Bytecoin is the original cryptonight coin. We tend to think of this as Monero Although Monero is quite famous, Bytecoin has been around for longer. Bytecoin stands out due to its massive total supply of 184.47 billion coins.
Equipped with our knowledge about Bytecoin, it's time to jump into mining BCN!
Some General Mining Tips
Before diving into this tutorial, here are two crucial tips to enhance your mining experience. Firstly, always ensure that your GPU drivers are updated to the latest version. Secondly, anti-virus software often identifies mining software as a threat. To deal with this, create a dedicated folder on your regularly used computer to house all your mining software, and whitelist this directory in your antivirus settings.
Mining Pools
Our initial requirement is a mining pool. While solo mining is an option, it might take a long time to see any rewards unless your mining setup is extremely powerful. On the other hand, mining pools can provide more regular payouts, often multiple times a day, with minimal fees typically around 1%.
When deciding on a Bytecoin pool, I made my choice based on... http://bytecoin-pool.org/t/en/ . They are a large pool and have 0% fees.
There are several server options available to suit your needs.
us.bytecoin-pool.org:3333
eu.bytecoin-pool.org:3333
asia.bytecoin-pool.org:3333
ru.bytecoin-pool.org:3333
With our mining pool in place, let's move on to configuring the mining software!
Configuring the Mining Software
For our mining setups using CPU, Nvidia GPUs, or AMD GPUs, we'll employ xmr-stak. This versatile, open-source software allows for extensive customization and supports both Windows and Linux systems, making it possible to use a combination of Nvidia, AMD GPUs, and CPUs simultaneously.
You can download xmr-stak at https://github.com/fireice-uk/xmr-stak/releases The version we're using in this guide is 2.4.3. Linux users will need to compile the software from source code. However, we won't cover source compilation here.
Upon launching xmr-stak for the first time, a bit of configuration is needed. We'll walk through the initial setup process, and offer specific guidance for configuring CPU, Nvidia, and AMD GPUs separately.
Initiating xmr-stak displays two command windows.
You can safely close the window that requires administrator rights for execution.
The software will guide you through a setup process to configure it for first-time use. After you complete this, it won't need repeating.
During the setup, you'll be asked several questions:
You'll need to specify a port for remote monitoring, with ports like 8000 or 3000 being commonly available on home networks. To check your mining status, enter the mining computer's IP address and chosen port in a web browser on any network-connected device to see your mining rate and other stats.
Currency: You should type in 'cryptonight'.
Pool Address: Input the details of the pool you will be mining with, such as us.bytecoin-pool.org:3333, eu.bytecoin-pool.org:3333, asia.bytecoin-pool.org:3333, or ru.bytecoin-pool.org:3333.
Username: Enter your Bytecoin public wallet address.
Password – type “x”
SSL Support: Type 'y' for SSL connection, else 'n'.
Do you want to use Nicehash – type “n”
Do you want to use multiple mining pools? Reply with 'n'.
The software should now start mining. When it confirms 'logged into mining_pool:port', you may close the mining software. Check the storage location of the miner for text files named cpu.txt, nvidia.txt, amd.txt, as well as config.txt and pools.txt files. The upcoming sections will discuss editing these files to optimize individual mining components and enable/disable certain hardware from mining.
Pool configuration
Your pools.txt is now configured, but let's review manual configuration. Open pools.txt to see a layout resembling this.
(note the picture is from my How to mine AEON tutorial )
To switch servers, modify the pool_address entry. Update the wallet address by changing the wallet_address field, leaving rig_id blank, and adjusting pool_password according to the pool specifics.
At the bottom, you must specify the currency for XMR-Stak. It supports various Cryptonight coins, so input the coin's name per the text file list. If the desired coin isn’t listed, verify its algorithm and use that for currency input. Generally, whattomine calculators list algorithms, or you can find details on the coin’s official site.
