Monero (XMR) remains one of the most popular privacy-focused cryptocurrencies, and mining it can be a rewarding endeavor for both beginners and experienced miners. OKX Pool offers a reliable platform for mining XMR with competitive fees and stable servers. This guide provides a step-by-step walkthrough for setting up and managing your Monero mining operation using various popular methods and tools.
Supported Operating Systems
Monero mining is versatile and can be performed on the following operating systems:
- Windows
- Linux
Both systems are widely supported by mining software and allow flexibility depending on your hardware setup and preference.
Mining Software Options
Several software tools are available to mine Monero efficiently. Here are some of the most commonly used:
- minerOS (Supports AMD and NVIDIA GPUs)
- 矿宝OS (Supports AMD and NVIDIA GPUs)
- xmrig (Supports CPU, AMD, and NVIDIA GPUs)
- xmr-stak (Supports CPU, AMD, and NVIDIA GPUs)
Each tool has its strengths, and the best choice often depends on your hardware and technical comfort level.
Step-by-Step Mining Tutorials
Using minerOS
minerOS is a user-friendly mining operating system ideal for users with multiple GPUs.
Installation Steps:
- Register for a minerOS account on their official website (skip this step if you already have an account).
- Use an 8GB–32GB USB drive or external hard disk to create a bootable minerOS drive using their dedicated flashing tool.
- Insert the drive into your mining rig, enter the BIOS settings, and set the boot priority to USB.
- Once booted, the system will automatically link to your minerOS account.
Configuring the Mining Template:
- From the dashboard, select Mining Template → click the + icon → choose XMR.
- Select the appropriate software version (note the distinction between AMD and NVIDIA cards).
- For Pool Selection, choose Custom Pool and enter:
stratum.okpool.me:16892 - Enter your OKX Pool username as the wallet address.
- Adjust other settings based on your GPU model and confirm.
Apply to Miner:
- Go to Host → click the three-dot menu → Configure and Reboot → select your XMR template.
You can monitor performance and hashrate from the main dashboard.
Using 矿宝OS
矿宝OS is another mining-oriented operating system with a straightforward setup process.
Setup Instructions:
- Create an account on the 矿宝OS website.
- Use a USB drive (16GB or larger) to create a bootable drive using their utility.
- In your account dashboard, navigate to Wallet → Add Wallet Address → set a username.
- Create a new mining group under Group → New Group.
- Select Custom Pool and enter:
stratum.okpool.me:16892 - Choose your wallet name and confirm.
Associate your mining rig with the new group via the Miners page to begin mining.
Using xmrig
xmrig is a high-performance mining software supporting CPU and GPU mining.
Configuration Steps:
- Download the latest version of xmrig from the official GitHub repository.
- Extract the files and edit the
start.cmdfile. - Replace the default code with one of the following configurations based on your hardware:
CPU Mining:
@echo off
xmrig.exe -o stratum.okpool.me:16892 -u YOUR_OKX_POOL_USERNAME.WORKER_NAME -p x –donate-level 1
pauseAMD GPU + CPU:
@echo off
xmrig.exe -o stratum.okpool.me:16892 -u YOUR_OKX_POOL_USERNAME.WORKER_NAME -p x –donate-level 1 –opencl
pauseNVIDIA GPU + CPU:
@echo off
xmrig.exe -o stratum.okpool.me:16892 -u YOUR_OKX_POOL_USERNAME.WORKER_NAME -p x –donate-level 1 –cuda
pauseReplace YOUR_OKX_POOL_USERNAME and WORKER_NAME with your details. Save the file and run start.cmd to begin.
Using xmr-stak
xmr-stak is another versatile miner supporting both CPU and GPU mining.
First-Time Setup:
- Download and extract xmr-stak from GitHub.
- Run
xmr-stak.exe. Follow the on-screen prompts:
- Enter
Yto proceed. - Enter
moneroas the coin. - Enter pool URL:
stratum.okpool.me:16892 - Enter your OKX Pool username.
- Use
xas the password. - Enter
Nfor no further configuration.
- Enter
The miner will start. For subsequent sessions, simply run xmr-stak.exe again.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best hardware for Monero mining?
Monero mining is best performed on CPUs or AMD/NVIDIA GPUs. High-core-count CPUs and mid-to-high-end graphics cards often yield the best results.
How often are payouts distributed?
Payout frequency depends on the pool’s policy. OKX Pool typically processes payments once minimum thresholds are met.
Can I mine Monero with a laptop?
While possible, laptop mining is generally not recommended due to thermal and hardware limitations that may affect performance and device lifespan.
Do I need a dedicated mining rig?
A dedicated rig is ideal for consistent earnings, but beginners can start with a desktop PC. For higher efficiency, consider a multi-GPU setup.
What is a worker name?
A worker name helps you identify and monitor individual miners or devices within your mining account.
Is mining profitable?
Profitability depends on factors like hardware efficiency, electricity cost, and XMR market price. Use online calculators to estimate potential earnings.
Final Tips
Monero mining can be a profitable and educational experience when done correctly. Always ensure your hardware is adequately cooled, use reliable software, and monitor performance regularly. Staying updated with pool changes and network difficulty can help optimize your returns.
For those looking to simplify the mining process or explore advanced configurations, consider using dedicated mining management tools.
Happy mining!