Mining Zcash or Bitcoin Gold in 2018: A Comprehensive Guide

　　In 2018, the cryptocurrency market experienced a significant surge, with Bitcoin reaching an all-time high of nearly $20,000. As a result, many individuals were interested in mining cryptocurrencies to capitalize on the potential profits. Among the various cryptocurrencies available, Zcash and Bitcoin Gold emerged as popular choices for miners. This article will provide a comprehensive guide on mining Zcash or Bitcoin Gold in 2018.

　　What is Mining?

　　Mining is the process of validating and adding new transactions to a blockchain. Miners use powerful computers to solve complex mathematical problems, and in return, they are rewarded with cryptocurrency. The process of mining is essential for maintaining the security and integrity of the blockchain network.

　　Zcash and Bitcoin Gold: A Brief Overview

　　Zcash is a decentralized and open-source cryptocurrency that offers enhanced privacy features. It was launched in October 2016 and has since gained popularity among privacy-conscious users. On the other hand, Bitcoin Gold is a fork of Bitcoin that aims to improve the mining process by using the Equihash algorithm, which is more ASIC-resistant than Bitcoin's SHA-256 algorithm.

　　Why Mine Zcash or Bitcoin Gold in 2018?

　　1. Privacy: Zcash's privacy features made it an attractive option for miners who value their anonymity. In 2018, the demand for privacy-focused cryptocurrencies increased, leading to a surge in Zcash's price.

　　2. ASIC Resistance: Bitcoin Gold's use of the Equihash algorithm made it more ASIC-resistant than Bitcoin. This meant that miners could use a wider range of hardware, including GPUs, to mine Bitcoin Gold, making it more accessible to the average miner.

　　3. Market Potential: In 2018, both Zcash and Bitcoin Gold experienced significant price increases, offering miners the potential for substantial profits.

　　How to Mine Zcash or Bitcoin Gold in 2018

　　1. Choose the Right Hardware: To mine Zcash or Bitcoin Gold, you'll need a powerful computer equipped with a GPU or an ASIC miner. In 2018, GPUs were more cost-effective for mining Zcash, while ASIC miners were more suitable for Bitcoin Gold.

　　2. Select a Mining Pool: Mining pools are groups of miners who work together to increase their chances of finding a block. Joining a mining pool can help you earn more consistently. In 2018, popular mining pools for Zcash included ZcashPool and NiceHash, while Bitcoin Gold miners could join pools like BTGPool and Poolin.

　　3. Install Mining Software: Once you've chosen a mining pool, you'll need to install mining software. For Zcash, popular software options included ZcashMiner and Claymore's ZcashMiner, while Bitcoin Gold miners could use CGMiner or EasyMiner.

　　4. Configure Your Mining Rig: To start mining, you'll need to configure your mining rig by entering your wallet address and mining pool details into the mining software. Ensure that your rig is properly cooled and powered to prevent hardware damage.

　　5. Monitor Your Performance: Keep an eye on your mining rig's performance to ensure that it's running efficiently. In 2018, miners could use monitoring tools like CGMiner or EasyMiner to track their hashrate, power consumption, and profitability.

　　6. Stay Informed: The cryptocurrency market is highly volatile, so it's crucial to stay informed about the latest trends and news. Keep an eye on the prices of Zcash and Bitcoin Gold, as well as the performance of your mining rig, to make informed decisions.

　　In conclusion, mining Zcash or Bitcoin Gold in 2018 was a viable option for those looking to capitalize on the cryptocurrency market's potential. By choosing the right hardware, joining a mining pool, and staying informed, miners could have earned substantial profits. However, it's essential to keep in mind that mining requires significant investment in hardware and electricity, and the profitability of mining can vary greatly depending on market conditions.

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