Rather than reducing how Ethereum mining worked before September 2022 to one number, this article compares memory-hard algorithm, DAG file and GPU operation as related but distinct factors.
Ethereum Mainnet mining ended with The Merge in September 2022. Current Ethereum participation uses proof of stake, so historical Ethash terminology must not be presented as a current Mainnet mining method.
Memory-hard Algorithm
Treat memory-hard algorithm as one layer of the system. Ask who controls it, how often it changes and which record can verify it. Its connection to DAG file should be explained explicitly, because two correlated values do not automatically prove that one caused the other.
- Evidence: a dated record for memory-hard algorithm.
- Cross-check: compare it with DAG file.
- Review trigger: repeat the check after a material change affecting memory-hard algorithm.
DAG File
Evaluate DAG file with a small evidence chain: source, timestamp, unit, boundary and calculation. Follow the same chain for GPU operation. This prevents a precise-looking result from combining incompatible observations and makes future updates less dependent on undocumented assumptions.
- Evidence: a dated record for DAG file.
- Cross-check: compare it with GPU operation.
- Review trigger: repeat the check after a material change affecting DAG file.
GPU Operation
When reviewing GPU operation, preserve the raw observation before creating an average or percentage. A raw record makes later troubleshooting possible and shows whether a change coincided with memory-hard algorithm. Note configuration, network or environmental events that occurred during the same interval.
- Evidence: a dated record for GPU operation.
- Cross-check: compare it with memory-hard algorithm.
- Review trigger: repeat the check after a material change affecting GPU operation.
How Ethereum mining worked before September 2022: evaluation sequence
- Write the exact decision involving memory-hard algorithm.
- Collect DAG file using the same observation period.
- Test how the conclusion changes when GPU operation moves.
- Save the source values, conversions and date of review.
Reference for Ethereum Mining History
Verify the underlying context with Ethereum.org: historical mining. For values that change over time, use a current source and record its retrieval date.
