly different setups, but the concept is the same:
you point your SHA-256 ASIC at a Bitcoin Cash solo pool instead of Bitcoin.
👉 If you’re not on Mining Dutch yet, we’ve got a complete step-by-step tutorial to help you get set up on Mining Dutch!
Final Thoughts
A lot of people expect mining optimization to be complicated.
Sometimes it’s not.
Switching from Bitcoin to Bitcoin Cash is a simple change that can massively improve your chances of actually mining a block, without changing your hardware at all.
Short.
Sweet.
And potentially very profitable.
Happy mining.
PS: Theres hardware for everyone at different price points. Click here!
