Introduction
The SHA-256 hashing algorithm has been a cornerstone of cryptocurrency mining since Bitcoin's inception. While altcoin mining has declined in popularity, understanding SHA-256 coins remains valuable for those with specialized mining hardware. This guide explores SHA-256's technical aspects, its role in Bitcoin, and lists viable cryptocurrencies you can mine using SHA-256 ASIC miners.
Understanding SHA-256
What Is SHA-256?
SHA-256 (Secure Hash Algorithm 256-bit) is a cryptographic hash function from the SHA-2 family. Developed by the NSA and standardized by NIST, it:
- Produces a fixed 256-bit (32-byte) hash
- Displays as 64 alphanumeric characters
- Is deterministic (same input = same output)
- Cannot be reverse-engineered
Key Characteristics
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Uniqueness | Near-unique hash generation |
| One-way function | Data cannot be retrieved from hash |
| Data integrity | Verifies unaltered content |
👉 Explore more about cryptographic hashing
SHA-256 in Cryptocurrency
Bitcoin's Implementation
SHA-256 serves two primary functions in Bitcoin:
- Proof of Work consensus mechanism
- Bitcoin address creation
Three major cryptocurrencies using SHA-256:
- Bitcoin (BTC)
- Bitcoin Cash (BCH)
- Bitcoin SV (BSV)
Mining SHA-256 Coins
Current Viable ASIC Miners
- Bitmain Antminer S21 series
- Canaan Avalon A1566
- MicroBT Whatsminer M60S/M66S
Mining Options
- Direct Bitcoin mining
- NiceHash (pays in BTC)
- Altcoin mining (see below)
Active SHA-256 Cryptocurrencies
| Rank | Coin | Website | Notable Mining Pools |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bitcoin (BTC) | bitcoin.org | F2Pool, AntPool |
| 2 | Bitcoin Cash (BCH) | bitcoincash.org | ViaBTC, BTC.com |
| 3 | Bitcoin SV (BSV) | bitcoinsv.io | SV Pool |
| 4 | DigiByte (DGB) | digibyte.io | zpool |
| 5 | Peercoin (PPC) | peercoin.net | zpool |
| 6 | Namecoin (NMC) | namecoin.org | Namecoin pool |
Less Active Projects
- Litecoin Cash (LCC)
- Syscoin (SYS)
- Bitcoin Classic (BXC)
- Elastos (ELA)
FAQ
Q: Can I still profitably mine SHA-256 coins?
A: Profitability depends on electricity costs and hardware efficiency. ASIC miners with >200TH/s may remain viable.
Q: What's the most profitable SHA-256 coin?
A: Bitcoin typically offers best returns due to liquidity, but always check current rates via mining calculators.
Q: How does SHA-256 compare to other algorithms?
A: It's more energy-intensive than Scrypt or X11, but offers superior security through its computational requirements.
👉 Learn about mining profitability
Conclusion
While SHA-256 mining requires significant investment, it remains fundamental to blockchain security. This list provides viable options for miners with capable hardware, prioritizing projects with active development and exchange liquidity.