Table of contents
- What To Consider When Buying a CPU for Crypto Mining?
- How Much Energy Does the CPU Consume for Mining?
- Best CPU for Mining
- Top of the Best CPU for Mining
- AMD Ryzen 9 3900X
- AMD Ryzen 9 3950X
- AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3970X
- Intel Core i9-10900X
- AMD Ryzen 9 5950X
- AMD Ryzen 9 7950X
- Intel Pentium Gold G-6400
- Best Strategies for Mining Rigs with CPUs
- FAQ
- Does CPU matter for crypto mining?
- What to mine with CPUs?
- What is CPU mining?
- Is it worth mining with CPUs?
- What is the most efficient CPU for a mining rig?
- Is CPU mining faster than GPU mining?
The cryptocurrency mining process is considered the backbone of the crypto industry. Therefore, users must know the best CPUs for mining to engage in it.
Also, the mining process is usually extensive, requiring a heavy CPU mining rig. Of course, there are other options, such as cloud mining. However, getting involved with a cloud mining contract can lower crypto mining profits.
Mining pools are another option, but some users opt for solo mining, even if it may be more difficult at first, and let’s not forget the highly volatile market.
So, if you want to start mining, this article will help you choose the best CPUs for optimal performance, informed decisions, and great results.
What To Consider When Buying a CPU for Crypto Mining?
When looking to buy a CPU to start mining, there are various factors to consider to improve your potential earnings:
Threads and Cores
A CPU with more threads and cores can handle more calculations simultaneously, improving mining performance: the more cores, the better the CPU.
Clock Speed
CPUs with higher clock speeds can perform calculations faster, improving mining performance.
Power Consumption
Mining popular cryptocurrencies can consume tremendous amounts of energy, and a CPU with low power consumption can help reduce electricity costs.
Compatibility
Compatibility with mining software is not just important; it’s vital! So, when purchasing a CPU, ensure the mining software and CPU are compatible with the rest of your mining rig, including your operating system.
Price
The cost of the CPU should be considered, as its performance and potential return on investment can either increase or decrease from one CPU to another. Of course, such performance comes with a higher price.
Overclocking
Some CPUs can be overclocked, increasing power consumption and the risk of hardware failure, so you should consider overclocking, too.
Cooling
A CPU with a good cooling system is crucial for crypto mining, as the process generates much heat. It’s vital because it may save money, especially if miners live in an area with high electricity costs.
Warranty
It’s always good to have a warranty on your hardware in case something goes wrong. It will help you repair or replace the device.
How Much Energy Does the CPU Consume for Mining?
The amount of energy consumed by a CPU for mining various cryptocurrencies can vary depending on the device model and the mining algorithm efficiency.
However, mining with a CPU is generally considered less energy-efficient than mining with ASICs.
This is because CPUs are designed for general-purpose computing, whereas ASICs are designed specifically for mining. That comes with a significant increase in computing power capability and power consumption in ASIC mining‘s favor.
(Source: Küfeoglu, S. and Özkuran, M., 2019. Energy consumption of Bitcoin mining.)
A 2019 study by researchers Sinan Küfeoğlu and Mahmut Özkuran of Cambridge University showed that the choice of mining hardware significantly impacts the energy consumption for mining operations.
If all crypto miners kept employing CPU hardware, Bitcoin mining would consume around 11,000 TWh of energy per year, equivalent to nearly half of the world’s annual electricity demand.
However, as more efficient mining devices become available, the energy consumption of Bitcoin mining is expected to decrease. And this will also happen for other cryptocurrencies, too.
Mining Bitcoin can be energy-consuming, but let’s see how we can effectively reduce the energy used.
Best CPU for Mining
Cryptocurrency mining with a CPU is a great way to earn passive income, as it is profitable to a reasonable extent. However, all these methods depend on a single variable – the crypto-mining equipment and graphics cards.
The best CPU for cryptocurrency mining has been designed specifically for this process and, therefore, comes with different yet specific accessories such as mining graphic cards and easily accessible ports.
In addition, some devices come with a cooling system, but they may be more expensive than ordinary CPUs.
Top of the Best CPU for Mining
AMD Ryzen 9 3900X
The AMD Ryzen 9 3900X CPU is a powerful and versatile processor that has been well-received by the PC-building community. It is widely used thanks to its rather low power consumption and high clock speed, and its compatibility makes it a good option for a wide range of:
- Threads and Cores – AMD Ryzen 9 3900X has 12 cores and 24 threads, which is a substantial amount of processing power.
- Clock Speed – AMD Ryzen 9 3900X has a base clock speed of 3.8 GHz, which is relatively high for a CPU of this caliber. This means that it can perform complex calculations quickly and efficiently.
- Power Consumption – AMD Ryzen 9 3900X has a TDP (Thermal Design Power) of only 65W, which is relatively low for a processor of this performance level. This means it will consume little energy and save on electricity costs.
- Compatibility – AMD Ryzen 9 3900X is compatible with most modern motherboards and popular mining software.
- Price – AMD Ryzen 9 3900X has a price of approximately $250.
- Overclocking – AMD Ryzen 9 3900X is suitable for overclocking, which can increase its performance but also increase its power consumption.
- Cooling – AMD Ryzen 9 3900X does not come with a cooling system. An excellent cooling solution is essential to prevent overheating.
- Warranty – AMD Ryzen 9 3900X comes with a 3-year warranty, which covers defects in materials or workmanship, giving you peace of mind if something goes wrong.
The AMD Ryzen 9 3900X is a powerful and efficient processor well-suited for cryptocurrency mining. Relative to the quality-price ratio, we believe this CPU is the most suitable for any mining operation in 2024.
AMD Ryzen 9 3950X
AMD Ryzen 9 3950X is a slightly improved version of AMD Ryzen 9 3900X, which also brings high performance in cryptocurrency mining.
- Threads and Cores – AMD Ryzen 9 3950X has 16 cores and 32 threads.
- Clock Speed – AMD Ryzen 9 3950X has a base clock speed of 3.5 GHz.
- Power Consumption – AMD Ryzen 9 3950X has a TDP of only 72W, which is quite low for a processor of this performance level.
- Compatibility – AMD Ryzen 9 3950X is compatible with most modern motherboards and popular mining software.
- Price – AMD Ryzen 9 3950X is a little more expensive, costing approximately $485.
- Overclocking – AMD Ryzen 9 3950X is suitable for overclocking.
- Cooling – AMD Ryzen 9 3950X does not come with a cooling system.
- Warranty– AMD Ryzen 9 3950X comes with a 3-year warranty.
AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3970X
AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3970X is a high-end processor well-suited for various demanding applications, including cryptocurrency mining. Here are several factors to consider:
- Threads and Cores – AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3970X has 32 cores and 64 threads, with substantial processing power. This makes it well-suited for mining algorithms exploiting multiple cores and threads.
- Clock Speed – AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3970X’s base clock speed is 3.7 GHz, which is relatively high for a CPU of this caliber.
- Power Consumption – AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3970X is suitable for overclocking, which can increase its performance but also increase its power consumption.
- Compatibility – AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3970X is compatible with modern motherboards and the most popular mining software.
- Price – AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3970X is quite expensive, reaching approximately $1,605.
- Overclocking – AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3970X is suitable for overclocking, which can increase its performance, but it will also increase its power consumption.
- Cooling – AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3970X does not come with a cooling system.
- Warranty – AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3970X comes with a 3-year warranty.
Intel Core i9-10900X
Even if it’s not the best CPU for crypto mining, the 10th-generation Intel Core i9-10900X remains one of the most powerful CPUs in the industry.
- Threads and Cores – Intel Core i9-10900X CPU has many cores and threads (10 cores and 20 threads), which is suitable for cryptocurrency mining as it allows for more parallel processing and better performance. The Intel Core i9-10900X delivers a performance of 5.71% higher than most CPUs and performs up to 10.34% faster than its predecessors.
- Clock Speed – Although there are many threads and cores, its clock speed is relatively low, at 3.5 GHz, which may not be optimal for mining specific cryptocurrencies. Also, the i9-10900X has a turbo speed of 4.7GHz, making it very effective in multitasking and handling heavy tasks.
- Power Consumption – Regarding power consumption, i9-10900X has a TDP of 165W, which is on the higher end for CPUs. This could lead to higher electricity costs for mining.
- Compatibility – Intel Core i9-10900X is compatible with most modern motherboards, so compatibility with more complex mining software is not an issue.
- Price – The price of i9-10900X reaches approximately $615.
- Overclocking – Intel Core i9-10900X is eligible for overclocking, which may improve performance.
- Cooling – The i9-10900X does not come with a cooling system, and you need to consider buying one. It requires a cooling device that can effectively dissipate heat to keep the CPU within safe temperature limits.
- Warranty – Intel offers a 3-year limited warranty for the i9-10900X.
AMD Ryzen 9 5950X
For cryptocurrency mining, the AMD Ryzen 9 5950X CPU is another high-end processor that can produce substantial processing power.
- Threads and Cores – AMD Ryzen 9 5950X has 16 cores and 32 threads.
- Clock Speed – AMD Ryzen 9 5950X has a base clock speed of 4.9 GHz, which is relatively high for a CPU of this caliber.
- Power Consumption – AMD Ryzen 9 5950X has a TDP (thermal design power) of 105W.
- Compatibility – AMD Ryzen 9 5950X is compatible with modern motherboards and the most popular mining software.
- Price – AMD Ryzen 9 5950X is cheaper than other options, reaching approximately $387.
- Overclocking – AMD Ryzen 9 5950X is suitable for overclocking.
- Cooling – AMD Ryzen 9 5950X does not have a cooling system.
