How to Mine Monero | Where, How, and Why

The process of cryptocurrency mining allows individuals to create and verify cryptocurrencies. The process of crypto mining requires a large network, decentralized computer network that helps verify and safeguard the transactions recorded on blockchains.

New coins are awarded to miners who contribute their processing power. The blockchain rewards miners by giving them new coins. This further encourages miners to secure the network.

It was not well-known that crypto mining could be done until recent years. Then, tech enthusiasts and crypto geeks became famous for being able to create complex blocks and solve complicated puzzles. While the rest of humanity was in confusion, these miners were working to support a new type of finance. These miners were suddenly regarded as top earners and a new breed of geniuses when Bitcoin’s value rose in 2016.

Although many people showed interest in mining cryptocurrency, they were not able all to participate due to high investment requirements. Many people felt that the lack of access to the cryptocurrency mining opportunities was a disappointment, considering that they are decentralized and open to all.

Monero, an anonymous, decentralized and secure crypto network decided to find a solution in light of the dissatisfaction. By 2019, the Monero community managed to develop a new algorithm that allowed anyone with a computer to engage in mining activities and earn rewards — a step in the right direction for decentralization and fair accessibility.

You will find everything about Monero in this article: its history, uses, benefits, mining methods, and the reasons why Monero is so important. Also, you will find information about buying Monero as well as expert predictions on the value and potential of Monero’s network.

Monero: What’s it all about?

Monero animation video

Monero is a widely-used open-source cryptocurrency. It focuses on decentralization and privacy. Monero’s transactions can be seamless thanks to community-funded volunteers and donors.

XMR achieves distributed agreement using the proof of work (PoW), a mining technique. It is similar to Bitcoin but it has one major difference: implementing PoW permits hobbyist miners, even those with no more than an ordinary CPU to mine.

Monero developers have been trying to keep ASICs and other specialized machines away from the mining scene to maintain and improve Monero’s decentralization.

RandomX has replaced the CryptNight algorithm for hashing. This was due to a planned upgrade in November 2019. RandomX is an algorithm for PoW that penalizes GPU use and discourages ASICs. Monero mining can now be done by CPU mining.

Monero remains among the 30 most valuable coins in the market despite regulatory pressures. Its market capitalization is more than $5 billion.

Monero, one of few cryptocurrency that allows digital transactions without being affected by regulations and capital controls is Monero.

Let’s have a look at the main privacy-enhancing technologies used by Monero:

Signatures for Rings

Monero’s Ring Signatures technology mixes the digital signatures of the person making an XMR transaction with that of other users before creating a record on the blockchain. Data appears to be sent by all the signers.

A default Monero transaction can now be recorded using 10 signatures added to each transaction group. This creates a total 11 signatures.

RingCT

Monero’s Ring Confidential Transactions allow users to disguise the precise value amounts they exchange through blockchain-recorded transaction. The Monero network uses this to ensure that nobody other than the recipient and sender knows how much is being transferred by Monero transactions. RingCT allows transactions to have multiple inputs and outputs while protecting users’ anonymity and preventing double-spending.

Stealth addresses

Monero’s Stealth Addresses allows users to publish a single address that creates multiple one-time accounts for each transaction. The owner will have a secret “view key,” and their wallet can identify incoming funds by scanning the blockchain to find transactions with that particular key.

How is Monero (XRM), used?

Monero, also known as XRM (crypto coin), is an anonymous and secure cryptocurrency that allows for quick transactions.

Monero assists businesses in keeping their accounts private, in the face of increasing financial crime.

Monero offers privacy to individuals looking for protection from Facebook or other big data mining companies, such as Facebook. They may also be able to sell their data without consent and keep the profits.

If there were no financial crime, it would be ideal to have a public and transparent ledger. However, in today’s world, knowledge about salaries and revenues of individuals and companies is an open invitation to international crime.

XMR transactions are private and secured on Monero networks thanks to the PoW consensus and miners.

Monero Mining – What’s it all about?

