The best processors for Monero cryptocurrency mining

Over the past few months, the Monero community has been actively discussing a new Proof of Work currency mechanism called RandomX.

This algorithm is expected to debut in the Monero protocol in October during the classic six-month update branch. For now, this update offers interesting features for the new AMD Ryzen 3000 processors.

The new Proof of Work mechanism will once again remove ASICs and FPGAs from cryptocurrency mining. In addition, revenues from mining from video cards will decrease dramatically, which will allow (given the efficiency) to use only mining on processors, at least at the initial stage.

In recent weeks, the first RandomX-compatible mining programs have appeared, allowing users to directly evaluate performance using Monero’s future PoW.

From the first tests, the lead in performance was taken by AMD Ryzen processors, in particular, the third generation of processors based on the ZEN 2 architecture, which debuted last July.

These processors, in fact, boast a large number of first, second and third level caches, which is almost twice as much as the first and second generation AMD Ryzen.

Best overall: AMD Threadripper 3990X

Cores/threads: 64C/128T | Base frequency: 2.9GHz | Overclocked frequency: 4.3GHz | TDP: 280W | Average hash rate: 54 kH/s.

Pros

• Huge performance.
• It has 64 cores and 128 threads.
• Supports PCIe 4.0 interface.
• Support for ECC memory and AMD Smart Access.

Minuses

• Very expensive.
• Requires tuning for maximum mining performance.

In Monero mining AMD Threadripper 3990X is a real godsend. Unfortunately, it’s very expensive, but it also pays for itself if done right. With 64 cores and 128 threads, the Threadripper 3990X can deliver hash rates from 43 to 64 kX/s with the XMRig 6.3.5 algorithm (as listed on monerobenchmarks.info).

To squeeze the maximum hash rate out of this processor, you will have to invest in high-quality, low-latency DDR4 memory modules that run at least 3200 MHz. This processor can generate up to $140 per month or up to $1650 per year (as of March 2021). The Threadripper 3990X is very popular with workstation professionals. If you get tired of mining, you can always sell this processor for a good price.

New anti-ASIC algorithm Monero RandomX

The Monero cryptocurrency has shown a certain resentment toward specialized mining equipment from the beginning.

In fact, the coin has undergone three hardforces in the last two years, the last of which took place on March 9, in order to make some changes to Proof of Work based on CryptoNight to again exclude ASIC and FPGA devices from mining the cryptocurrency.

As of last February, coin developers were working on the new RandomX algorithm to make XMR mining decentralized and profitable again.

RandomX, according to the software developers, is designed to be processor-centric.

The processors of modern PCs, in fact, have a hardware architecture that allows you to perform all possible operations using a number of proprietary Instruction Set Architecture (ISA) instruction sets.

There are several ISAs, some of which are used in desktop processors (x86), others in mobile processors (usually ARM) and are characterized by a rather low ISA to maximize efficiency (RISC).

Unlike processors, ASICs (a kind of evolution of the FPGA) are capable of performing one or more operations for which they were specifically designed, guaranteeing extremely high performance compared to a conventional computer processor.

Since the goal of Monero is to maximize decentralization, the RandomX development team decided to prioritize processors because they are the most widely used IT resource in the world today.

However, the choice of algorithm design will also seriously penalize video cards, which are now widely used in Monero mining.

In fact, graphics cards which use GPUs are also considered to be processors which specialize in performing parallel and very sequential tasks. Consequently, unlike processors, they cannot be used to perform any operations, but only for highly parallel, sequential and repetitive functions.

It is assumed that when RandomX is activated, processors will be at least three times more powerful than video cards when mining Monero.

Second place: AMD Threadripper 3960X

Cores/threads: 24C/48T | Base frequency: 3.8GHz | Overclocked frequency: 4.5GHz | TDP: 280W | Average hash rate: 25 kH/s.

Pros

• Excellent value for money.
• Works well at low voltages.
• Very good results in games.
• Supports ECC memory.

Minuses

• It’s hard to disperse.

If the Threadripper 3990X is too expensive and you need something more affordable for Monero mining, the Threadripper 3960X is the perfect choice. This under $1500 workstation processor has 24 cores and 48 threads and can offer a much better price/performance ratio than its more powerful Threadripper 3970X sibling. The 3960X can provide a hash rate of 20 to 27kX/s on the XMRig 6.6.2 algorithm, which can provide a nice monthly return.

The great thing about this processor is that it performs well at lower voltages, but requires some ultra-fast DDR4 modules for efficient mining. Overall, the Threadripper 3960X will be a much better replacement for the Threadripper 3990X than the 3970X. It can offer very good mining performance for reasonable money.

The best for mining moneros and altcoins: MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Ti Armor 11G OC

Overclocked : 1645 MHz | Memory : 11GB GDDR5X | Memory frequency : 11Gb/s | Power connectors : 2 x 8-pin | Outputs : 2 x DP, 2 x HDMI, 1 x DVI-D

• Incredibly powerful
• Outstanding mining hash rate
• Plenty of room for acceleration
• Better than GeForce RTX 2070
• Not suitable for Ethereum mining
• Does not support ray tracing
• Very expensive.

