What is crypto mining?

Crypto mining is the process by which new units of digital currency are created. Here's how that works, the pros and cons of investing in your own mining rig, and the environmental impact of going all in Bitcoin.

What does a cryptocurrency miner do?

Cryptocurrency miners play a crucial, indispensable role in running Proof of Work (PoW) blockchains, validating transactions, and securing networks. Mining has evolved over the years in terms of both equipment, difficulty, rewards, and techniques, including the use of mining pools.

Can I build a computer capable of mining cryptocurrency?

You can build a computer capable of mining cryptocurrency, but you'll need specific hardware. Most graphics cards from Nvidia are capable of mining. However, some might not be fast enough to be worth buying for mining purposes. The RTX 3090 Ti is one of the better graphics cards for mining.

What are the components of a cryptocurrency mining operation?

There are generally three basic components to a mining operation: the wallet, the mining software, and the mining hardware. You'll need a wallet for your cryptocurrency to store the keys for any tokens or coins your mining efforts yield. Wallets have a unique address allowing you to send and receive tokens securely.