Cryptocurrency mining involves validating cryptocurrency transactions on a blockchain network and adding them to a distributed ledger. Mining also creates new coins and prevents the double-spending of digital currency. To mine cryptocurrency, one needs specialized hardware, such as a GPU or an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) miner. The GPUs in the mining rig must be connected to a reliable internet connection at all times. Each crypto miner is also required to be a member of an online crypto mining pool and the coin that they want to mine.

Bitcoin mining is the process by which new bitcoins are entered into circulation. It is also the way the network confirms new transactions and is a critical process for matters such as forking. Bitcoin mining can be quite taxing, as it requires very high computing power to solve complex mathematical equations to verify transactions and add them to the blockchain. There are three ways to obtain bitcoins: purchasing them on the exchange market, accepting bitcoin in exchange for goods and services, or mining new bitcoins.

There are several ways to mine cryptocurrency. GPU mining uses one or more advanced graphics processing units (GPUs), commonly known as graphics cards, which provide considerable mining power but at a somewhat high up-front cost. CPU mining uses a computer's central processing unit (CPU), which doesn't have nearly as much mining power as ASICs and GPUs, making profits from CPU mining minimal. ASICs are specialized hardware designed specifically for cryptocurrency mining. They offer higher hash rates than GPUs or CPUs but come with higher upfront costs.

To start mining cryptocurrency, one needs specialized hardware, reliable internet connection, membership in an online crypto-mining pool, and software that allows you to connect your hardware with your chosen blockchain network. One also needs a crypto wallet to receive rewards from their mined coins.