System Features
Computing power, stability of mining applications and operating algorithms have a great influence on the profitability of equipment. The main goal of the running program (software) is to ensure uninterrupted operation of mining devices and connect the equipment to the network. Miners are forced to join pools where, without high-quality software, the process of obtaining virtual coins is ineffective.
Mining coins under Linux and its versions (Hive OS, Ubuntu) is almost identical to working on Windows. Their use requires the installation of a suitable utility. The application is downloaded from the official resource or selected from well-known programs synchronized with the pool. The priority is a multifunctional program with the option of monitoring the operation of the installation and providing statistical information (temperature, hashrate, cooler speed).
Mined coins should be stored in secure electronic wallets:
- Ledger Nano S is a multi-platform hardware wallet suitable for any OS.
- Electrum for Windows, Mac OS and Linux.
- Breadwallet is an electronic application designed for iOS.
- Mycelium is a popular option for Android OS.
- Jaxx is a cold multi-currency wallet for all operating systems.
buy cryptocurrency
Experts recommend using paid services (KeepKey, Trezor hardware storage, etc.) that guarantee a high degree of security. If the device ends up in the wrong hands, access to the tokens will be denied.
Pros and cons of mining on Linux
There are many Linux OS distributions on the Internet that have excellent customization flexibility and significant advantages. The best version of Linux for Ethereum mining is Hive OS, which takes up less video card memory compared to Windows. There are no problems with forced updates and licensing. Fine-tuning the application ensures reduced power consumption of video cards and stable operation. It is possible to configure the equipment to mine 2–4 types of crypto coins and quickly switch between selected directions.
The Hive OS distribution (Linux) allows you to remotely monitor a mining farm (rig), make the required amendments and regulate current processes. It is recommended to enable sending messages about problems in the farm to a phone number, Skype or Telegram. The Linux Mint build is specifically designed for mining crypto coins and is similar to the operation of standard Windows OS.
Switching to the free Linux operating system is a quick and hassle-free process. The distributions are provided with free access. You will need to download and install the software on your PC without presenting any special parameters. The updated versions are already equipped with built-in driver sets for NVIDIA and AMD for the purpose of mining on Linux.
The only disadvantage of switching to Linux can be considered the need for preliminary study of the functioning of the system.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M943uZLfqdo
Software
The Hive OS platform, which is rapidly gaining popularity, stands apart. Its peculiarity is that it is designed specifically for the extraction of electronic coins. The system supports many specialized top programs for mining cryptocurrencies.
Let's list the main advantages of the OS.
Firstly, there is control for various types of video cards, both NVIDIA and AMD. Secondly, to install Hive OS, a regular 8 GB flash drive is enough. Thirdly, even a beginner can handle basic setup. In addition, simultaneous work with an unlimited number of video cards. And most importantly, control can be carried out remotely.
If you have small capacities, you can mine cryptocurrency for free. Most importantly, starting from the fourth farm you will have to pay $3 for each. But it's worth paying for a specially designed OS. Besides, in my opinion the amount is insignificant.
According to authoritative sources, one of the most effective programs for miners is CGMiner. This program does not have a graphical shell, which is not a problem for Linux users.
All settings of the highly efficient program are carried out manually. Let's look at the main features of the tool.
Firstly, the user can independently configure the overclocking tools. Secondly, there is the possibility of choosing different strategies. Thirdly, it is possible to create artificial delays and so on. In most cases, the user uses an AMD graphics card.
Official download page (clickable)
What you need for mining on Linux
Mining settings on Linux require performing a number of simple steps. To help, step-by-step instructions are offered using the example of Linux Mint, the Ubuntu distribution. The necessary components are discussed using a specific example:
- rigs can be assembled from various equipment (different motherboards, processors, RAM);
- miner (for example, EWBF);
- Linux Mint 18 distribution (64 bit);
- video cards with NVIDIA video outputs.
The distribution assembly can be downloaded for free on the developer’s website. For example, when choosing Ubuntu, the user needs to go to the official resource ubuntu.com/download and click the Download button. The fastest download option is to use torrent files.
The following steps for setting up mining on Linux are suitable for Ubuntu 16.4. To help the user, various forums and contacting the support service are offered, where you can clarify some important details. Let's look at the step-by-step instructions for setting up the OS for mining.
Installation
The process will result in problems if the user decides to install two firmwares at once (dual-boot) with Windows. Then you may need to dance with a tambourine to restore grab (a parsing library for web sites). The NVIDIA driver is installed in one of three ways: through the PPA, a repository, or the official developer resource.
X configuration
You can run nvidia-xconfig from the folder with the program:
You should launch the NVIDIA settings GUI and check the display of all video cards, cooling system management and the ability to edit overclocking settings:
Launching the EWBF miner
First you need to download the www.ewbf.ru . The miner binary is extracted from the archive:
Overclocking is adjusted at performance levels No. 2 and No. 3. Different cards mine at specific levels.
