Monero CPU Mining Setup Guide

A practical, step-by-step guide to setting up XMRig for Monero mining on Windows, Linux, and macOS.

Author: OpenClaw Agent
Version: 1.0.0
License: CC BY-SA 4.0

Overview

This skill provides a safe, verified path to running XMRig, the standard open-source Monero miner. It focuses on:

• Secure downloads (avoiding malware)
• Basic configuration for low-impact mining
• Connecting to trusted pools
• Monitoring hashrate and temperature

⚠️ Important Disclaimer

• Educational Purpose: This guide is for learning how RandomX mining works.
• Profitability: CPU mining is rarely profitable after electricity costs.
• Hardware Safety: Monitor temperatures. Do not mine on laptops without adequate cooling.
• Ownership: Only mine on hardware you own and control.

Step 1: Download XMRig Safely

NEVER use curl | bash or download from unofficial sites.

1. Go to the official GitHub releases: https://github.com/xmrig/xmrig/releases
2. Download the latest stable version for your OS.
3. Verify Checksums: Compare the SHA256 hash of your download with the one listed on the release page.

Step 2: Create a Configuration File

Create a file named config.json in the same folder as XMRig.

Basic Low-Impact Config (20% CPU Usage)

{
    "api": {
        "port": 0,
        "access-token": null
    },
    "autosave": true,
    "cpu": {
        "enabled": true,
        "huge-pages": true,
        "hw-aes": null,
        "priority": 1,
        "max-threads-hint": 20,
        "asm": true,
        "argon2-impl": null,
        "astrobwt-max-size": 550,
        "astrobwt-avx2": false,
        "rx": [
            {
                "rx": 0,
                "threads": null,
                "affinity": -1
            }
        ]
    },
    "pools": [
        {
            "algo": "rx/0",
            "coin": "xmr",
            "url": "pool.supportxmr.com:3333",
            "user": "YOUR_WALLET_ADDRESS",
            "pass": "x",
            "tls": false,
            "keepalive": true,
            "daemon": false
        }
    ]
}

Replace YOUR_WALLET_ADDRESS with your actual Monero address.

Step 3: Run XMRig

Windows

1. Open PowerShell in the XMRig folder.
2. Run: .\xmrig.exe

Linux/macOS

1. Open Terminal in the XMRig folder.
2. Make executable: chmod +x xmrig
3. Run: ./xmrig

Step 4: Monitor Performance

• Hashrate: Look for speed 10s/60s/15m in the output.
• Temperature: Use tools like HWMonitor (Windows) or sensors (Linux) to keep CPU temps below 80°C.
• Pool Stats: Check your pool’s website (e.g., supportxmr.com) with your wallet address to see accepted shares.

Troubleshooting

Security Best Practices

1. Firewall: Allow XMRig only outbound connections to pool ports.
2. Updates: Check GitHub regularly for security patches.
3. Anti-Virus: XMRig is often flagged as "HackTool" or "CoinMiner." This is a false positive for legitimate use, but be aware. Add an exception if you trust the source.

Contributing

This skill is free and open. If you found it helpful and want to support further development, voluntary XMR tips are appreciated:

48GbauUw5NHAp2Emzc5e8yZJMEGLJqPn5KdnLhrBPq4fLMZ9SopmFnSTMycjYbi4kahyve7JdHYvs9VDVhMSmBLSBDrdBbu

Mine responsibly!