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The process of mining a cryptocurrency by finding a hash using the processing power of a CPU is called CPU mining. It is interesting that this very method was used by bitcoin creator Satoshi Nakamoto. The latter managed to mine about 1 million BTC (about $50.3 billion), which is not surprising, because only a dozen people knew about bitcoin in 2009. “Komsomolskaya Pravda” took a detailed look at the best mining processors for 2022, which can bring profit.
The new virtual currency has fueled the interest of users around the world and led to an incredible increase in the number of players in the market. Today, bitcoin mining on a processor is quite difficult. After a while, video cards and ASIC miners appeared, which gradually began to replace processors, as they guaranteed a higher yield. In spite of that many users remained loyal to the original technology. They use it to earn altcoins (alternative coins, which appeared after Bitcoin). There are a number of good reasons for this. One of them is the ease of getting started.
In order to start mining cryptocurrency on a CPU, you only need to take a few simple steps. In particular, install the software to work on a personal computer, get an electronic wallet, choose a suitable pool for mining and start. It seems that even a child can cope with this. However, for high efficiency of cryptocurrency mining it is necessary to take into account many features, such as the type of processor, its speed, cooling, optimization and others.
Editor’s Choice
AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3970X
To date, the best processor model for mining cryptocurrencies, according to users of the network, is considered to be AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3970X. This model is very expensive, but also quickly pays for itself. It has 32 cores and 64 threads. In the new Castle Peak design, the memory controller and PCI Express 4.0 controller are put in a separate chiplet, so all processor cores have equal access to all memory and expansion devices. This makes any delays in operation not only predictable, but also reduces their probability, which is extremely important for mining. The high power of this processor requires quality cooling. The system does not come with any coolers in the basic package, but you can buy them separately in almost any hardware store, as this processor is compatible with many models.
Main Features
| Number of cores | 30 |
| TechProcess | 7 nm |
| Clock frequency | 3700 MHz |
| Maximum frequency with Turbo Boost | 4500 MHz |
| Number of threads | 64 |
| Built-in memory controller | available at |
| Memory type | DDR4 |
| Memory frequency | 3200 MHz |
| Maximum number of memory channels | 4 |
Pros and cons
Works well at low voltages and has excellent performance
Requires a separate setup for maximum mining performance, no coolers included
Top 7 processors for mining cryptocurrencies in 2021 according to KP
Intel Xeon E5-2699V3 Haswell-EP
The processor is equipped with 18 cores and 36 threads and is focused exclusively on professional applications, namely intensive computational work. Thanks to its technical features, you can expect excellent multithreaded performance with it, as well as new records in tests that effectively distribute the load to all cores. This processor is designed for a clock frequency of 2.30 GHz and is characterized by TDP 145 W. Separately, it’s worth noting that this device is completely blocked for overclocking. This means that you will not be able to “overclock” it yourself.
Main Features
| Core | Haswell-EP (2014) |
| Number of cores | 18 |
| TechProcess | 22 nm |
| Clock frequency | 2300 MHz |
| Multiplication factor | 23 |
| Core voltage | 0,65 B |
| Built-in memory strip controller: 68 GB/s, | 68 GB/sec. |
| L2 cache capacity | 4.5 MB |
| L3 cache capacity | 45 MB |
Pros and cons
High performance with low power consumption, good price-performance ratio
Impossibility of “overclocking”
2. Intel Core i9-9940X
The processor from Intel functions on a 14-core 28-threaded chip from the Skylake-X series. Due to its technical characteristics it achieves quite high performance and can operate at temperatures up to 88 degrees Celsius. Highly compatible processor with high-performance discrete modules provides lack of integrated graphics. The distinctive feature of this device from most competitors is the presence of a cooler in the kit. You will not have to worry about additional cooling. With an optimal hash rate (the unit of measurement of computing power for a certain time), this model can bring its owner a very decent amount of money. It quickly pays for itself due to its small price.
