Best Crypto to Mine with a CPU
in 2026

Why CPU Mining Matters

CPU mining represents the purest form of the original cryptocurrency vision: anyone with a computer can participate in securing a network and earning rewards. Unlike GPU mining, which requires purchasing expensive graphics cards, or ASIC mining, which demands thousands of dollars in specialized hardware, CPU mining works with the processor already in your computer.

Advantages of CPU Mining

• Zero upfront cost: If you already own a computer with a modern CPU, you can start mining immediately with no additional investment.
• Low power consumption: CPUs typically draw 65-125W while mining, compared to 150-350W for GPUs. Your electricity bill stays manageable.
• Background mining: Unlike GPU mining, which can interfere with gaming and graphics work, CPU mining can run in the background while you use your computer for other tasks (with some performance impact).
• No heat issues: A single CPU generates far less heat than a GPU mining rig, requiring no special cooling or ventilation.
• Accessibility: CPU mining lowers the barrier to entry for cryptocurrency. Anyone can participate regardless of budget.
• Server utilization: System administrators can mine on idle servers, turning wasted compute capacity into cryptocurrency.

Monero (XMR) — The King of CPU Mining

Monero holds an unshakeable position as the number one CPU-mineable cryptocurrency. This is not accidental — it is by design. The RandomX algorithm, adopted by Monero in November 2019, was purpose-built to make CPU mining the most efficient approach, deliberately disadvantaging GPUs and making ASICs uneconomical.

How RandomX Works

RandomX achieves CPU optimization through several clever techniques:

• Random code execution: The algorithm generates and executes random programs, exploiting the CPU's advanced features like branch prediction, speculative execution, and instruction pipelining. GPUs lack these features.
• Memory-hard computation: RandomX requires a 2 GB dataset that must be stored in fast memory. The algorithm performs random reads from this dataset, requiring high memory bandwidth and low latency — characteristics of CPU L3 cache.
• Hardware AES: The algorithm uses AES encryption rounds, which modern CPUs execute in a single clock cycle via dedicated AES-NI instructions. GPUs can compute AES but much less efficiently.
• Floating-point operations: RandomX includes IEEE 754-compliant floating-point math, which CPUs handle natively but GPUs process differently (and less efficiently for this specific workload).

The L3 Cache Factor

The single most important specification for RandomX mining is L3 cache size. RandomX requires 2 MB of L3 cache per mining thread. This means:

Running more threads than your L3 cache can support results in cache misses, forcing the CPU to fetch data from slower main memory (RAM). This dramatically reduces hashrate per thread. Always match your thread count to your available L3 cache.

Monero Mining Hashrate Benchmarks

Why Mine Monero?

• Proven track record: Monero has been running since 2014 with consistent development and community growth
• Strong privacy: Ring signatures, stealth addresses, and RingCT provide genuine transaction privacy
• High liquidity: Listed on nearly every exchange, easy to convert to other currencies
• Stable value: One of the most consistently valued privacy coins
• Active community: Large, dedicated community of developers, users, and miners
• Regular upgrades: Protocol improvements keep the network modern and secure

Raptoreum (RTM) — GhostRider CPU Mining

Raptoreum is the second most important CPU-mineable cryptocurrency. Its GhostRider algorithm takes a different approach to ASIC resistance than Monero's RandomX: instead of optimizing for CPU features, GhostRider chains together 15 different hashing algorithms in a random sequence, making it nearly impossible to build efficient specialized hardware.

How GhostRider Works

The GhostRider algorithm rotates through 15 sub-algorithms in a random order determined by the previous block's hash:

// GhostRider's 15 sub-algorithms (randomly ordered per block)
1.  Blake        6.  Keccak       11. CryptoNight-Dark
2.  BMW          7.  Skein        12. CryptoNight-Darklite
3.  Groestl      8.  Luffa        13. CryptoNight-Fast
4.  JH           9.  CubeHash     14. CryptoNight-Lite
5.  Echo         10. SHAvite      15. CryptoNight-Turtle

// The CryptoNight variants are memory-hard,
// requiring L3 cache for efficient execution.
// This makes large-cache CPUs dominant.

