СPU miner

(Central Processing Unit)

Introduction

Overview of CPU mining in cryptocurrency

CPU mining refers to using a computer’s central processing unit—its processor or core—to perform the cryptographic calculations required to validate transactions and add new blocks to a blockchain. It was the original way cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin were mined when they first launched, back in 2009.

Why CPU mining is still relevant today

Despite the dominance now held by ASICs and GPUs, CPU mining remains relevant for certain use cases: privacy-focused or ASIC-resistant coins (e.g., Monero), small-scale or hobby miners, and as a way to experiment with low entry cost setups. Monero even conducts hard forks explicitly to preserve CPU mining viability.

Importance of choosing the right CPU for mining

Choosing a proper CPU mining rig is critical to maximizing performance, controlling power consumption, managing electricity costs, and improving profitability. Key decisions—like which processor, how many cores, and whether to overclock CPUs for mining — directly affect your randomx algorithm efficiency, overall hashrate, and long-term ROI.

What is CPU Mining?

Definition and basics of CPU mining

CPU mining is the process of running mining software—like cpu-miner or BFGMiner — on your CPU to perform mining calculations. The software interacts with a mining pool or full node over a network (often via JSON-RPC), enabling your computer to submit shares and potentially earn blocks or rewards.

Difference between CPU mining and GPU/ASIC mining

GPUs have thousands of lightweight parallel processing units, making them vastly faster than CPUs for high-throughput mining tasks—up to hundreds of times more efficient in processing cryptographic hashes. Meanwhile, ASICs are specialized hardware built for one algorithm, offering unmatched speed and efficiency but sacrificing decentralization and flexibility.

Historical context: The rise and fall of CPU mining

When Bitcoin launched, the difficulty was low enough to mine using a home computer CPU. But as difficulty soared and ASICs emerged, CPU mining became infeasible for mainstream coins. Today, CPU mining is limited to a few cryptocurrencies that deliberately resist ASICs or favor decentralization, such as Monero, Dogecoin (via merge mining), and other altcoins.

Advantages of CPU Mining

Low entry cost: Mining with existing hardware

One big advantage is that most readers already own a CPU-capable computer — no need for expensive GPUs or ASIC rigs. This low entry cost appeals to beginners, hobbyists, and those wanting to test the waters of cryptocurrency mining with a CPU.

Decentralization and resistance to centralization

CPU mining helps maintain decentralization by allowing hobby miners to participate. When a coin—like Monero—remains CPU-minable, it lowers the barrier to entry and prevents mining centralization around expensive specialized hardware.

Suitable for smaller-scale or individual miners

For individuals or smaller-scale miners not seeking large-scale hash farms, CPU mining offers a viable entry point. You can experiment, learn, and even earn with modest setups.

How to Choose the Right CPU for Mining

Key factors to consider (hashrate, power consumption, price)

When building a CPU mining rig setup, you must evaluate:

• Hashrate: How many hashes per second (e.g., KH/s or KH) the CPU can deliver.
• Power consumption: Higher TDPs (watts) reduce profitability due to electricity costs.
• Price: ROI depends heavily on the initial cost.

TechRadar's 2025 roundup offers some top choices:

• AMD Ryzen 7 3700X – excellent balance, 8 cores, ~10.1 KH/s on Monero, 65 W TDP, ~$130.
• Intel Xeon E5-2680 v4 – older server CPU with many cores, offers high ROI but is power demanding, requires a server platform.
• AMD Ryzen 5 7600X – stronger performance, but higher cost.
• Intel Core i9-13900K – high performance and hash rate, but pricey and power hungry.
• AMD Ryzen 9 9950X – fastest mining CPU; top-tier multi-core Zen-5, efficient, but expensive.

Additionally, workstation-class CPUs like Threadripper Pro 9995WX (96 cores, 192 threads, 350 W TDP) deliver massive compute, but at prices ($11,699) making them niche for CPU mining . The Ryzen Threadripper 9980X also leads multi-thread benchmarks, but remains very costly ($5,198) and more suitable for professional workloads than CPU mining rigs.