Monero mining refers to the process through which users can earn XMR coins as a reward for verifying transactions on Monero’s blockchain. Monero mining allows miners to create new XMR coin using Monero’s mining software.

Monero miners are physical miners who operate mining equipment. Monero miners are network supervisors or administrators who validate all XMR transactions. Once transactions have been validated they are stored in digital blocks. Monero miners solve difficult puzzles using the PoW method to create these blocks. Monero miners who solve these puzzles are eligible to earn the right for the block to be added to the network. They also receive new XMR coins per block as Monero mining reward.

Why Are Monero Miners Important

The miners serve as an alternative to centralized institutions and authorities that normally control traditional financial transactions. Therefore, it’s fair to say that miners are the backbone of the Monero network.

Monero miners validate and authorize transactions to allow users to trade value using the blockchain. To create new Monero blocks, they solve complicated equations and solve puzzles. They also earn block rewards that are a significant addition to the supply for new coins.

The double-spending problem is solved also by monero miners

After being collected, a set of transactions time-stamped is sent to a miner. Every block of cryptography is linked with each other to create an immutable, permanent blockchain. The blockchain is used by miners to verify the legitimacy of transactions. The debit and credit are also noted down in the sender’s and receiver’s wallets, respectively, so the sender cannot possibly spend the coins again.

Why Mine Monero

Here are the top two main reasons that people start Monero Mining:

Fairness in the Mining Process

Monero developers have combined their efforts to create RandomX. This is an ASIC-resistant PoW method. RandomX prohibits miners from using specialized hardware to mine Monero. This makes the process more accessible to miners with only consumer-grade hardware.

Incentive Programs for Mining

There’s no limit to the supply of Monero available for mining, as might be the case with other cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin.

The Monero will continue to generate 0.6 XMR per year through tail emissions, after miners have discovered 18.132 million XMR tokens. This will ensure that miners are motivated long after the total XMR supply has been exhausted.

Monero mining is possible every two minutes. Once the tail emission mechanism has been activated, in May 2022, the block reward will be 0.6 XMR.

Tradability

The XMR gained from mining can easily be traded on major exchanges for fiat. Monero can easily be traded for Bitcoins (BTC), making it a more cost-effective way to accumulate a Bitcoin position. It is possible to sell your BTC for cash. That makes it an easy and direct way of earning cash.

Here are some things to remember before you start mining Monero

These are the things that prospective miners should consider before starting to mine Monero.

Profitability

Since mining is a type of business, an interested miner should think about XMR’s profitability before investing time, money, and effort in the mining process.

Mining XMR doesn’t require costly hardware, so the mining profitability of Monero only depends on the electricity cost, pool maintenance fees (if applicable), and mining hash rate.

Hash Rate

Monero’s RandomX supports mining with CPUs. Mining is time-based, so the more powerful your CPU, the better the hash rate, which makes the process of mining smoother.

Hardware and Software Choices

It is important to decide the hardware and software that you’ll use before mining Monero. Your hardware and software must be compatible to ensure the success of the mining process — each will have different effects on the profitability and hash rate of Monero mining. 

How to Mine Monero

Here are two ways you can mine Monero.

  • Monero mining using a CPU
  • Monero Mining with GPU

Monero Mining with an CPU

Although CPU mining can be less lucrative than advanced mining equipment it is more affordable and accessible for most miners.

Since the development of RandomX, Monero’s CPU-friendly algorithm, anyone can mine Monero using their computer’s CPU. RandomX allows small-scale retail miners to be competitive with big-scale miner, maintaining Monero’s decentralization.

You can use almost any CPU for mining Monero, but if you’re considering buying a new CPU, select either you can choose from the following options:

  • Intel Xeon L5640 130 H/s
  • AMD Opteron (415 H/s)

Once you have set up the CPU that is best suited for mining Monero cryptocurrency, it will be necessary to install mining software such as XMRSTAK-CPU. You can download this universal stratum miner for Windows, macOS, or Linux.

