Mining

What makes crypto great is mining when there is an option to do so. Lately, we've witnessed the growth of ASIC miners which scoop up most of the work on the most valuable coins and leave the general user with lower-valued coins. But all that doesn't necessarily need to be a bad thing. The magic of mining is you can do it yourself on a normal laptop when it comes to altcoins. All you need are some basic computer skills and a lot of patience.

Remember to use an online calculator for estimating your actual gains (don’t forget that electricity costs you money as well) and deciding on which new crypto to mine in today's conditions. That can also be defined by mining difficulty which increases by the number of miners every time the demand for a larger hash rate increases. Your hash rate is basically how much computing power you are providing for mining new blocks. This takes what is called "block time". Block time is how long it takes the network to find a solution to the block hash. These hashes contain puzzles which follow a certain algorithm like SHA256, Ethash or CryptoNight. You will most likely use a mining pool for mining, as it is the best way for starters. Here you contribute with your hash power and get a fair share form the earnings. You will also need mining software for your rig. If you’re planning to mine with your laptop (GPU), look for a newer cryptocurrency where you’ll get more on rewards. GPUs are far better at handling parallel processing than CPUs. These computations are basically simple math problems at which GPUs are far better at solving.

Some cryptocurrencies are also ASIC resistant, which means ASIC mining rigs are unable to mine thanks to their insufficient memory for an ASIC resistant coin, or simply there hasn't been an ASIC device yet built for mining the cryptocurrency. ASIC mining has been pushing out GPU home miners and eventually sucking up a large amount of power which is not helping the environment a single bit. If you consider that one of the best GPUs on the market go for around $400 and will give you only about 1 GH/s of power and an Antminer U2 which you’re able to get for around $20 on eBay will provide 2 GH/s, the difference is huge. Lately, we're witnessing large buildings with large numbers of ASIC devices being erected either in places where energy is cheap, or the weather is cool. The issue is that this only leads to centralization and an eventual monopoly on who is "allowed" to mine the coin.

On the list below you can scroll through many cryptocurrencies which are all mineable and run on the Proof of Work consensus algorithm. Coins with the most optimal mining difficulty are your best bet.

Proof-of-Work (PoW)

The proof-of-work system/protocol, was first used in the mid-1990's for fighting spam emails. The idea never found a truly useful cause until 2009 when bitcoin was created. Bitcoin itself utilizes this protocol in its transaction blockchain and thanks to this we can witness the growth in bitcoin mining. The base idea of this lies in a challenge and proof (or response). The challenge is a transaction, which is a specific cryptographic puzzle. The proof is that a miners computer cracks the puzzle, so the transaction goes through. And that is proof of the miners' work and him providing his hardware for the validation of transactions. The more hash power a miner can provide for validating transactions, the bigger his cryptocurrency coin reward for the service is. The problem with PoW is that mining has become so large that miners are investing into giant A.S.I.C. hardware which is highly energy consuming. Many mining farms are built around the globe as bitcoin has risen in value.


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Proof-of-Stake (PoS)

The proof-of-stake system works on a principle of validators of a block being chosen randomly. The validators can higher their chances by having the largest stake in each validation. The higher the money deposit in the block (or stake), the higher the chance of validating the block and later on receiving the transaction fees.

This particular system is more considerate to the environment as it doesn’t require large amounts of energy and hardware.


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Proof-of-Capacity (PoC)

The proof-of-capacity protocol is the newest, being introduced in 2013. In this protocol, coins are distributed among miners over a long period of time. All that is needed is hard drive space in order to mine.
 


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Proof of Audit (PoA)


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Proof - OF - Stake - TIME (PoST)

Proof of Stake-Time is a consensus algorithm which works on the basics of Proof of Stake but adds a stake-time feature which increases the odds of staking over time. This leads to more active staking and also strengthens the decentralization of the algorithm.


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Delegated Proof of Stake (DPoS)

The idea of Delegated Proof of Stake is that the cryptocurrencies holders vote on a selection of 101 delegates who create new blocks in the blockchain and collect block rewards. Each round of consensus consists of 101 blocks with each delegate assigned one block forge. If a delegate is unable to forge their assigned block, the activity in that block is moved to the next block.

Because of the low number of block producers, DPoS protocol has slipped into losing its decentralization for throughput which is in a way losing the basic idea of cryptocurrencies.


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Trustless Proof of Stake (TPoS)

Trustless Proof of Stake introduces staking as a business where a merchant can stake coins of others in a goal of a block verification reward. This will allow your coins in cold storage to be actively staked.


