ESP32 Mining Monero | Hopes, Dreams, and Hashrates Unleashed
A growing coalition of tech enthusiasts is increasingly curious about the practicalities of employing ESP32 microcontrollers for mining Monero. As discussions heat up, many users are trying to balance power consumption against possible returns, questioning how far these devices can go in the mining game.
Breaking Down the Buzz
The conversation kicked off when users began critically evaluating the hashrate capabilities of the ESP32. With Monero's Random X algorithm demanding several complex steps—generating code, executing it for salt, and encoding that salt with AES for hashing—many speculate about the feasibility of effective mining.
New comments suggest that one user managed to run an ESP32 miner and reported a hashrate of around 14 H/s while using a Pico W board emulating ESP32 functionality. This revelation sparks a new angle on the potential of these low-cost microcontrollers. However, the practicalities of earning any profit remain bleak. As one user pointed out, "The device will be using more power consumption than what it can profit."
Interestingly, a comparison arose between the performance of ESP32 and older laptop processors, with one user stating that their i5 2520M could manage 400 H/s. This adds to the growing debate: can the ESP32 genuinely compete with established hardware, or is it just wishful thinking? Reactions range from optimism for experimental tech projects to skepticism about actual profitability.
Insights from the Community
The sentiment within the community melds a mix of adventurous experimentation and grounded pragmatism. Here are the key themes:
Performance Doubts: Users widely express skepticism about attaining any impactful hashrate, often estimating around 14 H/s or even 400 H/s for comparison.
Experimental Enthusiasm: Many find joy in exploring the project’s potential, treating it more like a hobby than a serious income source. A member noted, "Worth it for fun, not worth it for profit."
Solo vs. Pool Mining: There's ongoing debate about the viability of solo mining versus pool mining. Users suggest that if an ESP32 device were configured to connect to a personal Monero node, the theoretical chance of hitting a block exists. One contributor admitted, "If you mine solo, your device could technically earn a block worth approx. $240, but it’s a lottery at best."
"If you can run it for a year straight without stopping, your odds of hitting a block would be the same as buying a single lottery ticket," one comment humorously summarized the chances of success.
Community Dynamics and Current Status
As of now, conversations swirl with no clear resolution on whether mining Monero with ESP32 is notable or merely a philosophical exploration. Technological limitations appear to be holding most back from committing significant resources. Yet, the thirst for experimentation isn’t waning, as users remain intrigued by findings yet to reveal.
Takeaways to Keep in Mind
▽ One user reported achieving 14 H/s on an ESP32 setup using a Pico W.
★ "The device will be using more power consumption than what it can profit," sums up user sentiments on profitability.
✓ Solo mining may hold more promise than pool mining, albeit with slim chances of success.
The road ahead for utilizing ESP32 in Monero mining is still rocky. As community discussions evolve, those with a penchant for tinkering might find opportunities worth exploring. Keeping an ear to the ground on updates and grassroots projects could prove beneficial in discovering uncharted territory.
For a deeper dive into cryptocurrency mining, consider visiting CoinMarketCap or Wikipedia.
Stay tuned for more insights as the conversation progresses!