The inclusion of multiple CryptoNight variants (algorithms 11-15) means GhostRider is heavily dependent on L3 cache, similar to RandomX. CPUs with large L3 caches perform disproportionately better because the CryptoNight phases dominate the computation time.

Raptoreum CPU Benchmarks

Notice the Intel i9-13900K's poor efficiency rating despite its high core count. GhostRider's CryptoNight components heavily favor L3 cache size, where AMD's Zen architecture has a decisive advantage. The Ryzen 5 5600X at 65W TDP offers better efficiency than Intel's flagship.

Raptoreum's Unique Features

• Smart Nodes: RTM holders can run smart nodes for additional rewards
• Asset creation: Create custom tokens and assets on the Raptoreum blockchain
• Futures: On-chain futures contracts for decentralized derivatives
• Active development: Regular protocol updates and feature additions

# XMRig command for Raptoreum mining on Suprnova
./xmrig -a gr \
  -o stratum+tcp://rtm.suprnova.cc:3333 \
  -u YourUsername.WorkerName \
  -p x \
  --threads=16

# Note: -a gr = GhostRider algorithm
# Adjust --threads to match your L3 cache (2 MB per thread)

Salvium (SAL) — RandomX Privacy Coin

Salvium is a privacy-focused cryptocurrency that uses a variant of the RandomX algorithm. For existing Monero miners, this is excellent news: the exact same hardware and mining software works for both coins. You can switch between mining XMR and SAL with nothing more than a configuration change in XMRig.

Because Salvium's network is smaller than Monero's, the network difficulty is significantly lower. This means each unit of hashrate earns more SAL coins per day compared to XMR. Of course, SAL's market price is also lower, so the fiat-denominated value depends on the market dynamics of each coin.

Why Mine Salvium?

• Same hardware as Monero: Your RandomX-optimized CPU works identically for SAL mining. No setup changes needed beyond the pool URL.
• Lower difficulty: Smaller network means more coins per day per unit of hashrate.
• Privacy features: Built-in transaction privacy similar to Monero's approach.
• Diversification: Spread your mining across multiple coins to reduce risk.
• Upside potential: Smaller coins can appreciate significantly if the project gains traction.

Switching Between XMR and SAL

# Mining Monero on Suprnova
./xmrig -a rx/0 \
  -o stratum+tcp://xmr.suprnova.cc:5222 \
  -u YourUsername.WorkerName \
  -p x

# Switching to Salvium - same hardware, different pool
./xmrig -a rx/0 \
  -o stratum+tcp://sal.suprnova.cc:4233 \
  -u YourUsername.WorkerName \
  -p x

# Pro tip: Create two config files and switch with:
./xmrig --config config-xmr.json   # for Monero
./xmrig --config config-sal.json   # for Salvium

Xelis (XEL) — Hybrid CPU/GPU Mining

Xelis takes an unusual approach to proof-of-work: its XelisHash algorithm is designed to be efficient on both CPUs and GPUs. This means CPU miners are not at the catastrophic disadvantage they face on algorithms like Equihash or KAWPOW, where GPUs outperform CPUs by orders of magnitude.

For CPU miners, Xelis offers an interesting proposition: compete on a more level playing field against GPU miners while benefiting from lower network difficulty compared to established coins like Monero. The XelisHash algorithm balances compute-intensive operations (favoring GPUs) with memory-access patterns and sequential operations (where CPUs are competitive).

Xelis for CPU Miners

• Competitive hashrate: CPU hashrates on XelisHash are closer to GPU rates than on most other algorithms
• New project: Lower total network hashrate means more coins per hash
• Early adopter: Getting in early on a promising project can yield significant returns
• No specialized hardware: Any modern multi-core CPU will work effectively

CPU Recommendations for Mining

Choosing the right CPU for mining is primarily about L3 cache size and power efficiency. Core count matters, but only up to the point where your L3 cache can support all threads. Here are our picks for every budget:

Best Consumer CPU: AMD Ryzen 9 7950X

Best Value CPU: AMD Ryzen 9 5950X (Used)

Best Budget CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 5600X

Best Intel CPU: Intel Core i9-13900K

Best Server CPU: AMD EPYC 7763

Complete CPU Comparison

XMRig Configuration Guide

XMRig is the most widely used mining software for CPU mining. It supports RandomX (Monero, Salvium), GhostRider (Raptoreum), and several other algorithms. It is open source, actively maintained, and available for Windows, Linux, and macOS.

