ccminer (tpruvot) is a free, open-source command-line miner built for NVIDIA graphics cards that use CUDA. It is aimed at hobbyists and technically minded users who want to experiment with GPU mining on Windows and Linux and who are comfortable working from a terminal. It is a fork of an earlier CUDA project, and it remains one of the better-known variants of that codebase.
Before you download it, note the project status: the code has not been updated since January 2019, so this is a legacy tool. It may still run on some older hardware and driver setups, but it does not receive modern fixes or support for newer algorithms and hardware. Treat it as an educational or archival option rather than a current production miner.
What Is ccminer and Where Does It Come From?
ccminer is a family of mining programs that trace their roots to a CUDA mining project created by Christian Buchner and Christian H. That original project later stopped active development on GitHub, and several forks continued the work. The tpruvot version is one of these forks, and it became popular because it extended the original code with additional builds and fixes.
Knowing this history helps when you compare versions. Different forks, such as the ones listed under similar programs, may support different algorithms, build options and drivers. Always check which version you are downloading and when its code was last changed.
Who Is ccminer Suitable For?
This program fits best for users who already own NVIDIA graphics cards and want to understand how GPU mining software operates. It is also useful for people who run mining experiments on a spare machine, or who need a simple, scriptable miner for a small test environment.
It is less suitable for anyone who wants a polished graphical interface, automatic updates, or guaranteed support for newer GPUs and recent coin algorithms. For those needs, a more actively maintained miner is usually the better choice.
Understanding Hashrate and Mining Algorithms
Hashrate is the measure of how many calculations a mining device performs per second. In a GPU miner, the hashrate depends on the card, the mining algorithm, the driver version and the power settings. A miner that runs well on one algorithm may perform poorly on another, which is why documentation often lists algorithms separately.
Mining algorithms are the mathematical methods a network uses to verify work. Different coins use different algorithms, so a miner must support the specific algorithm a coin requires. Before running any miner, confirm that the algorithm you plan to use is supported in the version you have installed.
Practical Tips for Running a Legacy Miner
Because the project has not been updated in several years, expect compatibility issues with newer drivers, operating systems and GPU models. Keep a note of the driver version that works for your card, and avoid updating drivers without a backup plan.
Monitor temperatures and power draw while the miner runs. GPUs under sustained load can overheat if cooling is inadequate, and an unattended rig should have basic safeguards. Running the miner in a test environment first is a sensible habit.
Key features
CUDA-based GPU mining
Bundled libraries for Windows
Cross-platform builds
Open-source codebase
Supported coins
The project documentation mentions Bitcoin (BTC) and Decred among the supported coins and networks. Support for any specific coin depends on the algorithm and the version you run, so check the release notes before relying on a particular network.
How to install ccminer (tpruvot) on Windows
- 1
Download the program
Get the Windows build or installer from the official GitHub repository or its Releases page. Avoid copies from unofficial file-sharing sites, since these are often modified.
- 2
Verify the file
Compare the SHA-256 checksum of the downloaded file with the value published by the project, if one is provided. If no checksum or signature is listed, scan the file with an up-to-date antivirus before running it.
- 3
Extract or install
If the download is an archive, extract it to a dedicated folder. If it is an installer, follow the prompts and choose a location you can easily find later.
- 4
Prepare the GPU driver
Install a driver for your NVIDIA card that matches the miner's requirements. Older builds may run more reliably with specific driver versions, so test before committing to long runs.
-
Run a test session
Start the miner from a command prompt with a short test configuration to confirm it detects your GPU and reports a hashrate before you run it unattended.
System requirements
- An NVIDIA graphics card with CUDA support
- Windows 7 through Windows 10, based on the project's build notes
- An NVIDIA driver compatible with the chosen miner build
How to use ccminer (tpruvot)
Using ccminer is a command-line process. You need to point the program at a mining pool or network, supply your wallet or worker details, and choose the algorithm. The exact syntax depends on the build you use, so read the included help output or documentation first.
A typical workflow looks like this:
- Open a Command Prompt in the folder where the miner is stored.
