Looking for the best Monero CPU miner and a clean setup that just works? This guide covers the RandomX basics, the right software, pool choices, and performance tweaks for Windows, Linux, and macOS.
Why CPU Mining Works for Monero
- RandomX is Monero’s Proof-of-Work. It’s optimized for general-purpose CPUs and resists ASICs/GPUs dominating the network.
- Performance scales with L3 cache size, memory latency, and core count—modern desktop CPUs do best.
- Mining is still competitive: treat it as a way to support the network (and offset some power cost), not a guaranteed profit machine.
Best Monero CPU Miner (Recommended)
- XMRig — The standard, open-source CPU miner for RandomX. Cross-platform, fast, and well-maintained.
- Gupax — Easiest GUI option. It wraps XMRig and auto-connects to P2Pool (a decentralized pool). Great for beginners and “set-and-forget.”
Why this combo? XMRig delivers top performance; Gupax keeps configuration simple and nudges you toward a non-custodial, decentralized pool (P2Pool).
Quick Start (Fastest Path)
- Download Gupax from gupax.io (Windows/Linux/macOS). Verify the release if possible.
- Paste your Monero address (subaddress recommended) in Gupax.
- Choose a P2Pool mini node in the app (works well for CPUs) and click Start.
- Watch hashrate and accepted shares. Keep an eye on CPU temps (aim <85 °C).
No GUI? Use XMRig directly; see the manual setup below.
Manual Setup with XMRig (Windows/Linux/macOS)
- Download XMRig from GitHub and extract it.
- Pick a pool:
- P2Pool (decentralized, non-custodial). Use a public P2Pool mini node for CPU rigs or run your own.
- Traditional pools are fine too, but P2Pool avoids custodial risk and pool centralization.
- Create or edit
config.json(or pass flags on the command line). Minimal example:
{ "autosave": true, "cpu": { "enabled": true, "max-threads-hint": 0, "huge-pages": true }, "randomx": { "enabled": true, "mode": "auto" }, "pools": [ { "url": "p2pool-node.example:3333", "user": "YOUR_XMR_ADDRESS", "pass": "x", "keepalive": true, "tls": false } ] }
Run the miner (example):
# Windows xmrig.exe --config=config.json
Linux/macOS
./xmrig --config=config.json
Performance Tuning for CPUs
- Threads vs L3 cache: Start with ~2 MB of L3 cache per mining thread. Example: 32 MB L3 → try 16 threads, then fine-tune.
- Huge Pages: Improves RandomX performance and stability.
- Windows: In Local Security Policy → User Rights Assignment, grant “Lock pages in memory” to your user, reboot, run miner as admin.
- Linux:
sudo sysctl -w vm.nr_hugepages=128(adjust upward if needed). Alsoulimit -l unlimited(or a large value) to lock memory. - macOS: Huge pages are managed by the OS; XMRig will do its best automatically.
- MSR / JIT: Let XMRig apply its model-specific register tweaks where supported (improves hashrate).
- Thermals & power: Keep sustained temps below ~85 °C. Consider lowering clocks/voltage for better efficiency (H/s per watt).
P2Pool: Why It’s Great for CPU Miners
- Decentralized & non-custodial: Payouts go directly to your wallet. No pool wallet holding your funds.
- Mini chain supports smaller hashpower (perfect for CPUs).
- Gupax makes connecting to P2Pool a one-click experience.
Tip: If your shares are low, try a closer mini node (lower latency) or run your own P2Pool instance.
Safety & Legitimacy Checklist
- Never mine on hardware you don’t own or control.
- Download miners from official sources; verify signatures/hashes.
- Be wary of “boosters” and closed-source binaries—common malware vectors.
- Expect variable rewards; daily output can swing. Track your accepted shares, not just reported H/s.
FAQ
Is Monero CPU mining profitable?
It depends on your electricity rate, CPU model, and uptime. Treat it as supporting the network first; optimize for efficiency to improve odds.
Which CPUs are best?
Modern desktop CPUs with large L3 cache (and many efficient cores) excel. Laptop CPUs can mine but are thermal/power limited.
Can I solo mine?
Possible, but low probability on a single CPU. P2Pool mini is the sweet spot for most home miners.
Do I need a Monero node?
Not required to mine via a pool, but running your own node improves privacy and helps the network. Gupax→P2Pool works fine without one.
Useful Links
Bottom line: Use Gupax + XMRig for the easiest, safest Monero CPU miner setup. Connect to a nearby P2Pool mini node, enable huge pages, tune threads to your L3 cache, and keep temps in check. Happy hashing!