Last but not least, the GeForce GTX 1080 Ti. Even now, in 2021, it is still an incredibly powerful graphics card. While it has no ray tracing features and is really bad for Ethereum mining, this card is good for 4K gaming and for mining Monero and other altcoins such as Ryo (RYO), Firo (FIRO) and BitTubeCash (TUBE). ). Featuring 11,800 million transistors and 11GB of GDDR5X video memory, this card is capable of a hash rate of 1030 H / s on the RandomX algorithm with a total power consumption of only 160W. With that kind of performance, the GTX 1080 Ti is still a very lucrative video card for mining, despite the fact that it now sells for 185% of the original recommended retail price. Overall, the GTX 1080 Ti is still a fantastic graphics processor that, despite its shortcomings, will remain relevant for some time to come.

Best high performance processor for mining: AMD Ryzen 9 3950X

Cores/threads: 16C/32T | Base frequency: 3.5GHz | Overclocked frequency: 4.7GHz | TDP: 105W | Average hash rate: 17.5 kHz

Pros

• Outstanding performance for a mainstream processor.
• Supports PCIe 4.0 interface.
• Compatible with AM4 motherboards.
• Very affordable price.

Minuses

• An improved cooler is required.
• Limited overclocking potential.

The strange thing about AMD processors is that the cheaper they are, the better they work. At least that’s what you can say about Monero mining. The only reason the AMD Ryzen 9 3950X is not ranked #2 on this list of the best processors for Monero mining is because it brings in less revenue per month (about $35) compared to the Threadripper 3960X.

The best processor for mid-level mining: AMD Ryzen 9 3900X

Cores/threads: 12C/24T | Base frequency: 3.8GHz | Frequency who dilute: 4.6GHz | TDP: 105W | Average hash rate: 13.5 kH/s

Pros

• Excellent value for money.
• A very versatile processor.
• Supports PCIe 4.0 interface.
• Affordable price.

Minuses

• The supplied radiator does not provide effective cooling.
• Overclocking is required to provide the best hash rate.

AMD Ryzen 9 3900X is called a great processor in many reviews and user reviews. As for Monero mining, it shows itself well here too. For around $500 the Ryzen 9 3900X can offer 12 cores, 24 threads and a mining hash rate of 11-16 kX/s on the XMRig algorithm. This kind of work can bring a decent monthly income.

Add to this processor several high-performance graphics cards that can also mine Monero, and you have a serious cryptocurrency mining machine. However, to achieve a hash rate of 16 kX/s on this processor, you will have to overclock it to 4.2 GHz and buy some high quality RAM modules, which can reach CAS 14 latency and clock speed of at least 3733 MHz. If you know how to use this processor, the Ryzen 9 3900X will be a bargain.

How to mine Monero on a CPU?

First of all, before you start mining equipment, you should get a wallet for storing this cryptocurrency (of course, in case you do not already have one). Here everything is simple – choose between GUI Wallet, Exodus Wallet, Monerujo, MyMonero, Monero Paper Wallet or even Ledger Nano. Of course, we would recommend you to choose GUI Wallet from Monero developers.

Next, you need to decide whether you are going to mine alone (solo) or join a pool. The choice of the first option is not desirable, because of the impressive competition, the complexity of the Monero network is quite high, which means that you almost certainly have to wait a long time to find a block and get the reward.

Using pools for Monero mining is an order of magnitude more profitable (easy to set up and “stabilizes” income). Here are some interesting projects that you should pay attention to (data at the time of publication of this article):

Name	Pool Hashrate
2miners	18.35 MH/s
Minergate	12.6 MH/s
Minexmr	853 MH/s

After you decide which mining pool you are going to use, you will need to download Monero mining software. Please, the two best options are XMR-STAK-RX and XMRIG. You can find and download both software absolutely free at github.com.

The best budget processor for mining: AMD Ryzen 7 3700X

Cores/threads: 8C/16T | Base frequency: 3.6 GHz | Overclocked frequency: 4.4 GHz | TDP: 65 W | Average hash rate: 9 kH/s

Pros

• Affordable price.
• Great gaming performance.
• Very good reserve for acceleration.
• Low power consumption.

Minuses

• Single-threaded performance could have been better.
• Modest mining hash rate.

AMD Ryzen 7 3700X is the perfect processor to start your Monero mining career. This processor costs around $350 and has 8 cores, 16 threads and full PCIe 4.0 support. The Ryzen 7 3700X can deliver hash rates of 7 to 10kX/s on the XMRig 6.4.0 algorithm, which is pretty good performance considering its price.

The great thing about this processor is that it has a very low TDP of 65W and also a very good overclocking. This processor makes it easy to test different algorithms and mining configurations. Ryzen 7 3700X does not require expensive motherboards, which is another reason to choose it. In general, Ryzen 7 3700X can bring a modest, but stable monthly income.

Best Budget HEDT Processor for Mining : AMD Threadripper 1950X

Cores/threads: 16C/32T | Base frequency: 3.4GHz | Overclocked frequency: 4.0GHz | TDP: 180W | Average hash rate: 12 kH/s.

Pros

• Excellent mining performance.
• Contains 16 cores and 32 threads.
• Outperforms Intel Core X-series processors for the same price.
• Strong multi-threaded performance.

Minuses

• Large physical size.
• A motherboard for a workstation is required.

AMD Threadripper 1950X is currently the best workstation/HEDT processor for Monero mining. It’s pretty cheap, especially if you buy it on eBay. The Threadripper 1950X has been around for four years now, but this processor is still good. With 16 cores and 32 threads, the 1950X can provide a hash rate of 9-13kX/s on the XMRig algorithm, which translated to real-world performance is on par with the AMD Ryzen 9 3900X for much less.

If you buy this chip at $350, it can pay back 78% of your investment within a year. It might not seem very profitable, but if you combine it with several high-performance video cards for mining, you can expect to make much more profit than mining Monero with just a video card.

Another advantage is that most X399 chipset based motherboards with Threadripper 1950X support are not very expensive right now. They have a lot of PCIe x16 slots, which is ideal for creating a powerful mining rig.

Calculating mining profits

We got to the most interesting and important issue – the calculation of profit. The profit from mining any cryptocurrency is inversely proportional to the difficulty of mining it.

Complexity is a parameter that characterizes the difficulty of solving a mathematical problem to sign a block (coins are mined not one at a time, but in blocks). As the number of miners increases, the complexity increases, and vice versa.

Equally important factor is the commission of the pool. Another new concept, which means a group of miners who together search for and sign a block (hash is distributed between them depending on the power of the equipment). When the block is found, the reward is divided among all participants, depending on the contribution to the common cause.

It is worth taking into account other factors: the electricity tariff and overall electricity consumption, the rate of cryptocurrency and various kinds of commissions (for withdrawal of funds, for example).

There are many calculators on the Internet that can calculate expected profits in detail. The most popular calculator is https://whattomine.com/coins However, we recommend using a service that gives a more detailed picture of profits and expenses: https://bitcoincloudmining.center/calculator-mayninga/XMR When you click on the link we see the following picture:

Fig. 6 – profit calculator

1. Total power of used video cards (hash rate): 2200H/s
2. Monero mining complexity data: https://bitinfocharts.com/ru/comparison/monero-difficulty.html#3m. The complexity is: 108,115,900,000 (hash/sec)
3. The number of coins contained in a block. Reward tends to decrease over time (bitcoin decreases every 4 years, for example). For Monero: 13 coins in a block
4. Current rate of Monero against Bitcoin: 0.027529
5. How much electricity the farm uses per hour: 366 W/h
6. The cost per watt-hour (in dollars!). The author of the article has a tariff of 2.94 rubles per kWh. Let’s convert it to W/h, and then to dollars: 2.94/1000 = 0.00294/56.7(USD/RUB)
7. Pool fee for a mined block: 1%
8. Other commission: 0%
9. Fee for Bitcoin withdrawal to the wallet: 5%
10. Fee when exchanging Bitcoin for dollars: 3%
11. Withdrawal of dollars to the account: 0%

The best Intel HEDT processor for mining: Intel Xeon E5-2699 v3

Cores/threads: 18C/36T | Base frequency: 2.3 GHz | Overclocked frequency: 3.6 GHz | TDP: 145 W | Average hash rate: 8 kH/s

Pros

• Low price.
• Contains 18 cores and 36 threads.
• Can be used for mining.

Minuses

• A special type of motherboard is required.
• Low hash rate.

Intel processors are not very good at mining cryptocurrencies such as Monero. This is primarily due to the fact that they have very low multithreading performance compared to AMD Ryzen and Threadripper processors. However, if you don’t like AMD and prefer Intel, the Xeon E5-2699 v3 processor should do the trick.

Although it’s almost 7 years old, this 18-core, 36-thread processor is the best Intel has to offer for cryptocurrency mining. The E5-2699 v3 can provide a hash rate of 8kX/s on the XMRig algorithm, which is enough to make $15 a month or about $180 a year. That’s pretty weak performance, but since used Xeon processors are now cheaper than a pair of worn out shoes, this processor could be a worthwhile investment for some miners.

How to use equipment to mine longer and more

As in any business, all good things must be in moderation. If you think that the power is not enough, you can overclock your hardware. If even in this case you don’t get enough crypto, then you need to buy additional video cards.

In terms of wear and tear, Monero mining equipment is superior to its bitcoin competitors, so some of the mining capacity goes to the processor.

The golden rule of all miners says: do not allow the farm to overheat (above 60-62 degrees). To do this, you can improve the cooling system or occasionally let the farm rest (the first option, of course, is preferable). It is also worth periodically renewing the thermal paste.