It Turns Out You Can Even Mine Crypto With a Commodore 64

Forget asking "Will it run Doom?", what we all want to know is "Will it mine for BitCoin?" and, in the case of the Commodore C64, it does. Just not particularly well.

Mine Crypto on Your C64

According to YouTuber 8-Bit Show and Tell (as spotted by Techradar), it is wholly possible to mine for crypto using one of Commodore's most popular home computers; the Commodore 64. Check out the video below to see how well the C64 performs with processing those hash functions...

As you can see, while you can mine crypto on your 1982 home computer, you will not be the next Lode Runner. In fact, you won't make a cent.

Actually, Don't Mine Crypto on Your C64

Before you excitedly tear your Commodore 64 down from the attic, be aware that mining crypto on a C64 is going to cost you more than you'll make.

There are several reasons for this, as the video explains. First, the C64 is incapable of performing the complex 32-bit calculations required to mine for crypto efficiently (perhaps they should test the C64's 32-bit sibling, the Amiga 500+ instead—they might have made a bit of cash).

Second, the energy required to mine for crypto is obviously going to cost you money. This will vary depending on your energy tariff and where you live. However, you won't make as much mining with your Commodore 64 as you will spend on energy.

So, mining for crypto on your C64 probably isn't the way to go, unless you hook it up to a solar powered generator or something ridiculous.

What Else Can You Use to Mine for Crypto?

Let's face it, just as with running Doom on a pocket calculator, if someone can hack a device to mine for crypto, they will. And they have. Irrespective of whether there is actually any profit to be made from the exercise.

8-Bit Show and Tell isn't the only person to mine using wholly inappropriate devices. In the past, other miners have turned to phones, tablets, and household appliances in order to mine for crypto. Whether or not they were profitable is another matter.

Do You Mine for Crypto?

It is unlikely you're using a Commodore 64 for mining, if so. It is an incredibly inefficient way to do so, considering there are much faster options out there.

If you don't mine for cryptocurrency but are interested in learning how, it is advisable to take a more conventional route rather than trying to hack your dishwasher to join the digital Goldrush.

source https://www.makeuseof.com/mine-crypto-commodore-64/