The Most Well-Known Cryptocurrencies Mineable with a CPU
2 min readIn a time of growing interest in cryptocurrencies, many people are asking which cryptocurrencies can be mined using just the CPU (central processing unit) of their personal computers, without the need to invest in expensive specialized mining hardware. Although most major cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin or Litecoin, require specialized ASIC chips or powerful graphics cards (GPUs) for efficient mining, there are some that can be successfully mined using standard CPUs.
The Most Well-Known Cryptocurrencies Mineable with a CPU
This article will look at several cryptocurrencies suitable for CPU mining.
Monero (XMR)
Monero is one of the most popular privacy-focused cryptocurrencies designed to be minable with regular processors. Thanks to its Proof-of-Work (PoW) algorithm called RandomX, mining Monero is optimized for CPUs, making it an ideal choice for individuals with limited resources.
Verus Coin (VRSC)
Verus Coin utilizes a unique PoW/PoS (Proof of Work/Proof of Stake) algorithm designed to be ASIC-resistant and mineable with CPUs. This algorithm, called VerusHash, is designed to provide equal conditions for all miners, thereby democratizing the mining process.
Zcash (ZEC)
Although Zcash can be more efficiently mined with ASICs, its Equihash algorithm was originally designed to allow mining on CPUs. Miners who prefer privacy and have access to more powerful CPUs can still find opportunities in mining Zcash.
Bytecoin (BCN)
Bytecoin, another anonymity-focused cryptocurrency, uses the CryptoNight algorithm, which is friendly to CPU mining. Although mining efficiency might be higher with GPUs, Bytecoin remains an option for users with limited hardware.
Banano (BAN)
Banano is an experimental cryptocurrency that uses the Folding@Home algorithm for its “mining.” While not mining in the traditional sense, users can contribute their computing power to scientific research and receive Banano as a reward. This process is possible even on standard CPUs.
Kaspa (KAS)
Kaspa is a relatively new cryptocurrency that aims to provide extremely fast and scalable transactions with nearly zero fees. Kaspa’s foundation is advanced blockchain technology, which differs from traditional linear blockchains by utilizing a structure called Directed Acyclic Graph (DAG). This structure allows for parallel processing of transactions, leading to a significant increase in speed and scalability of the network.
Summary
While mining cryptocurrencies with a CPU might not always be the most profitable avenue, for many people it represents a low-threshold entry into the world of cryptocurrencies. By choosing the right cryptocurrency and with adequate research, CPU mining can be an interesting hobby or even a source of small income. It’s important to be aware that cryptocurrency mining can be energy-intensive and may impact the lifespan of your hardware. Therefore, it’s always good to thoroughly consider all aspects before starting mining.
