Monero Mining Guide

Complete guide to mining XMR using CPU or GPU with optimal settings, pool selection, and profitability calculations.

Intermediate 🕐 20 min read Updated: October 2024

Understanding Monero Mining

Monero uses the RandomX algorithm, specifically designed to be ASIC-resistant and work efficiently with general-purpose CPUs and GPUs. This makes Monero mining accessible to anyone with a computer.

⚡ Key Point: Monero's mining algorithm prioritizes privacy and decentralization over raw hash power.

Mining Methods

1. CPU Mining (Most Common)

Uses your computer's processor to mine Monero. Most profitable for RandomX algorithm.

✓ Advantages

  • Uses existing hardware
  • Lower power consumption than GPU mining
  • Better for RandomX algorithm
  • Easier to set up

✗ Disadvantages

  • Lower hash rate than specialized hardware
  • CPU runs hot during mining
  • May slow down other computer tasks

2. GPU Mining

Uses graphics cards for mining. Requires more setup but can be more profitable with the right hardware.

✓ Advantages

  • Higher hash rates possible
  • Can be more profitable with efficient GPUs
  • Doesn't affect CPU performance

✗ Disadvantages

  • Higher power consumption
  • More complex setup
  • Not all GPUs work well with RandomX

Hardware Requirements

CPU Mining Requirements

Minimum Requirements

  • Modern CPU (Intel Core i3 or AMD Ryzen 3 equivalent)
  • 4GB RAM
  • Stable internet connection
  • Operating System: Windows, macOS, or Linux

Recommended for Profitability

  • High-end CPU (Intel Core i7/i9 or AMD Ryzen 7/9)
  • 16GB+ RAM
  • Solid State Drive (SSD)
  • Cooling system to handle heat

GPU Mining Requirements

Recommended GPUs for RandomX

  • NVIDIA: RTX 30-series or newer
  • AMD: Radeon RX 6000-series or newer
  • At least 8GB VRAM recommended
  • Proper cooling and power supply

Step-by-Step Setup Guide

Step 1: Choose a Mining Pool

Joining a mining pool increases your chances of finding blocks and receiving consistent rewards.

MineXMR (Recommended)

Fee: 1%
Min. Payout: 0.3 XMR
Hashrate: ~2.5 MH/s

Large, reliable pool with good uptime and low fees.

Join MineXMR

Nanopool

Fee: 1%
Min. Payout: 1 XMR
Join Nanopool

SupportXMR

Fee: 0.6%
Min. Payout: 0.1 XMR
Join SupportXMR

Step 2: Download Mining Software

XMRig (Recommended)

High-performance, cross-platform miner with excellent RandomX optimization.

Download XMRig

SRBMiner-MULTI

Alternative miner with good performance and active development.

Download SRBMiner

Step 3: Configure Your Miner

Basic Configuration for MineXMR Pool:

{
  "autosave": true,
  "cpu": true,
  "opencl": false,
  "cuda": false,
  "pools": [
    {
      "url": "pool.minexmr.com:443",
      "user": "YOUR_XMR_WALLET_ADDRESS",
      "pass": "x",
      "keepalive": true,
      "tls": true
    }
  ]
}

Configuration Tips:

  • Replace YOUR_XMR_WALLET_ADDRESS with your actual wallet address
  • Use "tls": true for secure connections
  • Enable CPU threads based on your CPU core count
  • Consider using "max-cpu-usage": 75 to leave resources for other tasks

Profitability Calculator

Use this calculator to estimate your potential mining profits:

Daily Revenue

$0.00

Daily Electricity Cost

$0.00

Daily Profit

$0.00

Advanced Mining Tips

🔧 Optimize CPU Settings

Experiment with thread count and CPU affinity to find the optimal settings for your hardware.

🌡️ Monitor Temperature

Keep your CPU/GPU temperatures below 80°C to prevent hardware damage and maintain efficiency.

⚡ Use Efficient Hardware

Newer CPUs with higher core counts and better efficiency provide better hash rates per watt.

🔒 Secure Your Wallet

Use a dedicated wallet address for mining and ensure your seed phrase is backed up securely.

Common Mining Issues

High CPU Usage

Solution: Reduce thread count or use priority settings to leave resources for other tasks.

Connection Issues

Solution: Check firewall settings and try different pools if one is experiencing issues.

Low Hash Rate

Solution: Update your mining software and ensure you're using optimal configuration settings.

Rejected Shares

Solution: Check your wallet address and pool configuration. Ensure stable internet connection.

Next Steps

After setting up your mining operation: