T-Rex Miner is a free, multi-algorithm cryptocurrency mining program built for NVIDIA graphics cards. It is aimed at hobby miners and small rig operators who want a command-line tool that handles several popular proof-of-work algorithms on Windows and Linux.
The program runs on NVIDIA GPUs through CUDA and can also work with the CPU. Its developers describe it as a versatile miner focused on speed and convenience. The project is open source and free to use, with a developer fee applied to mining rewards. Note that development has stopped, and the last code update dates from October 2022, so check the official site for the latest release before you commit to it.
What Is a GPU Miner and Where Does T-Rex Fit?
A GPU miner is a program that uses a graphics card to perform the repetitive calculations required by proof-of-work blockchains. Each algorithm defines a different calculation, and miners compete to find valid results and earn rewards from the network.
T-Rex belongs to the group of NVIDIA-focused miners. Its strength is breadth: rather than specializing in one algorithm, it covers many, which suits users who want to move between coins as network conditions change.
Because the miner runs from the command line, it is most useful for people comfortable with configuration files, batch scripts and basic troubleshooting.
Who Is T-Rex Miner For?
The program is best suited to owners of NVIDIA graphics cards who already understand the basics of mining. Hobbyists running one or two cards at home can use it to experiment with different pools and algorithms.
Small operators managing several rigs may appreciate the built-in stats reporting and the ability to tune individual cards. Because the miner supports Linux as well as Windows, it also fits setups where rigs are managed on a server.
Absolute beginners may find the command-line interface intimidating. A graphical miner or a pool-provided guide can be a gentler starting point.
Understanding Developer Fees and Mining Rewards
Most free miners take a small share of the rewards to fund development. T-Rex applies a developer fee of 1 percent, while the fee for Octopus and Autolykos2 is 2 percent. The fee is deducted automatically while mining, so your payout is slightly lower than the gross rewards.
When comparing miners, look at the total effect of the fee on your expected earnings, not only the headline percentage. Fees and pool commissions together determine how much you actually keep.
Rewards also depend on electricity costs, card efficiency and network difficulty, all of which change over time. Any earnings figures should be treated as estimates, not guarantees.
Common Mistakes Beginners Make With GPU Miners
A frequent mistake is overclocking a card too aggressively. Unstable settings can cause invalid shares, crashes or hardware damage, so change one parameter at a time and monitor temperatures.
Another mistake is ignoring memory use. Some modes, including certain LHR settings, require more GPU memory because the card holds two buffers. Cards with less memory may fail to run these modes.
Finally, many users forget to set a reporting interval, which makes it hard to notice a failing fan or a card that has quietly dropped its hashrate. Enabling regular stats output is a simple habit that prevents losses.
Key features
Multi-algorithm support
Pool compatibility
LHR card tuning
GPU statistics reporting
Linux and Windows builds
Supported coins
T-Rex Miner's documentation mentions several networks, including Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Ravencoin (RVN), Ergo (ERG), Ethereum Classic (ETC), Firo and Zano. Coin support depends on the algorithm and the pool you choose, so confirm that a given coin is still active on the network and supported by your chosen pool before you configure a rig.
How to install T-Rex Miner on Windows
- 1
Download the official build
Download the ready-made Windows package only from the official website or the project's GitHub Releases page. Avoid mirrors and file-sharing sites, since modified binaries are a common way to spread malware.
- 2
Verify the file
Compare the SHA-256 checksum of the downloaded archive with the value published alongside the release. If the checksum does not match, delete the file and download it again from the official source.
- 3
Extract the archive
Unzip the package into a dedicated folder, such as C:\Miners\T-Rex. Keeping the miner in its own directory makes it easier to manage configuration files and logs.
- 4
Prepare your GPU drivers
Install a current NVIDIA driver from the manufacturer's website. Outdated drivers can lead to crashes or lower performance, and the miner depends on CUDA support provided by the driver.
-
Create a launch script
Write a small batch file that calls the miner executable with your pool address, wallet, algorithm and worker name. Running the script from a shortcut saves time on later restarts.
System requirements
- An NVIDIA graphics card compatible with CUDA
- A current NVIDIA driver installed on Windows
- Sufficient GPU memory for the algorithm you choose; some modes require more memory than others
- A Windows or Linux operating system
How to use T-Rex Miner
Running T-Rex Miner is a matter of pointing it at a pool, a wallet and an algorithm. The steps below describe a typical first run. Always test with a short session before leaving a rig unattended.
