⚡️ Mining Zcash (ZEC)
What Zcash is and which algorithm it uses
Zcash (ZEC) is a cryptocurrency focused on transaction privacy. It is mined with the Equihash (200,9) algorithm.
Equihash is a memory-oriented algorithm: its computation depends not on raw hashing speed but on memory size and bandwidth. It was originally designed to make ASIC dominance harder, but today the Zcash network is mined almost exclusively on dedicated Equihash ASICs — GPUs are no longer competitive for serious ZEC mining.
Important: ZEC cannot be mined on BTC (SHA-256) or LTC/DOGE (Scrypt) hardware — it requires dedicated Equihash devices.
ZEC mining conditions
- Fee — standard, 0.9%
- Reward system — FPPS
- Minimum payout — 0.05 ZEC
- Minimum conversion amount — 0.001 ZEC
- Accruals — daily at 12:10 MSK, payouts — by 17:00 MSK
Stratums for connection
Enter one of these addresses in your worker settings:
stratum+tcp://equihash2.headframe.io:3357
stratum+tcp://equihash.headframe.io:3357For easier monitoring, give each device its own worker name.
How to connect to ZEC mining
- Open the web interface of your Equihash device.
- In the Pool settings, enter one of the Headframe stratums (see above).
- In the Worker field enter your worker name; in the Password field enter any value (usually
x). - Save the settings and restart the device.
- Within 15 minutes your hashrate and worker will appear in your Headframe account.
Supported hardware
ZEC mining works with ASIC devices running the Equihash (200,9) algorithm. The most common models:
| Model | Hashrate | Power draw |
|---|---|---|
| Bitmain Antminer Z15e | ~200 kSol/s | ~1500 W |
| Bitmain Antminer Z15 | ~420 kSol/s | ~1510 W |
| Bitmain Antminer Z15j | ~320 kSol/s | ~1510 W |
| Bitmain Antminer Z15 Pro | ~840 kSol/s | ~2780 W |
Other ASICs running Equihash (200,9) will also work. If you are unsure whether a specific model is compatible, contact support.
Specifics of ZEC mining
- ASIC only. Equihash GPU rigs are no longer profitable for ZEC — the network runs on Z15-series devices and their equivalents.
- Dedicated hardware. ZEC cannot be mined on BTC or LTC/DOGE devices — you need an Equihash ASIC.
- Block reward. As of 2026 — 1.5625 ZEC per block, with a block time of about 75 seconds.
- Halvings. The block reward halves roughly every 4 years; the last halving was in November 2024, the next is expected in late 2028. Keep this in mind when calculating payback.
- Privacy. ZEC supports shielded transactions — this shapes how the market perceives the coin and its liquidity.
- Conversion. Mined ZEC can be converted into other coins directly in your Headframe account (minimum — 0.001 ZEC).
Still have questions?
Our support team is available in chat — we'll help with connection and setup.