CPU Mining
Regarding CPU mining, the Cryptonight algorithm is the most effective when using a CPU. For CPU mining, choices include xmr-stak or xmrig. Precompiled binaries for xmr-stak are only on Windows, whereas xmrig caters to both Windows and Linux users.
You can download xmr-stak at https://github.com/fireice-uk/xmr-stak/releases
You can download xmrig CPU at https://github.com/xmrig/xmrig/releases
We're opting for xmr-stak in this tutorial.
Following the primary setup, we're set to begin mining. Fine-tune the generated cpu.txt settings to maximize hash rates.
In my experience, xmr-stak efficiently creates optimal settings for CPU mining. Comments in the cpu.txt file are informative, offering insights into possible performance enhancements.
Once cpu.txt is configured, create a batch file to initiate the program.
Craft a new batch file in the miner’s folder and insert the following code.
xmr-stak.exe optional_flags
If you want the machine to mine with both the CPU and any GPUs, leave 'optional_flags' blank, or use the following...
--noCPU This option stops CPU mining.
--noNVIDIA This option prevents Nvidia GPUs from mining.
--noAMD This option stops AMD GPUs from mining.
For example, my setup is:
xmr-stak.exe --noNVIDIA
Run the batch file by double-clicking it and observe similar output.
To check your mining speed, press the 'h' key when the mining software is active.
GPU Mining – Nvidia
For Nvidia GPU mining, opt between xmr-stak or xmrig. While xmr-stak is Windows-specific, xmrig supports both Windows and Linux, with source codes for Linux compilation if necessary.
You can download xmr-stak at https://github.com/fireice-uk/xmr-stak/releases
You can download xmrig Nvidia at https://github.com/xmrig/xmrig-nvidia/releases
We're opting for xmr-stak in this tutorial.
Post-initial setup, one essential task is to adjust the nvidia.txt to reach peak hash rates.
Generally, the software auto-generates superb configurations for GPUs. However, some tweaking can enhance performance, as detailed in nvidia.txt comments.
With nvidia.txt ready, proceed to make a startup batch file for running the program.
Craft a new batch file in the miner’s folder and insert the following code.
xmr-stak.exe optional_flags
If you want the machine to mine with both the CPU and any GPUs, leave 'optional_flags' blank, or use the following...
--noCPU This option stops CPU mining.
--noNVIDIA This option prevents Nvidia GPUs from mining.
--noAMD This option stops AMD GPUs from mining.
For example, my setup is:
xmr-stak.exe --noCPU
Run the batch file by double-clicking it and observe similar output.
To check your mining speed, press the 'h' key when the mining software is active.
GPU Mining – AMD
For AMD GPU mining, options include xmr-stak, xmrig, Cast XMR, or Claymore’s Cryptonote AMD miner.
You can download xmr-stak at https://github.com/fireice-uk/xmr-stak/releases
You can download xmrig Nvidia at https://github.com/xmrig/xmrig-nvidia/releases
You can download Cast XMR at https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=2256917.0;all
Claymore’s Cryptonote AMD miner is downloadable at... https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=638915.0
We're opting for xmr-stak in this tutorial.
After setup, tweak the amd.txt settings for the best hash rates.
Tuning AMD GPUs can improve performance slightly beyond the auto-generated settings. For example, my Vega system required dual threads per GPU. Comments in amd.txt offer extensive guidance on optimizing settings.
Upon configuring amd.txt, the next step is to create a startup batch file.
Craft a new batch file in the miner’s folder and insert the following code.
xmr-stak.exe optional_flags
If you want the machine to mine with both the CPU and any GPUs, leave 'optional_flags' blank, or use the following...
--noCPU This option stops CPU mining.
--noNVIDIA This option prevents Nvidia GPUs from mining.
--noAMD This option stops AMD GPUs from mining.
For example, my setup is:
xmr-stak.exe --noCPU
Run the batch file by double-clicking it and observe similar output.
To check your mining speed, press the 'h' key when the mining software is active.
