Mining – is the original method of getting cryptocurrency. And apparently, powerful hardware is not the only thing you need to become successful. It is also important to choose the right kind of efficient and functional mining software that will be fully compatible and adaptable to the equipment you have.
New coins are generated whenever a new block is created. To do this, it is necessary to perform complex mathematical calculations that are impossible without the right mining equipment, like CPU, GPU or ASIC (application-specific integrated circuit) that have enough of the necessary processing power. But it is also useless without special software.
Any mining program is specifically designed to mine specific cryptocurrencies. There is software for mining bitcoin, software for mining Ethereum and so on. It allows you to take control over the mining process, connect or disconnect equipment, set the mining pace, switch between cryptocurrencies. The efficiency of mining hugely depends on choosing the right mining program. If the software does not match the capacity of the equipment, then it will not be efficiently used, and therefore the mining process will be unable to reach its full potential.
Also, mining software allows you to configure the effective, but at the same time safe workload for your hardware. It can be easily achieved by regulating different parameters that save your mining equipment from exceeding the allowable limits.
How to choose a program for mining?
The main selection criterion is the algorithm used to mine cryptocurrency. Because different cryptocurrencies operate on different algorithms, the software you choose should be chosen accordingly.
At the same time, mining software must match the equipment you use. As a rule, different software is used for mining on CPUs, GPUs, and ASIC miners. There are, of course, quite a few universal programs that allow you to mine on all the devices.
Different software may also show different results when mining on the same build because some algorithms are designed to maximize production from low-power equipment. In contrast, others are designed for equipment with high hash power.
CGminer
CGMiner is probably the most popular mining software for GPU/FPGA/ASIC. This open-source program was developed over six years ago and is available for Windows, Linux, and OS X.
CGMiner does not have a graphical interface, the program is controlled via the console, and it is quite easy to use since it contains detailed instructions. The search for connected equipment is carried out automatically. With the right settings, the program allows you to use the potential of the equipment at full capacity, the acceleration function and the cooler rotation speed control are also integrated.
Claymore
Claymore was the first mining software that introduced the dual mining function. The software is developed for mining on video cards and simultaneously supports mining on AMD and NVIDIA. The program is controlled using the command line with highlighted different parameters as an additional bonus. With this software, you can mine Ether, Monero, Komodo, Dogecoin, ZCash, Bitcoin and
Litecoin.
Minergate
It's a universal mining software that combines mining software, a pool, and a cloud mining service. The program was repeatedly improved since 2014. MinerGate is easy to use with an intuitive, user-friendly interface and, therefore, suitable even for beginners. With this software, you can mine 14 top cryptocurrencies and use any mining equipment. It is also worth mentioning that Minergate has a smart mode for automatic mining. In this mode, the software automatically chooses the most profitable currencies to mine.
BFGminer
BFGMiner is similar to CGMiner, as it is developed on its basis, but this one is used exclusively for ASIC devices. It is compatible with FPGA devices and can be configured to work with some graphics cards. Thanks to the narrow focus and a wide range of options, it is possible to utilize the maximum capacity of your hardware. The program also monitors and eliminates the possibility of connecting to inaccessible pools. Compatible with Windows and Linux.
Nicehash
NiceHash is a universal miner that allows you to use processors and video cards as computing equipment. This software lets you rent and provide your capacity for rent to other users. The service enables mining cryptocurrencies using 30 different algorithms, but all of them are automatically converted to the BTC.
Awesome Miner
Awesome Miner is one of the best miners with a universal set of functions for all types of cryptocurrencies. It's a paid software developed for professional miners. The program allows you to configure and manage your mining farm remotely. It's equipped with a convenient graphical interface and allows mining all popular cryptocurrencies.
This Miner tracks price quotes and offers the most profitable mining options. Switching between the algorithms option is accessible through a smartphone, provided that the mobile application is synchronized with the desktop version.
Bottom line
When choosing appropriate software, you should understand that the efficiency of your mining farm will entirely depend on its proper selection and configuration. The number of coins you will be able to mine can differ by ten or even 20% depending on the software and configuration you use. You should also remember that some programs are designed for efficient mining on high-power equipment, while others allow you to use outdated iron as efficiently as possible.