Ethereum: How fast does a processor need to be to mine Bitcoin [duplicate]

Ethereum: How fast does a processor need to be for bitcoin mining?

When starting bitcoin mining, it is essential to understand the computing requirements of the process. In this article, we will look at how fast a CPU should be to mine cryptocurrencies like bitcoin.

Bitcoin mining in simple terms

To mine bitcoins, the miner’s computer must solve complex mathematical equations that confirm transactions and create new units of the cryptocurrency. The solution requires significant processing power, and that’s where your computer comes in.

Basics: CPU vs. Research GPU

For years, central processing units (CPUs) have been the main option for bitcoin mining. However, as the network grew, the power consumption and heat generated by these single-threaded processors also increased. This has led to a shift to graphics processing units (GPUs), which offer better performance with lower power consumption.

How ​​fast should the processor be?

Processor speed is measured in gigahertz (GHz). For bitcoin mining you will need to aim for a minimum of 1.5 GHz to 2.5 GHz. This range provides the processing power needed to solve complex mathematical equations and validate transactions.

To give you an idea of ​​the speed, here are some estimates:

• Intel Core i3-2100: about 900 MHz (not recommended for mining)

• Intel Core i5-2500K: up to 2.6 GHz

• AMD Ryzen 3 1200G: around 1.8 GHz

Why faster is better

As you can imagine, the faster your processor is, the more efficient it will be at solving math equations. This means that you will need a significantly more powerful system to mine Bitcoin efficiently.

For example:

• With an Intel Core i5-2500K processor, mining Bitcoin with 8 ETH (relatively small farm) would require about 20-30 hours of continuous work.

*With the same system upgraded to AMD Ryzen 7 1700X or a newer model like AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX, you could potentially mine 100-200 ETH per month.

MacBook Air performance

Since your MacBook Air is running macOS Lion (10.7), it’s important to note that its performance is not optimized for computationally intensive tasks like Bitcoin mining. Although the MacBook Air can handle light workloads, its processor and GPU are not designed for demanding tasks like cryptocurrency mining.

If you decide to get into Bitcoin mining, consider upgrading your Mac Air to a more powerful machine, such as:

• Intel Core i5 or i7 (eg 10-14nm)

• AMD Ryzen 3 or 5 (eg 7-9nm)

Conclusion

To mine bitcoins efficiently, you will need a processor with at least 1.5 GHz to 2.5 GHz and above, depending on your specific hardware and mining settings. While the MacBook Air is fine for basic tasks like browsing and productivity, it is not optimized for heavy computing workloads.

Before you begin, be sure to research and select the right hardware for your needs, including reliable power, adequate cooling, and compatible peripherals (e.g. 280 mm liquid cooling). Happy mining!