Monero Mining with GPU

Moner’s recent adoption of RandomX has made CPU a preferred option for mining Monero by discouraging and penalizing those who use a Graphics Processing Unit (GPU). Many still favor GPU mining, as GPU is a faster mining technique with a higher hashrate.

  1. Choose your Hardware

Nvidia is the primary GPU manufacturer, while AMD is second.

The following options let you choose from an Nvidia Graphics Processing Unit or AMD Graphics Processing Unit:

  • Nvidia GTX1070 (505 H/s).
  • Nvidia GTX 1080 (600 h/s)
  • AMD R9 280x (550 H/s).
  • AMD Radeon Rx580 (550 H/s).

You can use an existing CPU to mine Monero using the RandomX algorithm or purchase a brand new CPU.

These are some of the most popular XMR-supported mining equipment:

  • AMD Threadripper 3990X
  • AMD Ryzen 9 3900X
  • Intel Core i9-10900K
  1. Pick a program that works with your hardware

Monero’s mining software will need to be compatible with your hardware. This will ensure that you are mining efficiently.

If you’re mining solo, you can use a CLI or GUI wallet with a CPU only. Software that supports mining with GPUs or pools will be required. These are some options for mining software that supports Monero mining. Some may charge developers fees.

Each software configuration is different depending on what mode you choose to mine and which hardware you use. Mining will succeed if both the hardware and the software can be configured correctly.

  1. Pick a wallet

When choosing a wallet to store your Monero you should ensure it is safe, secure and compatible with your browser. It also needs to support XMR tokens. CoinStats is a good option for Monero wallets.

Your XMR assets can be viewed and monitored in a very simple format with the CoinStatsWallet. To ensure that your tokens are seamlessly credited into your wallet, CoinStats links to CoinStats’ exchange. Your funds can be transferred directly from your wallet. For safe storage, you can also export your CoinStats key private keys. CoinStats supports over 220 crypto currencies. You can also use the CoinStats wallet to purchase XMR, and then trade it for any other cryptocurrency.

By syncing your bank card with your CoinStats wallet, you can also buy XMR easily using fiat money —  if you choose to buy Monero instead of mining, you’ll be able to find the steps for buying XMR later in this article.

  1. Set up the Mining Software

Configuring software is the final step of the mining Monero process. Configuring the software requires particular attention. Once the software has been properly set up, it is time to relax and wait for the XMR tokens to be mined.

Monero Mining’s Advantages

Here are some key benefits of Monero mining.

  • With many big cryptos like Bitcoin, miners who possess ASIC hardware have a competitive edge over those who don’t. Monero’s mining algorithm, on the other hand, is ASIC-resistant, thereby ensuring fair competition among all participants of the Monero mining process.
  • Monero’s algorithm encourages more participation in the XMR mining process. Monero can be mined by anyone with a computer, without the need for a large or expensive investment. 
  • Monero’s block size is adaptive, i.e., it can expand automatically when transaction volumes increase. Double-verification may lead to transaction delays for certain recipients. In such cases, adaptive block sizes are an advantage.
The pros and cons of Solo and Pool mining

Monero Mining: The Challenges

Monero mining has many attractive points. However, you must also consider all the risks.

  • Monero’s network is controlled by two or three mining pool, each accounting for approximately half the hashing capacity.
  • There aren’t many Monero wallet options to choose from, considering the complexity or simplicity of the user experience. (Of course, once you discover the simplicity and convenience of a CoinStats wallet, you won’t want to look much further!)

Is Monero Mining Worth It

The process of mining cryptocurrency is tedious and labor-intensive. For Monero, in particular, many don’t consider mining a worthwhile process as anyone can conveniently buy it on a crypto exchange without any hassle. Monero mining can have its advantages, but miners are likely to lose their money due to high electricity prices and the cost of cloud and hardware mining.

It might make more sense for many people to purchase Monero on a cryptocurrency exchange than go through the whole mining process.

Monero where to buy

Monero price on CoinStats

When choosing a cryptocurrency exchange, it is important to consider these key points:

SecurityReliability: You must ensure the chosen exchange is reliable. Also, ensure that the link is correct to allow you to visit the genuine exchange website.

Offer of assets and support for paymentXMR tokens should be offered by the crypto exchange you select. You should be able to pay with the method that you prefer to fund your order. You can pay by bank transfer or credit card. To acquire XMR by trading other cryptos, ensure that you confirm the support of those pairs. 

You can buy monero with CoinStats.

CoinStats features the following:

  • Monero is available for purchase on this reliable exchange
  • Secure crypto wallet to store your XMR tokens.
  • This tracker will allow you to check the XMR value and then make an informed investment.

CoinStats also provides informative content like “How to Buy Cryptocurrency” and “What is DeFi” for crypto beginners and potential investors.

Monero: How do you buy it?

how to buy Monero image
Monero buying guide

Here are the three steps to buying Monero.

  1. Register for an accountTo create an account at a cryptocurrency exchange, you will need to fill in your KYC information. You will then be allowed to buy and sell Monero, as well as other cryptos, on the exchange once your KYC information has been confirmed.
  2. Connect your wallet or set it up: If you don’t already have a wallet, you should (optional) create one to have a secure place to store your XMR tokens when you acquire them. If you already possess a crypto wallet, you can just connect it to the exchange, and you’re all set to start buying.
  3. Get your purchase:You can now look for Monero (XMR), once you have created your account. A limit order can be placed for XMR. Simply select the amount of tokens that you want to purchase and the price per token. The order will be filled if the target price for XMR is reached and tokens will appear in your wallet.

Is Monero a Good Investment

Monero’s current price of $199.10 is as of June 3, 2022. It has a daily trading volume of approximately $146 million. Monero is ranked 27th on CoinStats with a market cap of $3 billion, a circulating supply at 18 million XMR and a ranking of #27.

Following are some of the expert price predictions for Monero’s XMR token:

The digital coin price

Digital Coin Price predicts that Monero’s price will continue to rise through 2022 to almost $430 by the end of 2019, implying that its growth potential could reach 56%.

Gov Capital

Gov Capital stated that Monero’s price could increase by more than 70% through the year, reaching the $350 price point in 2022. Gov Capital analysts don’t predict downward trends for XMR and consider Monero to be a profitable investment.

WalletInvestor

WalletInvestor believes Monero will remain at the current price for a while. XMR should reach a maximum price of $360 by 2022. Its minimum price could rise to $320 before the year ends.

TradingBeasts

Analysts at TradingBeasts are confident that XMR won’t crash and has good growth potential. TradingBeasts estimates that XMR could grow at around 110% within three years. Monero could rise to as much as $360 and as high as $500 in 2022.

Market risks can still determine the price of any token, no matter whether you decide to mine Monero or purchase it. Despite the positive XMR forecasts, investors should continue to monitor charts for a while before investing.

Closing Thoughts

Monero mining can be done by anyone, as the algorithm doesn’t require any mining equipment. Anyone can mine XMR tokens with a simple CPU and any other operating system.

You must assess the following factors before mining XMR alone: the profitability and hash rates in relation with the mining software and CPU hardware used; pool maintenance fees and energy consumption requirements.

Monero mining is an essential part of Monero’s security and verification process. Mining XMR helps increase the supply of tokens.

A miner interested in Monero mining can select from the top Monero software and hardware choices detailed in this article.

Even though the process of Monero mining is accessible to all and doesn’t require too much financial investment, the miner will still have to put in time and effort to solve the complex puzzles, complete blocks, and earn rewards.

Monero mining is often compared to purchasing the Monero coins directly from an exchange.

CoinStats is the ideal exchange to purchase and trade Monero. It also offers a secure wallet that can store XMR tokens. To monitor the performance and stability of XMR or other cryptos within your portfolio, you can use CoinStats’ portfolio tracker.

Although the overall Monero coin price forecasts seem positive, you need to do some research on the market and keep an eye on the charts before mining Monero coins or purchasing it from any exchange.

If you’re interested in mining Monero, you can start your journey by visiting the Monero website and saving this article for reference along the way.

Happy Monero Mining!

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