Installation

# Download from official GitHub repository
# https://github.com/xmrig/xmrig/releases

# Linux: Build from source for best performance
git clone https://github.com/xmrig/xmrig.git
cd xmrig && mkdir build && cd build
cmake .. -DWITH_HWLOC=ON
make -j$(nproc)

# Windows: Download pre-built binary from GitHub releases

Enabling Huge Pages (Critical for Performance)

Huge pages provide a 10-20% hashrate boost by reducing TLB (Translation Lookaside Buffer) misses when RandomX accesses its 2 GB dataset. This is the single most impactful optimization after choosing the right CPU.

# Linux: Enable huge pages (1280 pages = 2.5 GB)
sudo sysctl -w vm.nr_hugepages=1280

# Make it persistent across reboots
echo "vm.nr_hugepages=1280" | sudo tee -a /etc/sysctl.conf

# For multi-socket servers (e.g., 2x EPYC), increase to 2560
sudo sysctl -w vm.nr_hugepages=2560

# Windows: Run XMRig as Administrator
# XMRig will automatically request SeLockMemoryPrivilege
# You may need to enable it in Local Security Policy:
#   secpol.msc → Local Policies → User Rights Assignment
#   → Lock pages in memory → Add your user

Complete config.json Example

// config.json for Monero mining on Suprnova
{
    "autosave": true,
    "cpu": {
        "enabled": true,
        "huge-pages": true,
        "huge-pages-jit": true,
        "hw-aes": null,
        "priority": null,
        "max-threads-hint": 100,
        "asm": true,
        "argon2-impl": null
    },
    "pools": [
        {
            "url": "stratum+tcp://xmr.suprnova.cc:5222",
            "user": "YourUsername.WorkerName",
            "pass": "x",
            "keepalive": true,
            "tls": false
        }
    ],
    "randomx": {
        "init": -1,
        "init-avx2": -1,
        "mode": "auto",
        "1gb-pages": false,
        "rdmsr": true,
        "wrmsr": true,
        "cache_qos": false,
        "numa": true
    }
}

Key XMRig Settings Explained

• huge-pages: Enable for 10-20% hashrate boost. Requires system configuration (see above).
• max-threads-hint: Set to 100 for maximum threads, or lower (e.g., 75) if you want to use the computer while mining.
• priority: Set to 0 (idle) for background mining, or leave null for normal priority.
• keepalive: Enable to prevent pool disconnections during idle periods.
• numa: Enable for multi-socket servers (EPYC, Threadripper) to optimize memory locality.
• wrmsr/rdmsr: Enable for MSR (Model Specific Register) optimization on supported CPUs. Requires root/admin. Can provide 5-15% boost on some AMD CPUs.

Linux vs Windows for CPU Mining

The operating system you use for mining can make a measurable difference in hashrate and reliability. Here is an honest comparison:

Recommendation

For a single PC that you also use for other tasks: stay on Windows. The convenience outweighs the small performance difference.

For dedicated mining machines or servers: use Linux (Ubuntu Server or Debian). The higher hashrate, better stability, and lower overhead make it the clear winner for 24/7 mining.

# Quick Ubuntu Server setup for CPU mining
sudo apt update && sudo apt install build-essential cmake git libhwloc-dev libssl-dev

# Enable huge pages
sudo sysctl -w vm.nr_hugepages=1280
echo "vm.nr_hugepages=1280" | sudo tee -a /etc/sysctl.conf

# Enable MSR for AMD CPUs
sudo modprobe msr

# Build and run XMRig
git clone https://github.com/xmrig/xmrig.git
cd xmrig && mkdir build && cd build
cmake .. && make -j$(nproc)
sudo ./xmrig -o stratum+tcp://xmr.suprnova.cc:5222 \
  -u YourUsername.WorkerName -p x

# Run as a systemd service for auto-restart
# See XMRig documentation for service file template