If you want to tinker around with a fake form of cryptomining that actually provides some social benefit, Folding@Home has been a long-time favorite. The platform provides for the decentralized approach to protein-folding, which has become essential for advanced medical research. By identifying traits of proteins and what happens when they are changed, medical researchers can identify and model out both possibilities as well as ramifications that can lead to new pharmaceuticals or treatments.

Yah, Yah, Get to the Mining Part

So, once you have your system set up by installing the software from the Folding@Home page, depending on your PC and operating system, then you can get started. The latest version of the software, FAH 8.x is a huge leap forward. While the Windows side has long-enjoyed a GUI approach, the Linux-side has had to settle for a CLI approach many times. Version 8 gets rid of the CLI (but you can still do it if you want), and provides a nice web page approach GUI that accesses controls and management all in one.

Now, there are multiple coins or tokens one can mine for with Folding, and the most popular of those for the last few years has been Banano. However, RaiBlocksOne is also available. A fork of NANO, RaiBlocksOne easily transits quickly and smoothly, and you can start earning within 12 hours of setting up Folding and starting successful completion of work units with the software. Here’s my first payment after CPU-folding alone started yesterday. I’m going to ramp it up with a GPU addition this weekend.

Obviously, better GPUs produce more results and higher pay, but even those with basic computers can fold a bit with CPU work alone. It’s not recommended, since even Folding can put wear on a CPU, but if you keep the activity down to 3 cores, the temperature range is tolerable and produces results. Most other tokens with XMRIG and similar don’t produce anything below 10 cores being active.

Is It Really Cryptomining?

Again, technically, you’re not hashing anything. Your software is folding proteins, and your account gets paid for the work. That said, it’s close to the same, and the results produced are valuable crypto. So, unless you’re a purist, Folding for RaiBlocksOne can add to your portfolio while you sleep just as well as anything else.

Don’t Forget a RaiOne Wallet

Also, when it comes time to put your earnings somewhere, you need a RaiOne wallet. In fact, your wallet address is how you’re identified in the Folding network when it comes time to get paid. XROVault or RaiOne-Vault is a good option for a basic starter, providing you the ability to have multiple accounts and manage everything online. So, what are you waiting for? Get folding!