Main Features
| Socket | LGA2066 |
| Game | available at |
| Core | Skylake-X |
| Number of cores | 14 |
| TechProcess | 14 nm |
| Clock frequency | 3300 MHz |
| Maximum frequency with Turbo Boost | 4400 MHz |
| Number of threads | 28 |
| Multiplication factor | 33 |
| Built-in memory controller | available at |
| Maximum memory capacity | 128 GB |
| Memory type | DDR4 |
| Memory frequency | 2666 MHz |
| Maximum number of memory channels | 4 |
| L1 cache volume | 896 KB |
| L2 cache capacity | 14 MB |
Pros and cons
Extensive set of instructions for working with vectors and matrices, good single-threaded performance. Optimal option for mining.
Pretty low hash rate without optimization
3. AMD Ryzen 9 3950X
The second most common processor from AMD. At its base are not two, but three semiconductor crystals – chipsets. The first one is a universal 12-nm cIOD chip, which is responsible for input and output functions. Inside it are the memory controller, PCI Express controller and SoC elements. The other two are 7nm COD chipsets. They house the computing cores, eight pieces each. Therefore, it is not surprising that the demand for this model is quite high. Not to mention the fact that it is ideal not only for mining, but also for everyday work.
Main Features
| Socket | AM4 |
| Core | Matisse |
| Number of cores | 16 |
| TechProcess | 7 nm |
| Clock frequency | 3500 MHz |
| Maximum frequency with Turbo Boost | 4700 MHz |
| Number of threads | 32 |
| Built-in memory controller | available at |
| Memory type | DDR4 |
| Memory frequency | 3200 MHz |
| Maximum number of memory channels | 2 |
| L1 cache volume | 1024 KB |
| L2 cache capacity | 8 MB |
| L3 cache capacity | 64 MB |
Pros and cons
Excellent performance, with high performance temperature not exceeding 75 degrees Celsius
Additional setup is required for efficient operation
4. AMD Ryzen 7 5800X processor
AMD Ryzen 7 5800X can be referred to relatively budget category of devices. The price for this device is almost 2-3 times lower than the above mentioned analogs. As for technical characteristics, this device combines two semiconductor crystals (chipsets). One of them is an octa-core, and the second is a six-core. The latter is responsible for external interfaces. This model is not only a simple and efficient implementation of the microarchitecture, but also the most suitable option for the mass user. In addition to the attractive core layout, this processor can offer impressive clock frequencies, which are multiplied by a high IPC.
Main Features
| Socket | AM4 |
| Core | Vermeer |
| Number of cores | 8 |
| TechProcess | 7 nm |
| Clock frequency | 3800 MHz |
| Maximum frequency with Turbo Boost | 4700 MHz |
| Number of threads | 16 |
| Built-in memory controller | available at |
| Memory type | DDR4 |
| Memory frequency | 3200 MHz |
| Maximum number of memory channels | 2 |
| L1 cache volume | 512KB |
| L2 cache capacity | 4 MB |
| L3 cache capacity | 32 MB |
Pros and cons
Low power consumption and high performance
The temperature rises to 80 degrees Celsius when heated, users report problems when working with updates
5. Intel Core i9 Coffee Lake processor
More recently, Intel has finally upgraded the design and specifications of processors with eight processing cores. The Coffee Lake microarchitecture excels in single-threaded or limited multi-threaded workloads. This model is universal. It is suitable not only for mining, but also for diverse tasks.
Main Features
| Socket | LGA1151 v2 |
| Core | Coffee Lake-S |
| Number of cores | 8 |
| TechProcess | 14 nm |
| Clock frequency | 3600 MHz |
| Maximum frequency with Turbo Boost | 5000 MHz |
| Number of threads | 16 |
| Multiplication factor | 36 |
| Name of the graphics core | UHD 630 |
| Maximum graphics core frequency | 1200 |
| Maximum memory bandwidth | 41.6 GB/s |
| Maximum memory capacity | 128 |
| Memory type | DDR4 |
| Memory frequency | 2666 MHz |
| Maximum number of memory channels | 2 |
| L1 cache volume | 512KB |
| L2 cache capacity | 2 MB |
| L3 cache capacity | 16 MB |
Pros and cons
High power, 8 cores and 16 threads
Complaints about high temperatures during prolonged work
6. AMD Ryzen 9 3900X
The AMD Ryzen 9 3900X processor has 12 cores and 24 threads, and at its peak achieves a hash rate of up to 16 kHz. This processor, as well as all Ryzen 3000 series generation, is built on the modern Zen2 core with 7 nanometer processor technology norms. With its help it is possible to mine a wide variety of cryptocurrencies. However, it is most suitable for Monero. In fact, Ryzen 9 3900X, in some cases makes it senseless to buy expensive, but less productive 2nd generation Threadripper and modern Xeon.
