Cryptocurrency mining has gained attention as both a technical experiment and a potential addition to personal asset allocation. Inspired by insights from financial bloggers like FFAARR and Wind Chaser, many are now exploring how mining Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), or Monero (XMR) might fit into their long-term investment strategy. This article walks you through the basics of cryptocurrency mining, shares a firsthand trial of CPU-based Monero mining, and examines whether mining or holding digital assets makes sense as part of a diversified portfolio.
Understanding Cryptocurrency Mining Methods
Cryptocurrency mining can generally be categorized into four types: CPU, GPU, FPGA, and ASIC.
While FPGA and ASIC mining offer high efficiency, they require specialized hardware with non-standard specifications—making them risky for beginners due to potential scams or poor value. As such, this guide focuses on CPU and GPU mining, which are more accessible for individuals using regular computers.
👉 Discover how to get started with secure digital asset management today.
GPU Mining: High Returns, High Barriers
GPU mining uses dedicated graphics cards (like NVIDIA RTX series) to mine major cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH). These setups deliver significantly higher hash rates and profitability compared to standard processors.
According to the NiceHash profitability calculator:
- An NVIDIA RTX 3070 can earn around **$5.31 per day** (~$159/month or HK$1,234).
- An RTX 2070 yields about **$3.75 daily** (~$112.50/month or HK$871).
With retail prices at approximately $7,000 and $5,000 respectively, the return-on-investment period could be as short as 5.7 months—assuming stable market conditions and zero electricity costs.
However, current global supply shortages make acquiring these GPUs extremely difficult, even if budget isn’t an issue. This scarcity has driven many toward alternative methods—like CPU mining.
CPU Mining: Accessible but Limited
Unlike GPU mining, CPU mining requires no additional hardware—any standard computer can participate. However, it's only viable for certain privacy-focused coins like Monero (XMR), currently ranked #24 in total market capitalization among cryptocurrencies.
Monero is designed to resist ASIC dominance, allowing everyday users to mine fairly using consumer-grade CPUs. While returns are modest, the low entry barrier makes it ideal for experimentation.
Hands-On: My Experience Mining Monero
Step 1: Set Up a Monero Wallet
I began by downloading the official Monero wallet from getmonero.org. After installation, I navigated to the “Receive” tab to generate my unique wallet address—this is where mined XMR would be deposited.
Step 2: Install the Mining Software (XMRig)
Next, I downloaded XMRig, one of the most widely used open-source Monero miners, from its GitHub repository. Interestingly, Chrome flagged the file as potentially dangerous (likely due to misuse in malicious cryptojacking scripts), so I switched to Firefox to complete the download safely.
Note: Always verify software authenticity when downloading from public repositories.
Step 3: Configure Mining Settings
Using the XMRig config generator at xmrig.com/wizard, I customized my setup:
- Pool: Selected
supportxmr.com– a reliable mining pool. - Wallet Address: Entered my personal Monero address.
- Donation Level: Adjusted from default 5% down to 1%.
The tool generated a config.json file, which I placed into the xmrig-6.11.2 folder, replacing the original.
Step 4: Start Mining
Running start.cmd launched the miner. My system displayed a hash rate of roughly 700 H/s—modest, given that it was an older Lenovo laptop.
Based on calculations from CryptoCompare’s mining calculator:
- At zero electricity cost, monthly earnings would be around $2.19 USD (~HK$16).
- Real-world profits would likely be lower after power consumption is factored in.
👉 Learn how to track cryptocurrency values and manage your portfolio efficiently.
Monitoring Earnings
To verify progress, I visited supportxmr.com and entered my wallet address. The dashboard showed real-time statistics including accepted shares, hashrate, and accumulated balance—offering transparency and reassurance that the process was working.
Common Pitfalls in Cryptocurrency Mining
With GPU shortages driving demand, numerous "cloud mining" or "managed miner hosting" services have emerged—promising monthly returns after an upfront payment. Unfortunately, many of these are scams or unsustainable Ponzi schemes.
Always exercise caution:
- Avoid services guaranteeing fixed returns.
- Research company backgrounds thoroughly.
- Prefer transparent pools like SupportXMR over opaque third-party platforms.
Should You Include Crypto in Your Asset Allocation?
Bitcoin aims to function as decentralized digital money—potentially reshaping global finance. Early adopters may one day resemble oil-rich pioneers: holders of generational wealth.
Financial influencers like FFAARR and Wind Chaser suggest allocating 2–5% of assets to crypto. The idea is simple:
- Buy and store BTC or ETH in a personal wallet.
- Review monthly; rebalance by selling high or buying low across other investments like stocks.
This approach sounds logical—until prices drop sharply.
What happens when Bitcoin falls 30%, then another 30% the following month? Would you have the conviction to sell stocks or bonds to buy more? For many—including myself—the answer isn't clear.
Compare this to traditional assets: If VTI (a broad U.S. stock ETF) dropped significantly, I’d confidently buy more. But with crypto, emotional resilience is harder due to its volatility and uncertain long-term role.
Ultimately, while the upside is exciting, my personal belief in crypto isn’t strong enough to justify any allocation. Instead, I focus on consistent saving and proven retirement strategies.
Final Thoughts: Is Mining Worth It?
For those interested in entering the world of cryptocurrency:
- If you already own or can acquire a powerful GPU, GPU mining BTC or ETH offers the best return potential.
- You can also run CPU mining for XMR in parallel, maximizing hardware utilization.
- For experimentation only, CPU mining Monero on existing devices is safe and educational—even if earnings are symbolic.
As for portfolio inclusion:
- Only allocate 2–5% if you truly believe in crypto’s future and can stomach extreme swings.
- Otherwise, starting with small holdings or observation-only tracking may be wiser.
Mining isn’t just about profit—it’s a hands-on way to understand blockchain technology and decentralization.
👉 Explore secure ways to buy, store, and grow your digital assets now.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I mine cryptocurrency using my regular laptop?
Yes, especially Monero via CPU mining. However, earnings will be minimal—likely less than $3/month—and continuous operation may reduce your device’s lifespan.
Q: Is cryptocurrency mining still profitable in 2025?
GPU mining can be profitable under optimal conditions (low electricity costs, efficient hardware). However, competition and network difficulty make small-scale operations challenging without initial investment.
Q: Is XMRig safe to use?
XMRig itself is legitimate open-source software widely used in the Monero community. Always download it from official sources like GitHub and scan files before execution.
Q: Does mining damage my computer?
Prolonged full-load operation generates heat and wear. Ensure proper cooling and consider hardware limits before running miners 24/7.
Q: Can I mine Bitcoin directly with a CPU?
No. Bitcoin mining requires ASIC hardware due to extreme computational demands. CPUs are no longer viable for BTC mining.
Q: What happens if electricity costs are included?
Most CPU mining becomes unprofitable once power costs are factored in. Even GPU mining needs cheap electricity (< $0.10/kWh) to remain viable long-term.
Core Keywords: cryptocurrency mining, Bitcoin mining, Ethereum mining, Monero mining, GPU mining, CPU mining, asset allocation, blockchain technology