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Proof of Signature PoSign (PoSP)

Proof of Signature PoSign contains a feature of STATIC nodes which verify new blocks. In order to sign off a block, it has to validate a transaction. Any malicious nodes are automatically blacklisted.



Distributed Proof-of-Research (DPoR)


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Proof-of-Reputation (PoR)

Proof of Reputation works on the basis of validating nodes being required to have a certain reputation in order to have power over validating new blocks and transactions. That means the participating block signer would face financial consequences in the case of him cheating the system. This ensures better security and is far more green than PoW and etc.


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Proof-of-Research (PoR)

The Proof of Research algorithm uses the Proof of Stake algorithm in the process of “mining” for which miners need a wallet with the cryptocurrencies coins on it which act as a stake.

Gridcoin is both a PoS and PoR coin and by combining these two, PoS gives the coins its desired security and also its energy-saving features.


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Quantum-Resistance-Layer (QRL)

The Quantum Proof of Stake or QPoS consensus algorithm holds the same base core like a normal PoS algorithm, in which validators stake their share in the block creation which is carried out by the largest staker. The QPoS is also resistant to both classic and quantum computing attacks.  Hopefully this combination will create an even safer and more energy saving algorithm which will be available to more cryptocurrencies than only QRL.


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Proof of Devotion (PoD)

The Proof of Devotion algorithm is a combination of Delegated Proof of Stake and Proof of Identity. This can help to create an even more secure consensus algorithm.


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Proof - OF - Cooperation (PoC)

Proof of Cooperation instead of competing works on the basis of cooperation. Each node works with each other to validate transactions and form new blocks for the blockchain. Creating blocks is effortless, that’s why the algorithm saves power and can be run on even smallest of devices.



Delayed Proof-of-Work (dPoW)

The Delayed Proof of Work consensus method was first used on Komodo, a cryptocurrency connected to Bitcoins blockchain and utilizing its hash rate. A dPoW blockchain can be attached to any PoW blockchain and can either use the Proof of Work or Proof of Stake consensus.

dPoW has two different types of nodes. Normal nodes and 64 notary nodes, which are voted in by the dPoW blockchains stakeholders. These notary nodes need a majority of 33 to sign a completed block into the Bitcoin blockchain.

When mining, notary nodes are allowed to mine at a lower difficulty of mining than normal nodes which adds on security and prevents mining wars.

dPoW reduces high energy usage by preventing mining with ASICs and uses a circulating right to mine method for notary nodes which decreases the competition between nodes, hence saving energy.


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Quantum-Proof-of-Stake (QPoS)

The Quantum Proof of Stake or QPoS consensus algorithm holds the same base core like a normal PoS algorithm, in which validators compete in who validates each block and the higher the money deposit in the block (or stake), the higher the chance of validating the block on the ledger and later on receiving the transaction fees, but will also be resistant to both classic and quantum computing attacks. Hopefully this combination will create a even safer and energy saving algorithm which will be available for more cryptocurrencies than only QRL.


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Proof of Existence (PoE)

Proof of Existence is a service which wishes to help notaries with the process of authenticating timestamped documents via the bitcoin blockchain. It was first developed as an open source project in 2013.



Proof of Process (PoP)

The Proof of Process protocol uses the trust of all parties in a process, which can be a flow of information or an action. This will eventually help data handling in many directions.



Proof of Authority (PoA)

The Proof of Authority consensus algorithm uses the factor of one's identity as a stake in the validating of blocks. This way it can determine easily if the block validator is sufficient enough for the task.


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Proof of Importance (PoI)

Proof of Importance was first developed for the NEM blockchain platform. Similarly like the PoS network, the nodes compete on who will verify the next block. This is determined with the “importance” of each node. The importance score contains factors like amount of the blockchains coins held, amount of transactions in the last month, and more. This provides a positive difference opposed from PoS where the argument could be it benefits mainly crypto hoarders.





Have some questions?

A couple answers that may help you
What is mining?