- Warranty – The Ryzen 9 5950X has a 3-year warranty.
AMD Ryzen 9 7950X
The AMD Ryzen 9 7950X was launched on September 27, 2022, and thanks to its high hash rate, it has already surprised a few Bitcoin miners.
- Threads and Core – AMD Ryzen 9 7950X has 16 cores and 32 threads.
- Clock Speed – AMD Ryzen 9 7950X has a base clock speed of 4.5 GHz.
- Power Consumption – AMD Ryzen 9 7950X has a TDP of 170W.
- Compatibility – AMD Ryzen 9 7950X is compatible with most mining software.
- Price – AMD Ryzen 9 7950X usually reaches a price of approximately $540.
- Overclocking – AMD Ryzen 9 7950X is eligible for overclocking.
- Cooling – AMD Ryzen 9 7950X does not have a cooling system.
- Warranty – AMD Ryzen 9 7950X comes with a 3-year warranty.
Intel Pentium Gold G-6400
Intel Pentium Gold G-6400’s place in this top is not because it’s the most powerful processor but because it’s a budget-friendly one that, used properly, can maximize mining profit.
- Threads and Cores – Intel Core Pentium Gold G-6400 has 2 cores and 4 threads. It’s low, but it can work, depending on the cryptocurrency.
- Clock Speed – Intel Core Pentium Gold G-6400 has a base clock speed of 4.0 GHz.
- Power Consumption – The Intel Core Pentium Gold G-6400 has a TDP of only 58W, which is pretty low and an excellent option for reducing electricity costs.
- Compatibility – Intel Core Pentium Gold G-6400 is compatible with most mining software available.
- Price – The Intel Core Pnetium Gold G-6400 is significantly cheaper than the others presented, at around $80.
- Overclocking – Intel Core Pentium Gold G-6400 is not suitable for overclocking.
- Cooling – Intel Core Pentium Gold G-6400 does not come with a cooling system.
- Warranty – The Pentium Gold G-6400 comes with a 3-year warranty.
Best Strategies for Mining Rigs with CPUs
In the mining process, it’s possible to have some troubles regarding the CPU temperature. So, for secure CPU mining, you can opt for the following:
- Monitor CPU Temperature – To ensure safe mining with your CPU, it’s crucial to keep an eye on the temperature and ensure it stays below the benchmark of 80°C (176°F). One way to do this is through the basic input/output system (BIOS) or specialized software;
- Limit Other Processes – A CPU can handle multiple processes simultaneously, but this can lead to increased heat and potential damage. To prevent this, minimizing background processes while mining on the CPU is essential, including non-essential tasks such as gaming or browsing the internet;
- Clean Fans and Boards – Keep fans and boards clean and dust-free to prevent clogging and overheating. Use compressed air to blow off and clear dust regularly;
- Cool the Equipment – Invest in cooling equipment such as PC case fans, dust filters, and CPU coolers to maintain safe temperature ranges and prevent damage;
- Beware of Scams – Be aware of crypto mining scams that can use your processor to mine digital currencies without your knowledge, causing long-term harm to your computer.
FAQ
Does CPU matter for crypto mining?
Yes, CPU does matter for crypto mining, but its relevance depends on the cryptocurrency and mining algorithm. In some cases, CPU mining is efficient, while specialized hardware like ASICs tends to be more suitable for major cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, particularly in advanced mining scenarios (like mining rigs).
What to mine with CPUs?
Some of the more approachable CPU mining cryptos are Monero (XMR) or Ravencoin (RVN). For other prominent cryptocurrencies, we suggest choosing ASICs, even though they demand a more significant initial investment.
What is CPU mining?
CPU mining involves using a computer’s main processor to participate in cryptocurrency mining activities by solving complex mathematical problems. Thus, it is a viable option for certain cryptocurrencies.
Is it worth mining with CPUs?
CPU mining is a feasible option when selecting cryptocurrencies with CPU-friendly algorithms. However, our general recommendation is to utilize ASICs for improved efficiency and outcomes and do your own research to make informed decisions.
What is the most efficient CPU for a mining rig?
At the time of writing, the AMD Ryzen 9 3900X or AMD Ryzen 9 3950X are among the most efficient CPUs for mining rigs. However, by comparing different hash rates, you can gain valuable insights and make informed decisions with low environmental impact.
Is CPU mining faster than GPU mining?
No, CPU mining is generally slower than GPU mining. While CPUs are versatile and can handle various tasks, GPUs (Graphics Processing Units) are specifically designed for parallel processing and perform better in complex calculations required for cryptocurrency mining.
Top Best CPU for Mining – Conclusion
Mining with CPUs might be a bit harder than with other devices, but it can turn out profitable depending on the crypto you mine. Remember to keep your CPU cooled and choose a CPU that works for you while not bringing you substantial electricity bills.
If you find CPU mining hard, you can always opt for other options, such as cloud mining or joining a mining pool. Let the mining begin!