Main Features
| Socket | AM4 |
| Core | Matisse |
| Number of cores | 12 |
| TechProcess | 7 nm |
| Clock frequency | 3800 MHz |
| Maximum frequency with Turbo Boost | 4600 MHz |
| Number of threads | 24 |
| Built-in memory controller | available at |
| Memory type | DDR4 |
| Memory frequency | 3200 MHz |
| Maximum number of memory channels | 2 |
| L1 cache volume | 768 KB |
| L2 cache capacity | 6 MB |
| L3 cache capacity | 64 MB |
Pros and cons
High power, good frequency of operation
The air cooler does little or nothing to cool
7. Intel Core i7-7700
This model is based on the Kaby Lake architecture, manufactured according to the 14 nm process technology. There is a third level cache, the volume of which is equal to 8 MB. The quad-core processor provides an average performance, which is quite enough for mining cryptocurrencies in small amounts. The base frequency of the Intel Core i7-7700 processor is 3,600 MHz. In turbo mode, the frequency can reach 4200 MHz.
Main Features
| Socket | LGA1151 |
| Core | Kaby Lake-S |
| Number of cores | 4 |
| TechProcess | 14 nm |
| Clock frequency | 3600 MHz |
| Maximum frequency with Turbo Boost | 4200 MHz |
| Number of threads | 8 |
| Multiplication factor | 36 |
| Maximum memory capacity | 64 GB |
| Memory type | DDR3L, DDR4 |
| Memory frequency | 1333/1600/2133/2400 MHz |
| Maximum number of memory channels | 2 |
| L1 cache volume | 256KB |
| L2 cache capacity | 1 MB |
| L3 cache capacity | 8 MB |
Pros and cons
Good speed and performance, three-year manufacturer’s warranty
Impossibility of “overclocking” without scalping (removing the integrated heat spreading plate), high temperatures in constant operation
How to choose a processor for mining cryptocurrency. Expert advice
Choosing a processor for mining is not as difficult as it may seem at first glance. “Komsomolskaya Pravda” turned to Ahmed Azhaj, a programmer and system engineer at an IT company. He spoke in detail about the most important parameters to consider when choosing a processor.
Motherboard compatibility
The first thing you should look for when choosing a processor is its compatibility with the motherboard. The motherboard must have the appropriate socket for the device. If you buy the processor for a motherboard you already have, find out its model and pay attention to the list of processors it is compatible with.
BOX or OEM
In our case, it is desirable that the processor was a BOX-version, because the kit will already have a radiator cooling. You don’t have to buy it additionally. However you can also buy the OEM version. It costs a bit cheaper, and with the difference in price you can buy a cooler separately.
Price
As you can see, the cost of different processors can vary by several times. The best option will be the one that is sure to pay for itself even in the long run. Keep this fact in mind before you buy. If you just started mining, you shouldn’t buy the most expensive processor.
Hashrate
A hash rate is a unit of measurement of the processing power of a mining or blockchain network. The higher it is, the more likely a miner is to receive a reward. You can calculate the hash rate for a processor using a special calculator, which is freely available online.
Conclusion
Considering that there are video cards and ASIC-mainers nowadays, it is quite expensive to buy a quality processor solely for mining. The positive side of such a purchase will be the possibility to use it for other purposes – video games or work. It is also worth noting that it is very difficult to mine bitcoin with processors today. Optimal performance they show only with some kinds of altcoins.