Should issues arise, insufficient virtual memory might be the cause. Adjust memory by navigating to Control Panel -> System and Security -> System, and click Advanced system settings. Under the Advanced tab, click settings, then change on the third screen. Deselect automatic management, choose custom size, and specify the size in MB for both fields. Confirm using set, then OK.
General Troubleshooting
Watch for stale or rejected shares, as they may signal the need for server adjustment or reduced mining intensity.
How much BCN will I earn per day?
To figure this out, you would go to http://whattomine.com and utilize their calculator. Most coins have a calculator available, including Bytecoin, accessible at... https://whattomine.com/coins/103-bcn-cryptonight Keep in mind, this calculator offers estimates, and the actual payout may vary.
Most fields in the calculator are accurate by default, necessitating only minor edits for value adjustments.
Hash rate: Input the combined speed of your mining machines in hashes per second, using the 15-minute average for accuracy. Remember to sum up the speeds of all devices you're using for Bytecoin mining.
A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners on How to Dive into Bytecoin (BCN) Mining
Is jumping into Bytecoin BCN mining worthwhile? What are the steps involved? Explore our Beginner's Guide to Mining Bytecoin effortlessly using your own Computer's CPU or GPU
Beginner’s Comprehensive Guide to Bytecoin BCN Mining Unveiled
Although Monero is widely known, Bytecoin actually predates it, and it's particularly fascinating due to its massive circulation reaching a whopping 184,470,000,000 coins.
With a solid understanding of Bytecoin under our belts, it's time to roll up our sleeves and start mining some BCN!
- Before we kick off this tutorial, I'd like to share a couple of useful tips to enhance your mining experience. Firstly, ensure your GPU drivers are up-to-date for optimal performance. Secondly, be aware that most mining software tends to be flagged by antivirus programs as a threat. If you plan to mine on a computer you use daily or for gaming purposes, especially ones with antivirus software, you’ll need to exempt the mining software. My personal approach is to create a single folder where all my mining software resides in subfolders, and then I exclude this top-level folder, effectively bypassing the antivirus concern for everything within it.
- To get started, we require a mining pool. Solo mining is an option, albeit with potentially lengthy payout intervals based on your mining setup’s power. Mining pools generally impose a negligible fee, often hovering at 1% or lower. Pools offer the convenience of frequent, consistent payouts throughout the day.
- Among the myriad of pools available for Bytecoin, I settled on
A wide selection of server options is also on offer
With our pool at the ready, it's time to fine-tune the mining software!
5Comments
Hey, thanks for the share.
Close the window indicating the necessity for administrative privileges.
Thanks
You'll then be taken through a series of guided steps for the inaugural software setup. This setup process is a one-time ritual.
you would need the Antminer X3
https://shop.bitmain.com/product/detail?pid=000201803132107063379CD35Gxy064F
During these setup steps, you’ll encounter prompts asking:
Choose a port for enabling remote monitoring, typically 8000 or 3000 find use on most home networks. Later, monitoring your mining computers involves entering this chosen computer's IP and chosen port into a web browser on a network-connected device to access detailed speed reports.
Thank you for your comment.
When prompted for Currency, type 'cryptonight.'
Thanks, Ben.
Hi Ben
Input the Pool Address as the specified address and port of your chosen mining pool. I, for instance, entered us.bytecoin-pool.org:3333, eu.bytecoin-pool.org:3333, asia.bytecoin-pool.org:3333, or ru.bytecoin-pool.org:3333.
For Username, enter your Bytecoin public address.
Respond with 'y' if you prefer SSL support for a secured connection, otherwise enter 'n'.
When asked about using multiple pools, type 'n'.
Hi Zach,
With the software ready to mine, await confirmation that says 'logged into mining_pool:port', then safely close the mining software. Upon checking the miner's directory, you should spot text files tailored for your CPU and graphics card (either Nvidia or AMD) named cpu.txt, nvidia.txt, and amd.txt, respectively, along with a config.txt and pools.txt. In ensuing sections, we'll delve into adjusting each mining component’s text files and how to disable certain GPU brands or the CPU from mining.