Would you like to learn more about CPU mining? Learn everything there is to know about CPU mining profitability by reading this tutorial.
ASICs and GPUs are no longer the only options for cryptocurrency mining. CPUs have become a potent mining tool for some cryptocurrencies thanks to technological improvements. For newcomers who want to get into crypto mining without without investing in expensive hardware, CPU mining is a fantastic choice. Before continuing, it is crucial to understand the foundational ideas behind CPU and CPU mining.
What is a CPU?
The abbreviation CPU stands for central processing unit. It is the main element of a computer that executes a computer program’s instructions. It is in charge of carrying out calculations and executing commands, earning it the nickname “the brain of the computer.”
What is CPU Mining?
It refers to the process of performing the calculations necessary for cryptocurrency mining using a computer’s CPU. Since the difficulty was low and CPU processing power was sufficient in the early days of cryptocurrency, it was a favoured method for mining cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin. But as the level of difficulty has increased, CPU mining has become less economical and is no longer the technique of choice for mining the majority of cryptocurrencies.
We’ll explore the advantages, disadvantages, and ideal CPUs for mining in the section that follows. You will also learn how to figure up your mining profits.
Read Also:
GPU Usage in Cryptocurrency Mining
What’s the Difference Between ASIC and GPU Mining
How to buy the best GPU for mining?
Advantages
CPU mining has a number of advantages, including:
- Cost-effective: It can be a cost-effective option for those who don’t want to spend a lot of money on specialized mining hardware. For example, someone with a mid-range desktop computer could use their CPU to mine cryptocurrencies like Monero or Aeon. These cryptocurrencies are designed to be ASIC-resistant, which means they can be mined efficiently with a CPU. By contrast, It is not cost-effective to mine Bitcoin with a CPU because the network difficulty is too high.
- Accessibility: It is accessible to anyone with a computer and an internet connection. For example, someone who is interested in mining but doesn’t have any technical expertise could download mining software like XMRig and start mining Monero on their computer. The software handles all the technical details, so the user doesn’t need to know anything about setting up mining pools or configuring mining hardware.
- Energy-efficient: CPUs are generally more energy-efficient than GPUs or ASICs, which means they consume less power and generate less heat. For example, a mid-range desktop computer with an Intel Core i7 CPU might consume around 100 watts while you mine, whereas a high-end GPU like the NVIDIA RTX 3090 could consume over 300 watts. This means that is a more eco-friendly option to mine with CPUs for those who are concerned about the environmental impact of cryptocurrency mining.
Drawbacks
While using a CPU to mine cryptocurrency has several benefits, there are some negatives as well, including:
- Slow mining speed: CPU mining is generally slower than GPU or ASIC mining. For example, an Intel Core i7 CPU might have a hashrate of around 500 H/s (hashes per second) when mining Monero, whereas an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 GPU could have a hashrate of over 2000 H/s. This means that it can be less profitable because the rewards are distributed based on the amount of work done by the miner.
- Limited coin options: CPU mining is only profitable for certain cryptocurrencies that are designed to be mined with CPUs. For example, Monero (XMR) and Aeon (AEON) are two cryptocurrencies that are specifically designed to be ASIC-resistant, which means they can be mined with CPUs or GPUs. However, popular cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin (BTC), and Litecoin (LTC) require specialized mining hardware like ASICs or GPUs to mine efficiently. Therefore, CPU mining may not be a viable option for those who want to mine these popular cryptocurrencies.
Best CPUs for Mining
It’s essential to select the appropriate CPU if you desire to begin CPU mining. Some of the top CPUs for mining are listed below:
1. AMD Ryzen 9 3900X: This CPU features 12 cores and 24 threads, making it a powerful option for mining. It’s also energy-efficient, consuming only 105 watts of power.
2. AMD Ryzen 9 3950X: With 16 cores and 32 threads, this CPU is another powerful option for mining. It’s also relatively energy-efficient, consuming only 105 watts of power.
3. AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3970X: This CPU boasts an impressive 32 cores and 64 threads, making it a great option for mining. However, it also consumes a lot of power, with a TDP (thermal design power) of 280 watts.
4. AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3990X: This CPU is a powerhouse, featuring 64 cores and 128 threads. It’s an excellent choice for mining cryptocurrencies that can be mined efficiently using CPUs.
5. Intel Core i9-10900X: With 10 cores and 20 threads, this CPU is a solid choice for mining. It’s also energy-efficient, consuming only 165 watts of power.
6. Intel Core i9-10900K: With ten cores and 20 threads, this CPU is an excellent choice for mining. It’s also energy-efficient, consuming only 125 watts of power, making it an attractive option for those concerned about the environmental impact of mining.
7. AMD Ryzen 9 5950X: This CPU features an impressive 16 cores and 32 threads, making it a great option for mining. It’s also relatively energy-efficient, with a TDP of only 105 watts.
8. AMD Ryzen 9 7950X: This CPU is a powerful option for mining, with 16 cores and 32 threads. However, it also consumes a lot of power, with a TDP of 250 watts.
9. AMD Ryzen 5 3600: This CPU is a budget-friendly option for mining, featuring six cores and 12 threads. It’s a great choice for beginners who want to mine cryptocurrencies with a CPU without spending too much money on expensive hardware.
10. Intel Pentium Gold G-6400: This CPU is a budget-friendly option for mining, featuring two cores and four threads. It’s not as powerful as some of the other CPUs on this list, but it’s a good choice for beginners who want to start mining without spending too much money on expensive hardware.
CPU Mining Calculator
It’s crucial to estimate your prospective earnings before you begin CPU mining. Using the calculator, you may calculate your profitability using the hashrate, power use, and cost of your CPU.
How to apply a CPU mining calculator is as follows:
1. Pick a reputable calculator, such as CoinCalculators or WhatToMine.
2. Enter the hashrate, power consumption, and cost of electricity for your CPU.
3. The calculator will show you your potential profits based on the cryptocurrency you plan to mine.
4. To determine which cryptocurrency is the most profitable, compare their profitability.
CPU Mining Profitability
The profitability depends on a number of variables, including:
- Cryptocurrency value: The higher the value of the cryptocurrency you’re mining, the more profitable your mining will be.
- Mining difficulty: Mining difficulty refers to the complexity of mining a particular cryptocurrency. The higher the mining difficulty, the less profitable your mining will be.
- Electricity cost: Electricity cost is a significant factor in calculating its profitability. The higher your electricity cost, the lower your profits will be.
- CPU hashrate: The higher your CPU’s hashrate, the more profitable it will be to mine.
You should pick a cryptocurrency with a high value and low mining difficulty if you want to maximize your mining profitability. Additionally, make sure your CPU has a high hashrate and that your electricity usage is minimal.
FAQs
Q. Can I mine Bitcoin using a CPU?
No, CPUs cannot be used to mine Bitcoin. ASICs are the type of specialized hardware needed for bitcoin mining.
Q. Which cryptocurrencies are profitable to mine with CPU?
Monero, AEON, and Electroneum are some of the most profitable cryptocurrencies to mine using a CPU.
Q. Is CPU mining profitable?
CPU mining can be profitable if you choose the right cryptocurrency and have the right hardware, and electricity costs. However, as profitable as GPU or ASIC mining.
Q. Can you mine with a CPU?
Yes! It is possible to sit in your house and mine cryptocurrencies with a CPU
Q. Which crypto can be mined with a CPU?
Cryptocurrencies like Monero, Zcash, and Byte are some of the cryptocurrencies that can be mined with a CPU.
Conclusion
CPU mining is a cost-effective and accessible option for mining certain cryptocurrencies. It’s an excellent option for beginners who want to start mining without investing in expensive hardware. However, it has some drawbacks, such as slow mining speed and limited coin options.
If you’re planning to start, it’s crucial to choose the right CPU and calculate your potential profits using a CPU mining calculator. You should also consider the factors that affect its profitability, such as cryptocurrency value, mining difficulty, electricity cost, and CPU hashrate.
By following these tips, you can maximize your mining profitability and start earning cryptocurrency. We hope this guide has been helpful.