KAWPOW (Ravencoin PoW Algorithm)
ASIC ResistantKAWPOW is the proof-of-work algorithm used by Ravencoin (RVN) since May 2020. It is a variant of ProgPoW (Programmatic Proof of Work), specifically designed to leverage the full capabilities of modern GPUs while being economically impractical for ASICs. KAWPOW replaced Ravencoin's previous X16R algorithm following concerns about potential ASIC development.
How KAWPOW Works
KAWPOW is based on the ethash/dag system but incorporates random sequence operations selected per block epoch, using nearly all GPU subsystems: ALUs, floating-point units, memory bandwidth, and cache. The "programmatic" nature means each block height generates different computational instructions, preventing fixed-function optimisation. Like Etchash, KAWPOW requires a DAG file in GPU VRAM (though smaller than ETC's). The algorithm is specifically calibrated for GDDR6/GDDR6X memory architecture.
History & Evolution
Ravencoin launched in 2018 using X16R, a multi-algorithm approach that rotated between 16 different hash functions per block. In 2020, concerns that ASICs were being developed for X16R led to a successful community vote and hard fork to KAWPOW (ProgPoW variant). Since the switch, no ASIC has been produced for KAWPOW, and Ravencoin remains GPU-mined in 2026.
Hardware Requirements
KAWPOW is exclusively GPU-mined. NVIDIA GPUs with high memory bandwidth perform well: RTX 4090 (~62 MH/s), RTX 3080 Ti (~48 MH/s). AMD's RX 6800 XT achieves ~39 MH/s at only 150 W, making it one of the most efficient KAWPOW miners per watt. Older GPUs with at least 4 GB VRAM can mine KAWPOW, though profitability at residential electricity rates is limited.
Compatible Mining Software
Mining Pools for KAWPOW
2Miners, WoolyPooly, and HeroMiners are the most active Ravencoin mining pools. 2Miners is the largest by hashrate. RVN payouts are frequent at all major pools; minimum payout thresholds are low due to the high number of RVN emitted per block (2,500 RVN per block).
How to Start Mining with KAWPOW
- Choose hardware — KAWPOW is exclusively GPU-mined. NVIDIA GPUs with high memory bandwidth perform well: RTX 4090 (~62 MH/s), RTX 3080 Ti (~48 MH/s). AMD's RX 6800 XT achieves ~39 MH/s at only 150 W,.
- Install mining software — compatible options include: T-Rex Miner (best KAWPOW performance on NVIDIA), NBMiner, TeamRedMiner (AMD), lolMiner, GMiner.
- Select a pool — 2Miners, WoolyPooly, and HeroMiners are the most active Ravencoin mining pools. 2Miners is the largest by hashrate. RVN payouts are frequent at all major pools; minimum payout thresholds are low due t.
- Configure stratum URL and wallet — set
stratum+tcp://pool-url:portas pool address and your RVN wallet address as the username/payout address. - Start mining and monitor — check accepted shares in the pool dashboard within 5–10 minutes of startup.
- Track profitability — use our live calculator to monitor earnings vs electricity costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Ravencoin switch from X16R to KAWPOW?
Ravencoin's community detected evidence of ASIC development targeting X16R in 2019–2020. X16R's multi-algorithm rotation, while novel, was apparently predictable enough for custom hardware to be profitable. The community voted to hard-fork to KAWPOW (a ProgPoW variant) in May 2020 because ProgPoW was specifically designed to require all GPU components — making ASIC development economically unattractive. No KAWPOW ASIC has emerged since.
What is ProgPoW and how does it prevent ASICs?
ProgPoW (Programmatic Proof of Work) generates a different computational program for each block, using the full feature set of modern GPUs: ALUs, float units, memory bandwidth, caches, and registers. ASICs are efficient because they implement fixed algorithms in optimised silicon. ProgPoW's random program generation means an ASIC would need to implement a complete general-purpose GPU to be competitive — which would be as expensive as a GPU itself, eliminating the economic advantage.
Is KAWPOW profitable for GPU mining in 2026?
KAWPOW / Ravencoin profitability depends heavily on RVN price. At recent prices (~$0.004–0.008/RVN), GPU mining RVN at $0.08/kWh or below is generally breakeven or slightly positive with a good GPU. The high block reward (2,500 RVN/block every 60 seconds) means frequent payouts. Use our Ravencoin mining calculator for current estimates — GPU mining profitability is volatile and closely tied to RVN price movements.
What GPU should I use for KAWPOW mining?
For KAWPOW, GPUs with high GDDR6/GDDR6X memory bandwidth outperform others. The RTX 4090 achieves ~62 MH/s at ~350 W. For efficiency, the AMD RX 6800 XT at ~39 MH/s and ~150 W offers an exceptional 3.8 W/MH ratio. The RTX 3080 Ti at ~48 MH/s and ~290 W is a strong mid-tier option. Avoid GPUs with GDDR5 memory for KAWPOW — they deliver significantly lower hashrates than GDDR6 equivalents.
What is the Ravencoin emission schedule?
Ravencoin emits 5,000 RVN per block at launch (January 2018), halving every 2,100,000 blocks (~4 years). The first halving in January 2022 reduced the reward to 2,500 RVN, where it remains in 2026. The next halving is expected around 2026, reducing the reward to 1,250 RVN. With 21 billion total supply (1,000× Bitcoin's 21 million), Ravencoin has a long emission curve ahead.