Ethereum mining is the process by which new ETH coins are generated and transactions are verified and added to the blockchain. In traditional mining, high-performance computers solve complex mathematical problems to validate transactions. Before Ethereum’s switch to Proof of Stake, this was the main method used to secure the Ethereum network. Even now, learning about mining gives insight into the history and technology of Ethereum.
Ethereum used a Proof of Work (PoW) model, where miners used GPUs to solve cryptographic puzzles. Successful miners earned ETH rewards. This required high energy consumption and was replaced with PoS to increase efficiency.
No, Ethereum officially transitioned to a Proof of Stake system during "The Merge" in 2022. Since then, ETH mining is no longer possible in the traditional sense. Alternatives like Ethereum Classic (ETC) can still be mined.
Miners used GPU-based mining rigs with high-end cards like Nvidia RTX and AMD Radeon. ASICs were generally not used due to Ethereum's resistance to ASIC mining.