Recommended CPUs for mining specific cryptocurrencies

• Monero mining with CPU: Ryzen 7 3700X (solid KH/s, decent power use); Ryzen 9 9950X if budget allows for maximum performance; for enthusiasts, older Xeon server CPUs for ROI.
• For randomx-based coins like Monero: balance of core count, cache, and efficiency matters—makes Ryzen especially effective.
• Use power-hungry, high-core workstation CPUs only if electricity cost is very low and investment scale warrants it.

Popular CPU brands for mining (Intel vs AMD)

• AMD CPUs for mining: Ryzen and Threadripper lines offer strong multi-core performance, efficiency, and value. Cache is critical for efficient randomx mining.
• Mining with Intel CPUs: Server-grade Xeons can offer ROI due to low used prices and many cores, though newer Intel consumer chips (i9-13900K) deliver raw speed at a higher cost.

Setting Up Your CPU Mining Rig

Basic setup steps for CPU mining

1. Choose your CPU: Based on hashrate, power, price—e.g., Ryzen 7 3700X or Xeon E5-2680 v4.
2. Select a compatible motherboard: Ensure it supports your chosen processor, RAM, and has adequate power consumption management. TechRadar covers mining motherboards separately.
3. Install RAM: Preferably high-speed DDR4 or DDR5; cache is essential for randomx.
4. Install mining software: Options include CPU-miner, BFGMiner, CGMiner, etc.—supporting CPU mining on Windows, Linux, macOS.
5. Configure miner: Set algorithm (randomx for Monero), thread count (cores), pool credentials, and optimize settings.
6. Monitor performance: Track hashrate, power draw, temperature, and profitability using a CPU Mining Calculator to estimate earnings based on electricity cost, hash rate, and coin value.
7. Add overclocking (optional): Carefully overclocking CPUs for mining can boost performance, but raises power usage and heat, requires robust cooling, and a power supply.

Advantages Recap & Further Optimization

Overclocking and Performance Tuning

Overclocking a CPU can enhance performance and KH/s output, particularly when using efficient miner software. However, it increases electricity usage and heat, so weigh gains against energy cost. A strong motherboard, good cooling, and a stable PSU are essential.

Power Consumption of Mining CPUs

TDP ratings (e.g., 65 W for Ryzen 7 3700X, 350 W for Threadripper Pro 9995WX) directly impact mining profitability. Power draw should be continually measured and included in ROI calculations using mining calculators.

Building a balanced CPU Mining Rig

• Motherboard: one that supports overclocking and provides stable power delivery (TechRadar covers options).
• Cooling: stock cooler may be enough for modest CPUs; liquid or high-end air cooling needed for overclocking or high-TDP CPUs.
• Power Supply: choose efficient units (80 Plus Gold or better) sized for your total system draw.
• Software: use efficient, multi-platform miners (e.g., BFGMiner, cpu-miner).

Optimizing for Coins like Monero

Monero uses the randomx algorithm, which benefits from high cache and memory speed. AMD’s Ryzen cores excel here due to large L3 cache; AMD’s architecture is thus well suited for Monero mining.

Bringing It All Together – Final Thoughts

How to build a CPU mining rig

1. Choose a suitable CPU balancing price, hashrate, and power use.
2. Pair with a stable motherboard, adequate RAM, and efficient power.
3. Install and configure mining miner software (like cpu-miner or BFGMiner).
4. Use calculators to model profitability, monitor power costs and hash performance.
5. Consider overclocking or scaling with multiple CPUs if ROI favorable.
6. Target ASIC-resistant coins like Monero with randomx, where CPU mining remains viable.

Why it matters

Cryptocurrency mining with CPU remains a decentralized entry point for new and small-scale miners. Understanding processor selection, performance optimization, and electricity economics is key to building an efficient, profitable CPU mining rig setup.