The best processors for mining cryptocurrencies

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

AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3970X sTRX4 processor, 32 x 3700 MHz

• Socket: sTRX4
• Number of cores: 32 x 3700-4500 MHz
• L2/L3 cache capacity: 16 MB/128 MB
• RAM: 4 x DDR4 3200 MHz

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 computing. 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”

Intel Xeon E5-2699V3 Haswell-EP LGA2011-3 Processor, 18 x 2300 MHz

• Socket: LGA2011-3
• Number of cores: 18 x 2300 MHz
• L2/L3 cache capacity: 4.50 MB/45 MB
• Heat output: 145 W

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

Intel Core i9-9940X LGA2066 processor, 14 x 3300 MHz

• Socket: LGA2066
• Number of cores: 14 x 3300-4400 MHz
• L2/L3 cache capacity: 14 MB/19.25 MB
• RAM: 4 x DDR4 2666 MHz

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

AMD Ryzen 9 3950X AM4 processor, 16 x 3500 MHz

• Socket: AM4
• Number of cores: 16 x 3500-4700 MHz
• L2/L3 cache size: 8 MB/64 MB
• RAM: 2 x DDR4 3200 MHz

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

AMD Ryzen 7 5800X AM4 processor, 8 x 3800 MHz

• Socket: AM4
• Number of cores: 8 x 3800-4700 MHz
• L2/L3 cache capacity: 4 MB/32 MB
• RAM: 2 x DDR4 3200 MHz

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

CPU Intel Core i9-9900KF Coffee Lake OEM {3.6GHz, 16MB, Socket 1151 (without graphics)}

• Socket: LGA1151 v2
• Number of cores: 8
• Frequency 3600 MHz
• Coffee Lake core

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 generations, 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

AMD Ryzen 9 3900X AM4 processor, 12 x 3800 MHz

• Socket: AM4
• Number of cores: 12 x 3800-4600 MHz
• L2/L3 cache capacity: 6 MB/64 MB
• RAM: 2 x DDR4 3200 MHz

7. Intel Core i7-7700

This model is based on the Kaby Lake architecture, manufactured according to the 14 nm process. There is a third level cache, the volume of which is equal to 8 MB. The quad-core processor provides 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

Intel Core i7-7700 LGA1151 processor, 4 x 3600 MHz

• Socket: LGA1151
• Number of cores: 4 x 3600-4200 MHz
• L2/L3 cache capacity: 1 MB/8 MB
• RAM: 2 x DDR3L, DDR4 1333/1600/2133/2400 MHz

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, since 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 of using 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.