- Open a command prompt in the folder where you extracted the miner.
- Choose the algorithm that matches the coin you intend to mine.
- Enter the pool URL and port provided by your chosen pool.
- Add your wallet address and an optional worker name, which helps you identify the rig in the pool dashboard.
- Set the stats reporting interval so you can monitor hashrate and temperatures.
- Start the miner and watch the first few minutes of output for accepted shares and errors.
- If you see invalid shares, reduce any overclock settings and test again.
- Once the rig is stable, save the command in a batch file for future use.
Pros & cons
- Free to use, with an open-source codebase
- Supports many proof-of-work algorithms in one program
- Includes settings aimed at LHR cards
- Official builds for both Windows and Linux
- Configurable stats reporting
- Development has stopped, so there are no new updates
- The last code update dates from October 2022
- Command-line interface may be difficult for beginners
- Works only with NVIDIA hardware for GPU mining
- Developer fee reduces net rewards
Is T-Rex Miner safe?
Mining software is a frequent target for malware authors, so take care when downloading. Get T-Rex Miner only from the official website or the project's GitHub page, and check the SHA-256 checksum or digital signature against the published value before running it. Never download the program from forums, mirror sites or links shared in chat.
Many antivirus programs flag mining tools as potentially unwanted, because the software uses significant GPU resources. This is a known issue, and you can add a specific exception for the verified folder. Do not turn off your protection entirely. Also keep your wallet keys and seed phrases away from any website or person asking for them, and never enter them into the miner's configuration beyond your public wallet address.
Because development has stopped, the miner will not receive security fixes. Weigh that risk before running it on a machine that holds other sensitive data.
- Official source only. Download from github.com/trexminer/t-rex. 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
T-Rex sits among a crowded field of NVIDIA-focused miners. Programs such as lolMiner, Rigel and GMiner also target NVIDIA hardware, and many of them are still actively maintained. Where T-Rex differs is in its breadth of algorithms and its long-standing support for LHR tuning, but its stopped development is a significant drawback.
Nanominer and BzMiner are other options that cover multiple algorithms and receive regular updates, which can matter for security and compatibility. NBMiner has a similar development status to T-Rex, so it shares the same long-term concern.
For CPU mining, cpuminer-gr is a focused option, while RustChain takes a very different approach that rewards older hardware. Choose based on your hardware, the coins you want to mine, and whether you value active maintenance.
Specifications
- Price
- Free (developer fee)
- Type
- Open source
- License
- —
- Latest version
- 0.26.8
- Last update
- 14 Oct 2022
- Windows support
- Yes (official Windows version)
- Source code
- github.com/trexminer/t-rex
Frequently asked questions
Yes, T-Rex Miner is free to download and use. The developers take a fee from mining rewards instead of charging for the software itself. The fee is 1 percent for most algorithms and 2 percent for Octopus and Autolykos2, so your payout will be slightly lower than the gross reward.
Yes, an official Windows version is available. It runs from the command line, so you will need to create a batch file or enter the parameters manually. Download the build from the official website or GitHub, verify it, and install a current NVIDIA driver before starting.
The miner is designed for NVIDIA graphics cards that support CUDA. It can also use the CPU. AMD and Intel GPUs are not the focus of this program, so if you own those cards, look at miners built for them. Check your card's memory size against the algorithm you want to run.
Antivirus tools often flag mining software because it uses significant GPU power and can resemble unwanted programs. This does not automatically mean the file is infected. Verify the checksum against the official release and add an exception for the verified folder rather than disabling your protection entirely.
LHR is a limiter built into some newer NVIDIA cards that reduces hashrate for certain algorithms. T-Rex includes settings for these cards, including a low power mode. Some of these modes require more GPU memory, because the card must hold two memory buffers, so results depend on your specific card.
Your public wallet address is needed to receive payouts and is not the same as a private key. Never share your seed phrase or private keys with the miner, a pool or anyone else. Legitimate mining setups only require the public address and worker name.
Yes, official Linux builds are available alongside the Windows version. The configuration logic is similar across platforms, though launch commands and driver setup differ. Use the official documentation for your operating system when installing.
Verdict
T-Rex Miner is a capable, free option for owners of NVIDIA cards who want a multi-algorithm miner with LHR tuning and cross-platform builds. It suits hands-on users comfortable with command-line tools. Because development has stopped and the last update dates from 2022, many users will prefer a maintained alternative for long-term operation. Check the official site for the latest release and verify every download before running it.