In addition to using a GPU for mining cryptocurrencies, one can also employ a central processing unit (CPU), which is another kind of electronic component in a mining configuration. Mining with a CPU means leveraging the computational power of the CPU to compute a hash and attach it to a block on the blockchain. In fact, Satoshi Nakamoto, the creator of Bitcoin, first utilized a CPU for mining. Using a simple CPU, he succeeded in mining one million BTC during the early stages of Bitcoin.
However, if you are new to crypto mining, do acknowledge that GPU mining is more popular than CPU mining under the current climate, as the GPU does most of the heavy lifting. Yet, some coins/tokens prioritize a CPU’s processing power. Altcoins, such as Zcash and Bytecoin are some examples.
With that being said, it is still worth it and profitable to invest in a CPU for crypto mining, as combining the best mining CPU with your mining GPU and motherboard can potentially bring you some tempting earnings. Furthermore, even you decide to stop mining in the future, you can resell the CPU at an excellent price to recoup your initial investment. Below is a list of the best CPUs for mining. So keep reading to find the right mining CPU for you!
The Best CPUs for Mining in 2022
AMD Ryzen 9 3950X – Best overall CPU for mining
Specifications:
| Cores: | 16 | Threads: | 32 | ||
| Base clock: | 3.5GHz | Boost clock: | 4.7GHz | ||
| L3 cache: | 64MB | TDP: | 105W |
Pros:
- Stunning multi-core performance
- Superb power efficiency
- Uses AM4 socket
- Affordable price
Cons:
- Additional cooling setup is needed
- Limited potential for overclocking
AMD is the biggest name for selecting the best mining CPU, much like Apple in the mobile phone market. AMD CPUs are reputable for their high mining performance, notably the Ryzen series. The AMD Ryzen 9 3950X is a case in point. It is a 16-core, 32-thread processor with 64MB of L3 cache, yet sold at an affordable price of around $750. According to Hashrates.com, all of its multicore advantage translates to a remarkable hashrate of 12.7 kh/s, and it can generate a monthly revenue of $28.81.
AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3970X – Best CPU for mining performance
Specifications:
| Cores: | 32 | Threads: | 64 |
| Base clock: | 3.7GHz | Boost clock: | 4.5GHz |
| Total cache: | 144MB | TDP: | 280W |
Pros:
- The ultimate mega-tasking
- Easy installation
Cons:
- Power-hungry
- Expensive
Having a 32-core, 64-thread AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3970X certainly puts you in a leading position in crypto mining, let alone its dump truck-sized 144MB of cache, enabling it to mine many cryptocurrencies. The only problem is that it is pretty expensive with an MSRP of $1,999. Yet, its hashrate of 19.9 kh/s, which leads to a monthly revenue of $45.11 (according to Hashrates.com), is likely to help you recoup the costs shortly once you put it to work. In addition, if you quit mining in the future, you will still have a very powerful CPU and may resell it at a reasonable price.
AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3960X – Another great Threadripper CPU
Specifications:
| Cores: | 24 | Threads: | 48 |
| Base clock: | 3.8GHz | Boost clock: | 4.5GHz |
| L3 cache: | 128MB | TDP: | 280W |
Pros:
- Cheaper than 3970X
- Mining performance that is almost as good as the 3970X
- Faster as compared to Intel’s CPU
- ECC memory support is available on some mainboards
- TRX40 mainboards support up to 256GB of memory in quad-channel
Cons:
- Still pricey
While the AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3960X is not as efficient as the 3970X in terms of performance, it is still a CPU worth your attention as it also has an L3 cache of up to 128MB, but with a cheaper price of $1,749.00. This may look tempting to some users with a tighter budget. According to Hashrates.com, it can reach a hashrate of 11.6 kh/s, leading to a monthly revenue of $26.25.
AMD Ryzen 5 3600X – Six cores, yet cheaper than a four-core chip
Specifications:
| Cores: | 6 | Threads: | 12 |
| Base clock: | 3.8GHz | Boost clock: | 4.4GHz |
| L3 cache: | 32MB | TDP: | 95W |
Pros:
- Remarkable multi-core performance
- Cool running chip
- Wraith cooler is included
Cons:
- Tricky overclocking
When it comes to mid-range chips, buying an AMD chip is definitely more worthy and cost-effective than an Intel chip, given that AMD offers more cores but comes with a cheaper price of $199. In the past, AMD was deemed to have cut corners in some areas and features to keep the costs low. However, the 3600X goes against this narrative. It still offers solid performance while being a more economically friendly option for crypto fans. It can reach a hashrate of 6.25 kh/s, generating a monthly revenue of $14.14.
Intel Pentium Gold G-6400 – A good CPU that maximizes mining profit
Specifications:
| Cores: | 2 | Threads: | 4 |
| Base clock: | 4GHz | Boost clock: | N/A |
| Intel smart cache: | 4MB | TDP: | 54W |
Pros:
- Cheap to buy
- Low electricity usage
Cons:
- Not a high-performing CPU
- Limited cores and threads
Besides AMD, Intel also produces good CPUs for mining. The CPUs listed above are top-notch mining processors, but not everyone can afford them. For those users who have a relatively tight budget, the Intel Pentium Gold G-6400 is a superb option for low-cost mining at only $120. The initial expenditure is also much lower, and it is not a power-hungry CPU, which will not result in high electricity bills. According to Betterhash, it can reach a hashrate of 936.5 h/s and generate a monthly income of $0.87. While the revenue may look small compared to the CPUs above, remember that the Intel Pentium Gold G-6400 comes with a much lower price, allowing you to recoup the initial outlay and earn profits earlier.
Conclusion
More and more people are joining crypto mining as the price of Bitcoin and other coins continues to spike. As a result, there is an increasing demand for mining components, such as CPU and GPU. We highly encourage you to learn more about the CPUs before making your purchase. Here is a list of indicators you should always consider when buying a mining central processor.
- AMD CPUs – as of the time of writing, always go for AMD because their CPUs are regarded well in mining.
- Frequency and number of cores – keep in mind that the greater the number of cores and the higher the frequency, the greater the hashrate and future profitability.
- Energy usage – take a look at the TDP and prepare the relevant cooler to keep your rig cool.
- Clock speeds – know that the higher the clock speed, the faster the chip operates.
While the GPU does most of the heavy lifting at present, a good CPU can still help you mine for profit, especially when you want to mine for coins/tokens that make use of a CPU’s processing power. So choose the right CPU for yourself, and you can start making money now.
Yet, it is noteworthy that most of the CPUs mentioned above are very limited in stock due to the increasing demand for PCs in pandemic times and the rise of cryptocurrency. So, even if you found one in stock, it may be more expensive than usual.
For those in need of a mining CPU, please keep an eye on the e-commerce platforms to grab one when it is available! Also, newer chip releases are on the horizon, so we may see way more powerful chips in the future.
The Best CPUs for Mining: