In 2024, the digital market offers many ways to make money: steaking, pharming, liquidity supply and others. But classic cryptocurrency mining is still popular. For it, you can use different equipment: asics, video cards, ordinary PCs. The article will tell you how to start mining on Raspberry Pi – a single-board computer. The device fits in the palm of your hand and is equipped with a high-performance processor with APR-architecture. Raspberry Pi consumes little power and is inexpensive – from $30. This allows you to start mining at home with minimal costs.
Choosing a cryptocurrency for mining on Raspberry Pi
The profitability of mining depends on the complexity of the blockchain, the power of the technique and the coin rate. In 2024, top cryptocurrencies (bitcoin, lightcoin) are mined by thousands of users on high-performance ASICs. Raspberry Pi owners will not be able to compete with them in terms of power.
For mining on portable devices, you need to choose low-popular cryptocurrencies or coins with built-in protection from asics. It is necessary to take into account such parameters:
Mining algorithm. It will not work to mine coins on Etchash because of the high memory requirements and the ever-growing size of the DAG-file. You can choose Scrypt, RandomX, CryptoNight, KawPoW, CryptoNight Haven, Beam Hash III.
Growth Potential. You need to analyze the project to see if it has fundamental value. Large profits can be made if the asset grows in value by multiples.
It is recommended to choose several cryptocurrencies and compare the profitability of mining. You can predict the profitability of mining on Raspberry Pi 3 in 2024 in an online calculator.
Equipment needed
The Raspberry Pi is a small device about the size of a credit card. Despite its compact size, it can perform various tasks: organize space for working with files anywhere, control external devices, program and play music.
The portable computer has performance comparable to a full-fledged machine. Raspberry Pi of the latest generation is equipped with a 4-core processor with a clock speed of 1.5 GHz and RAM 1-8 GB.
To start mining, a single device will suffice, but later on you can connect a number of machines. This will increase the hash rate. Other necessary components:
MicroSD memory card and an adapter to it. The larger the volume, the better. 64 GB is enough to get started.
Power supply. Raspberry Pi consumes little power, so you can take any power supply.
Cables for connecting the components.
To ensure stable mining, you need to install and configure the appropriate software (miner and wallet for storing the earned cryptocurrency). You should also take into account the heat dissipation when the device is operating in mining mode and install sufficient cooling.
Raspberry Pi 3 or 4
For effective mining, you need to choose the right model of mini-computer. Raspberry Pi 4 is preferred as it has more performance and energy efficiency compared to the previous version.
Raspberry Pi 3 can also be used. The choice of a particular machine depends on the price. If there is a serious difference, it is better to buy the previous model. If the price does not exceed 10-20%, it is more cost-effective to take a more powerful device.
MicroSD memory card
It is better to choose high-quality components with high read (write) speed. This will ensure the stable operation of the installation and increase mining performance.
When choosing a card, you need to take into account its volume. From it depends on how much data can be stored and processed.
The installation of software for cryptomining will require 5-7 GB. It is also important to check the compatibility with the mini-computer to exclude problems in operation. It is better to use memory cards from well-known manufacturers. This will avoid data loss and mining failures.
Adapter for a memory card
With the help of an adapter, you can make a storage device a full-fledged flash drive. The adapter should ensure the stable operation of the mini-computer and support a high data transfer rate.
When choosing a device, you need to pay attention to user feedback. A quality part can improve mining.
How to start mining cryptocurrency on Raspberry Pi
Before you start mining, you need to calculate the profitability with the help of an online calculator. The further order of actions is as follows:
Buy and connect the components.
Select a pool and set up an account.
Create a cryptocurrency wallet for depositing profits.
Configure the mini-computer.
Start cryptomining.
Preparing Raspberry Pi
To work, you need to download an operating system image for the mini-computer from the official website. You can choose a version of macOS, Windows, Ubuntu for x86 or use the command line: sudo apt install rpi-imager. The data needs to be unzipped. Next, you will need to perform the following steps:
Open Raspberry Pi Imager and select Use custom. On the downloaded image, click on the .img file.
Press the keyboard shortcut Ctrl+Shift+X.
Make up a password to log into the panel.
Set the network to automatically connect to the Internet.
Press the Save or Write button.
A message will appear on the screen with a warning about deleting data from the memory card. You need to confirm the action with the “Yes” button.
Wait for the operation to complete. It will take 2-3 minutes.
Enter the ipconfig/all command to display the IP address.
Copy the IP and use it to log in (as a login).
Installing programs for mining
To get started, you need to connect the mini-computer to power and make sure that the memory card is inside. Next – enter the IP address, password and log in. After authorization, you can proceed to the configuration of the software for crypto-mining. To do this, you need to:
Update the libraries with the command sudo apt update.
Install the programs necessary for the system to work – sudo apt install.
Create a folder – mkdir build cd build.
Install the program for crypto mining.
The operation takes 30-90 minutes. The progress will be monitored by the percentage of completion in the download window. After installing the programs, you can move on to other settings.
Creating a cryptocurrency wallet
Pools for mining pay profits to the personal accounts of users. The wallet number needs to be specified in the settings.
To quickly withdraw coins in fiat, you can use an exchange address. For holding, the desktop one is used.
For Monero, popular multi-purses with asset support are suitable: Atomic Wallet, Trust Wallet, Guarda Wallet. You can download the official version on the developer’s website.
To get an address, you need to:
Create an account on the exchange or download a cryptocurrency wallet. The interface must support the coin being mined.
Save the login details in a safe place.
Go to the Wallet tab in the cryptocurrency wallet or “Deposit” on the exchange.
Select a cryptocurrency and click on the “Get” button.
A text address or QR code will appear on the screen. It should be copied to paste it into the corresponding line when setting up a mining account, or scanned.
Pool account
With the growing popularity of cryptocurrencies, the requirements for mining have increased. Therefore, mining assets in solo mode has become unprofitable. Even large farmers are forced to join pools to work together. On these platforms, participants receive stable payments in proportion to the connected computing power.
It is better to choose a service from the top 10 by hash rate of the selected cryptocurrency. You will also need to take into account the pool’s commissions, proximity to the server and the convenience of the interface.
Mining on Raspberry Pi brings a small profit, so it is better to connect to a pool without a minimum payout period.
To work, you need to create an account. To do this, you will need to enter a valid e-mail address and come up with a password. You do not need to upload files.
Starting mining
To start mining cryptocurrency, you need to go to the control panel and enter the command xmrig/build/xmrig-o. Next – type “gulf.moneroocean.stream:10128 – Pool name and wallet number” (with a space). If the data is correct, mining will start. Statuses will appear on the screen:
New job – new task to be solved.
Accepted – the pool has accepted the ball and users have been rewarded.
Rejected – the solution is rejected. The ball arrived to the server late.
Buttons can be used to track the process. The H key displays the mining speed, S – shows the number of accepted orbs.
Profitability of mining on Raspberry Pi in 2024
Profits depend on the power of the equipment. Mini-computers give out a small hash rate, so you should not expect a serious income. You can calculate future earnings in an online calculator. To do this, you need to:
Go to the terminal and see the current mining speed. On Raspberry Pi 5 (8 GB RAM) it can reach up to 100 H/s. On previous models – 10-20 H/s.
Open the mining calculator and select a coin.
Fill out the form – specify hashing speed, electricity costs and pool commission.
Click on the “Calculate” button.
In 2024, mining Monero at a rate of 100 H/s without electricity costs brings $0.01 per day. The amount is insignificant, so mining is unprofitable.
Pros and cons of mining on a Raspberry
In 2024, it makes no sense to mine cryptocurrency on a mini-computer. Mining can be recommended to beginners to gain experience. Pros and cons of this method – in the table.
Advantages
Disadvantages
Small investments. The latest version of the mini-computer can be bought for $100-130. The previous ones are sold for $30.
You can mine only unpopular assets or coins on algorithms with protection against mining.
The microcomputer consumes little power (less than 5 watts) and does not make noise. Therefore, you can mine at home.
Profit from mining is insignificant.
The apparatus is configured for mining different cryptocurrencies and used for other tasks.
To start working, you need to understand the input of commands in the terminal.
It is possible to combine several devices to increase income.
Raspberry Pi has an extensive community of enthusiasts. You can easily find instructions on how to install software or solve technical problems.
Frequently Asked Questions
π’ How does crypto mining affect the mini computer?
The machine overheats and wears out faster. It is not recommended to mine on a mini computer that is used for work.
π What is a shara?
The server of the mining pool divides the task of finding the necessary hash into small parts. A valid orb is a valid solution paid for by the platform.
β¨ How else can the Raspberry Pi be used in mining?
The microcomputer is equipped with GPIO pins for connecting to external devices. It can be integrated with ASICs or video cards as a central control unit.
π€ How can I increase my mining income on Raspberry Pi 4?
You need to connect several microcomputers in parallel or overclock one. You should tweak the boot/config.txt file to increase the clock frequency.
β‘ Can I perform other tasks at the same time as mining coins?
You will only have enough power to browse files. You will not be able to perform resource-intensive actions.
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