Mining is a key attribute of most cryptocurrencies. To achieve decentralization of a cryptocurrency the responsibility for managing transactions and keeping a so-called ledger is spread to other computers in the network. Participation in keeping particular cryptocurrencies running is realized through so-called mining and all participants are rewarded by digital coins. If you install and set up special software on your computer you will participate in mining. The first minable cryptocurrency was Bitcoin. New Bitcoin transactions are grouped into a block. Each block requires a confirmation. When a block is confirmed then it is appended at the end of a chain of blocks. The chain of blocks is called a blockchain. The blockchain is a ledger where all confirmed transaction can be found. The confirmation of a block requires computer power which is used to resolve a complex cryptography task. Once the task is resolved the block gets confirmed. If you use your computer for block confirmation you will participate in mining. Bitcoin mining is not profitable for individuals nowadays since it requires enormous computer resources. However, you can mine other cryptocurrencies. Mining results in earning digital coins. That is the reward for mining.

Profitability calculation

The first thing you need to do is a calculation of profitability. You must consider this carefully to avoid losses. In the beginning, you need to invest in hardware. The hardware, let's take in account your computer, will have to run non-stop so you have to consider your bill for electricity. What you need to know to find out whether mining will be profitable for you is a number of digital coins you will earn. For that, you need to measure your hash rate. The hash rate is basically the speed of your computer in which it is able to complete a single computation operation for the particular cryptocurrency. The higher hash rate you have the higher chance you have to mine a block and get a reward. The only way to find the hash rate is to start mining and check it. Either the mining software provides you with the information or you can check it on web pages for a mining pool you use for mining. We will discuss a mining pool later in this article. If you know the hash rate of your computer per given coin you have to find the corresponding mining calculator. You just insert your hash rate into the calculator and the calculator calculates the amount of digital coin you are able to earn. Then it is just about a conversion of digital coins to fiat money and comparing it with the hardware and electricity costs. The important aspect is complexity. Complexity basically says how difficult it is to find a hash in a cryptography operation. The calculator usually has the complexity set. If not, you usually can easily find the complexity either from a mining pool or on the web page of a digital coin that you mine. All you need to know is that the complexity rises so you must consider it in your calculation. Now you know basic theory. Let' s discuss in more detail all the needed equipment.

Wallet

You need to have a cryptocurrency wallet for the coin you want to mine since the wallet address is an input for a mining software. Mining softwares will send the reward for you mining to the wallet address once the given limit is reached.

Mining software

The mining software is often simply called a miner. The miner is mostly free. However, some of them mine to the wallet address of the author in one percent of running time or similar. You can find and download many miners from the internet with detailed description on how to configure them. Some of them are as easy as starting them, provide your wallet address and press the run button. More complex ones let you set up a mining pool from which you are going to mine. It is often just an URL. The most complex ones require complicated configuration and profound IT knowledge is needed. You can also download a source code of a miner and compile it on your own computer. This is the best you can do from the point of performance. However, it is not easy to configure all the tools that are needed for the software compilation.

Mining pool

A mining pool is a place where more miners combine their computer resources in order to increase profitability. Thus the whole mining pool has a big hash rate. When more computers are combined, the probability of finding a block is much higher. When a block is found, the reward is split and distributed to all participants based on the computer resources they have provided to mine it. The membership is free but the pool owner often takes some profit for managing it. It is wise to check more mining pools and compare their profits before joining one. The closer a mining pool is to your home the better since during mining huge data is transferred between the pool and your computer. The pool should provide a webpage where you can find yourself at your wallet address and see your hash rate and current mined balance.

Hardware

The most expensive investment is related to the hardware that you use for mining. Do not consider a cell phone or a laptop. The efficiency of these devices is not sufficient to generate sensible income. You can start at least with your desktop computer but do not expect much profit as well. Additionally, you will not be able to use your desktop computer when the miner is running since it takes all the available computer resources and thus other applications seem to be stuck. So, the best you can do is use a dedicated computer. The computer will run constantly which generates a noise. Moreover, the cooler the room is the better since computers generate heat and mining utilizes the computer‘s resources to the maximum. Consider locating your mining computer in a decent ventilated, cool room. The basement is often the best solution. When considering hardware you should also check which one is the best to mine a particular coin. Some are fine with a computer processing unit (CPU) mining but often graphics processing unit (GPU) mining is more profitable and preferred by people. You can also consider buying the most powerful graphics card. The favorite ones are created by ATI. If you are willing to invest more you can buy a graphics card designed for mining. These graphics cards have an ASIC chip. You can even combine more graphics card together in one rack. With this you will achieve a high hash rate and the profit will also be much bigger. If you consider this solution you definitely must also have a dedicated cool room for it. To build such a device requires either profound IT knowledge or googling in dedicated forums. Fortunately, there are a lot of articles and forums on the internet where you can get the information you need.