5 Best CPU for Mining

What is the Best CPU for Mining?

The cryptocurrency mining trend has been booming in the last couple of years. From tech-savvy enthusiasts to younger people, it’s clear that many people are showing interest in this field.

You can start mining cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, Cardano, and Ethereum from virtually any computer.

However, mining cryptocurrencies from desktop PCs or laptops can be very time-consuming if you don’t have a powerful CPU.

And even though ASICs (Application-specific integrated circuits) have revolutionized the crypto mining world, you can still use a CPU to mine and gain profits.

But keep in mind that when mining crypto using a CPU, it takes time before you start seeing results. 

The high-end CPUs can be expensive, but they are ideal for mining crypto due to their many cores.

In this review, we have listed some of the best CPUs for mining. You can use this as a guiding tool to start your crypto mining journey today. 

Best CPU for Mining

5 Best CPU for Mining	Architecure	Base Clock	Boost Clock	Cores/Threads	TDP	Dimensions	Weight
AMD Ryzen 5 3600X	Zen 2	3.8Ghz	4.4Ghz	6 & 12	95W	1.57 x 1.57 x 0.24 in.	1.6 oz.
AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3960X	Zen 2	3.8Ghz	4.5Ghz	24 & 48	280W	3.07 x 2.20 x 0.3 in.	31.35 oz.
AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3970X	Zen 2	3.7Ghz	4.5Ghz	32 & 64	280W	3.08 x 2.20 x 0.3 in.	27.2 oz.
Intel Core i9-10900X	Cascade Lake-X	3.7Ghz	4.7Ghz	10 & 20	165W	1.3 x 4.09 x 4.61 in.	3.53 oz.
Intel Pentium Gold G-6400 Desktop	Comet Lake	4.0Ghz	4.0Ghz	2 & 4	58W	59.05 x 1.97 x 1.97 in.	8.48 oz.

1. AMD Ryzen 5 3600X

The Ryzen 5 3600X is a powerful processor that can deliver blistering performance in even the most demanding tasks such as crypto mining. 

It features six cores and twelve threads which provide a lot of multitasking power. Plus, the 4.4Ghz max clock is ideal for overclocking, so you can get the most out of your setup. 

The bundled Wraith Spire cooler ensures the 3600X stays calm under pressure while the 35MB of cache facilitates smooth functionality always.

Thanks to the 3600X’s support for DDR 3200 modules, you can upgrade your setup’s RAM to coincide with your mining needs.

Key Specifications

• Architecture: Zen 2
• Base Clock: 3.8Ghz
• Boost Clock: 4.4Ghz
• Cores/Threads: 6/12
• TDP: 95W
• Dimensions: 1.57 x 1.57 x 0.24 Inches
• Weight: 1.6 Ounces

2. AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3960X

The Ryzen Threadripper 3960X desktop CPU is one of the best CPUs for mining overall. It’s built for serious artists and designers who demand the most from their PCs.

It features mind-boggling twenty-four cores and forty-eight processing threads capable of reaching a max boost frequency of 4.5Ghz alongside 140MB of cache.

Despite being cheaper and having fewer core threads than the 3970X, the 3960X produces almost the same hash rates. So in many ways, the 3960X is a good bang for your buck. 

Key Specifications

• Architecture: Zen 2
• Base Clock: 3.8Ghz
• Boost Clock: 4.5Ghz
• Cores/Threads: 24/48
• TDP: 280W
• Dimensions: 3.07 x 2.20 x 0.3 Inches
• Weight: 31.35 Ounces

3. AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3970X

Having thirty-two cores and sixty-four threads for crypto mining is a huge benefit.

But best of all, AMD’s Ryzen Threadripper 3970X has a truck-sized cache of 144MB, making it an incredible mining tool for various cryptocurrencies.

Sure it’s pretty expensive, but when you put it to work with its 19.9kh/s, you can start to pay off your initial investment very soon.

What’s more, if you end up not loving crypto mining all that much, you’ll still have one heck of a processor for other tasks. 

Key Specifications

• Architecture: Zen 2
• Base Clock: 3.7Ghz
• Boost Clock: 4.5Ghz
• Cores/Threads: 32/64
• TDP: 280W
• Dimensions: 3.08 x 2.20 x 0.3 Inches
• Weight: 27.2 Ounces

4. Intel Core i9-10900X

The Core i9-10900X is a powerful desktop CPU that offers exceptional performance for gaming and productivity tasks.

This CPU has ten cores, twenty threads, and up to 4.7Ghz boost clock speeds, perfect for intensive payloads.

Thanks to its compatibility with Intel’s x299 chipset, this CPU can make the most of the latest crypto-mining features in supported motherboards such as Intel’s Optane Memory.

So if you’re in the market for a versatile and powerful mining CPU, consider the i9-10900X. 

Key Specifications

• Architecture: Cascade Lake-X
• Base Clock: 3.7Ghz
• Boost Clock: 4.7Ghz
• Cores/Threads: 10/20
• TDP: 165W
• Dimensions: 1.3 x 4.09 x 4.61 Inches
• Weight: 3.53 Ounces

5. Intel Pentium Gold G-6400 Desktop

Intel is constantly pushing the boundaries of tech and innovation. That’s why they’ve rolled out the budget-friendly and powerful Pentium Gold G-6400 desktop CPU.

It offers exceptional Intel Core performance at a fraction of the price. 

It comes equipped with two cores, four threads, and a max boost frequency of 4Ghz.

It also supports Intel Optane Memory which helps load applications quicker while providing system caching in seconds, making it the perfect budget CPU for mining. 

Key Specifications

• Architecture: Comet Lake
• Base Clock: 4.0Ghz
• Boost Clock: 4.0Ghz 
• Cores/Threads: 2/4
• TDP: 58W
• Dimensions: ‎59.05 x 1.97 x 1.97 Inches
• Weight: 8.48 Ounces

Final Thought

The cryptocurrency mining buzz is growing with each passing day. And although GPUs have an excellent reputation when it comes to mining Bitcoin, Cardano and Ethereum, you can’t ignore the importance of a powerful CPU as a beginner.