- Run the program with its help flag to list available options and supported algorithms.
- Prepare a configuration with your pool address, worker name and chosen algorithm.
- Start the miner and check that your GPU appears in the startup log.
- Watch the reported hashrate and the share acceptance count for the first few minutes.
- If results look wrong, stop the miner, check the driver version and try a different CUDA Toolkit build as noted by the project.
Pros & cons
- Free and open-source, with the source code publicly available
- Works with NVIDIA GPUs through the CUDA platform
- Prebuilt Windows libraries simplify the initial setup
- Available for both Windows and Linux
- Useful for learning how GPU mining software is structured
- No code updates since January 2019
- May not support newer GPUs, drivers or algorithms
- Command-line interface with no graphical front end
- Compatibility depends on matching CUDA and driver versions
- Limited official documentation for beginners
Is ccminer (tpruvot) safe?
Mining software handles your system resources and sometimes your wallet details, so security matters. Download ccminer only from the official GitHub repository or its Releases page, and verify the SHA-256 checksum or signature when the project provides one. Never enter a seed phrase or private key into any third-party website or program that asks for it.
Because mining programs use a lot of processing power, antivirus tools sometimes flag them as suspicious. If that happens, check the file's source and checksum rather than disabling your protection entirely. Since the project has not been updated since 2019, its binaries may not reflect current security practices, so run it on a separate machine if possible.
- Official source only. Download from github.com/tpruvot/ccminer. Ignore ads and lookalike domains.
- Check the SHA-256. Compare the installer hash with the value the developer publishes before running it.
- Never share your seed phrase. No developer, support agent or website — including CryptApps — will ever ask for it.
Alternatives
ccminer differs from newer GPU miners mainly in its age and maintenance status. Programs such as GMiner and BzMiner are actively developed and are regularly updated for newer hardware and algorithms, which makes them a better fit for current NVIDIA cards. Cpuminer OPT targets CPUs instead of GPUs, so it serves a different hardware setup.
Other ccminer forks, including the KlausT and Verus variants, may offer different algorithm support or build options. If you are choosing among forks, compare their last update dates and the algorithms you need before deciding.
Specifications
- Price
- Free
- Type
- Open source
- License
- —
- Latest version
- 2.3.1-tpruvot
- Last update
- 30 Jan 2019
- Windows support
- Yes (Windows build or installer)
- Source code
- github.com/tpruvot/ccminer
Frequently asked questions
Yes, ccminer (tpruvot) is free and open-source software. You can download the source code from GitHub or use the prebuilt Windows files provided by the project. Being free does not guarantee profitability, and mining results depend on your hardware, electricity costs and network conditions.
Yes, the project provides a Windows build or installer. The project notes indicate builds aimed at Windows 7 through Windows 10. Compatibility with newer drivers or Windows releases is not guaranteed because the code has not been updated since 2019.
ccminer is designed for NVIDIA graphics cards that support CUDA. AMD cards are not the intended target. Check your GPU model and driver version against the project's notes before running the miner.
It is safest to download from the official GitHub repository and verify the checksum or signature when available. Avoid unofficial mirrors. Because the project is no longer maintained, run it with caution and consider isolating it from your main files and wallets.
Mining software often triggers antivirus alerts because it uses heavy processing power and can be misused in cryptojacking. A flag does not automatically mean the file is malicious. Verify the download source and checksum first, and keep your protection enabled.
No. The last code update was recorded in January 2019, and the project has not received active development since then. Users who need current hardware or algorithm support should consider a more actively maintained miner.
No. It supports specific mining algorithms and networks, with Bitcoin and Decred named in the documentation. Check the algorithm list in the help output before choosing a coin, because support varies by build.
Verdict
ccminer (tpruvot) is a free, open-source CUDA miner that suits technically experienced users who own NVIDIA graphics cards and want to study or experiment with GPU mining on Windows or Linux. Its lack of updates since 2019 limits its usefulness for current hardware and algorithms. Verify the download, test it carefully, and check the latest version information on the official website before you commit to any mining setup.