Crypto mining
Mining is how proof-of-work networks secure themselves and issue new coins. These guides cover the hardware, economics, and tax considerations so you can decide whether mining (or staking) fits your goals.
MiningWhat Is a Crypto Mining Rig and How to Build One?
A crypto mining rig is a custom computer, usually 4 to 6 GPUs on an open-air frame, built to run mining software nonstop. Since Ethereum moved to proof-of-stake in 2022, GPU rigs mine coins like Ravencoin, Ergo, Flux and Ethereum Classic; Bitcoin needs ASICs. It only pays with electricity under about $0.10 per kWh: an RTX 4090 clears roughly $1 to $3 a day.
Heidi ChakosMining
MiningHow to Mine Monero (XMR): Tools, Setups, and Rewards
You can mine Monero with the CPU in your computer thanks to its CPU-friendly RandomX algorithm. Download XMRig from its official GitHub, point it at a pool like SupportXMR or P2Pool with your XMR address, enable huge pages, and let it run. Every block pays 0.6 XMR forever. Profitability hinges on electricity: under ~$0.08/kWh you earn a little, above $0.10/kWh you likely lose money.
Heidi ChakosMining
MiningWhat Happens When All The Bitcoin Is Mined?
When all 21 million Bitcoin are mined, around 2140, block rewards stop and miners earn only transaction fees, a gradual handoff driven by halvings every four years. As of January 2026 about 19.6 million BTC (93.3%) already exist, with roughly 450 new coins a day at the 3.125 BTC reward. Security will then depend on fees being worth enough to keep miners running.
16 min read/Heidi ChakosMining
MiningMost Profitable Cryptocurrencies to Mine in 2026
There is no single most profitable cryptocurrency to mine in 2026; it depends on your hardware, electricity rate, and network difficulty. Bitcoin pays best for ASIC operations with cheap power, Litecoin and Dogecoin merge-mine on Scrypt ASICs, Ethereum Classic and Ravencoin suit existing GPU rigs, and Monero is the main CPU option. Run a calculator like WhatToMine before buying hardware.
Heidi ChakosMiningMiningStart Crypto Mining Today: Every Beginner Needs to Know 2025
Beginners can still mine crypto now, but not Bitcoin profitably at home. Start with a CPU or GPU coin, work out your electricity cost per kWh before buying anything, and treat mining as a paid hobby rather than an income plan. Mined coins are usually taxable at receipt, so keep records from day one.
Heidi ChakosMining
MiningStaking vs Mining: What’s the Difference, and Which Is Better for You?
Staking suits most people; mining only pays with cheap power and capital. Mining (Proof of Work) needs ASIC or GPU hardware, technical skill, and $2,000 to $15,000 or more upfront. Staking (Proof of Stake) needs only coins, starts from around $50, and pays roughly 3 to 20 percent APY with lock-up and slashing risks. Choose mining only with power under $0.08/kWh.
21 min read/Heidi ChakosMiningMiningCrypto Mining Taxes in 2025: A Comprehensive Guide for U.S. Traders
In the US, mined crypto is ordinary income at its fair market value on the day you receive it, and selling it later triggers a second, capital gains event. Business miners file Schedule C, pay self-employment tax and can deduct electricity, hardware depreciation, pool and hosting fees; hobby miners report the income but get no deductions. The proposed 30% mining excise tax never became law.
Heidi ChakosMiningMiningWhat Do You Need to Mine Cryptocurrency? Your Essential Guide
To mine cryptocurrency you need mining hardware matched to the coin (an ASIC for Bitcoin, a GPU or CPU for smaller coins), mining software, a wallet you control for payouts, a mining pool account and, above all, cheap electricity with enough cooling. Power cost is what decides whether you make or lose money, so work that out before buying anything.
Heidi ChakosFAQ
Is crypto mining still profitable for beginners?
It depends on electricity cost, hardware efficiency, coin choice, and difficulty. Many beginners overestimate returns — run the numbers before buying a rig.
How is mining different from staking?
Mining uses computational work (proof-of-work); staking locks coins to help secure proof-of-stake networks. Different capital, risk, and operational profiles.