The cooling system is controlled by the following command:
Set the power consumption threshold value (in Watts) for cards via Power limit:
Autorun scripts
Before adding scripts to startup, you need to ensure that the user is automatically connected to the network. In the etc/sudoers file you need to place the commands used for scripts via sudo:
Overclocking an NVIDIA video card
The heat generation threshold should be increased to 116 ˚C, the cooler speed should be set to 100% and the memory frequency should be increased by 100 MHz. The overclocking process is reflected in the screenshot:
Programs for mining cryptocurrency on Linux - Ubuntu miners
Reliable utilities provide efficient mining on Linux. The most popular and popular programs:
- CGMiner is a multifunctional open source CPU system for earning crypto coins on the processor. The application provides control of the cooling system, parameters of operating settings, and remote control of the rig. The simultaneous use of AMD and NVIDIA and analysis of their performance are provided. High hashrate is achieved through the use of the competent NeoScrypt algorithm.
- The BFGMiner application for mining on ASICs running Linux is specially designed to work with integrated computing circuits. Provides the ability to remotely control coolers and the farm, and obtain statistics on the activities of the rig.
- EasyMiner for Linux with a graphical interface. The wrapper program is compatible with other applications and greatly simplifies setting up the miner. The utility is recommended for beginners in the cryptocurrency field, because it has a simple interface and can increase farm productivity. EasyMiner is successfully used in solo mining and for participation in a pool. Support for GetWork and Stratum protocols.
According to reviews from miners about mining cryptocoins on Linux, these programs significantly simplify equipment settings. The utilities are proven, reliable and easy to install.
Miners for Ubuntu
Among the many utilities that provide the ability to mine on Linux, the CGMiner application is in the lead. This popular program is based on the open source CPU Miner, designed for mining cryptocurrencies on the processor.
The advantages of CGMiner lie in the richness of its functions. With its help you can:
- control cooling fans;
- control equipment operating parameters;
- manage the farm remotely;
- simultaneously use several Nvidia or AMD video cards and analyze their performance.
CGMiner interface.
And, most importantly, the program features an effective algorithm, due to which a higher hashrate is achieved.
BFGMiner.
For mining on ASICs running Linux, the BFGMiner application is used. Its difference lies in its specialization for integrated computing circuits. Like CGMiner, the application helps to establish full remote control over the farm. With its help, you can manage coolers, receive complete information regarding the operation of equipment and conduct an intelligent analysis of farm efficiency.
You cannot ignore the miner for Linux with a graphical interface - EasyMiner. This is a shell that can work in conjunction with CGMiner or analogues. Its use makes it easier to configure the miner, so EasyMiner is worth recommending to newcomers to the cryptocurrency market. Thanks to accurate and clear visualization, even an inexperienced user can easily understand the processes inside the farm and be able to optimize its performance. The program supports the Stratum and GerWork Mining protocols and can be successfully used to work as part of a pool and solo mining mode.
Features of settings
You can install mining software from the repository using console commands. This will give the user the latest, most powerful version of the program. For new video cards, distribution kits provide built-in drivers. If the miner has outdated GPUs, the developer’s website will always offer proprietary drivers for downloading and installation. The process is similar to Windows.
GUI applications provide a reliable connection to the pool. Ready-made command line solutions have been developed for console programs.
Why is mining today massively switching from Windows to Linux?
New software solutions deserve attention only if they have superiority over previously used technologies in terms of performance, convenience, cost, etc., making Linux a worthy competitor to Windows.
Pros of mining on Linux:
- High speed of installation and configuration. The Linux image for mining is available for downloading and recording from the network to a USB device (from 2 GB). Loading time on a PC is no more than 5 minutes. OS installation parameters are saved even if the flash drive is transferred from computer to computer multiple times. As soon as the distribution is installed, the system recognizes the video cards and configures them for optimal operating mode.
- Stability. Linux OS is able to function without interruptions, unlike Windows. Self-rebooting and freezing of the PC is almost impossible.
- Comfort to use. Linux is equipped with innovative software that provides the user with remote control over installed rigs (overclocking coolers, hashrate, video card temperature, etc.).
- Quick replacement of the wallet and included miner.
- Support for large rigs. Clear recognition and productive use of 8 GPU cards on one motherboard.
Linux OS is distributed completely free of charge, no activation required. Some assemblies for mining cryptocoins can only be purchased for a fee. You are allowed to independently create a free analogue for the user’s rig.
Where to begin?
It's hard not to have heard of Ethereum. It is the hottest new cryptocurrency and is still growing very strongly. Unlike Bitcoin, Ethereum is still practical to mine and is gaining a ton of people. If you are planning to mine Ethereum, this guide will help you get started using open source tools and Ubuntu.
Ether mining on Ubuntu is very easy to set up even for a beginner.
Before you start, install AMDGPU-PRO on Ubuntu.
