Aleo Mining Guide: How to Mine on Testnet3 with GPU

Aleo is a next-generation Layer-1 blockchain platform leveraging zero-knowledge proofs (ZKPs) to enable scalable and privacy-preserving decentralized applications. Built for confidentiality and efficiency, Aleo uses a hybrid consensus mechanism called AleoBFT, combining Proof-of-Work (PoW) for generating zk-SNARK proofs and Proof-of-Stake (PoS) for real-time block finality.

During the Testnet3 phase, miners can contribute computational power to help secure the network and earn potential future rewards. One of the major mining pools supporting Aleo Testnet3 is f2pool, which allows users to participate using GPU-based mining rigs.

⚠️ Important Note: After Testnet3 concludes, f2pool will distribute rewards based on Aleo’s official reward allocation rules and individual mining scores. All reward eligibility is subject to Aleo’s final policies. Additionally, KYC verification will be required to claim testnet block rewards upon mainnet launch. If f2pool does not pass Aleo’s KYC certification, miners may not receive their due rewards. Service restrictions also apply to regions excluded under Aleo’s compliance framework.

Hardware and Software Requirements for Aleo Mining

Before starting, ensure your system meets the technical specifications for efficient Aleo mining.

✅ Recommended Mining Setup

GPU: NVIDIA graphics card with at least 6GB VRAM (e.g., RTX 3060, 3070, or higher)
Driver: NVIDIA driver version 515 or newer
CPU: 8 cores per GPU (e.g., 16 cores for 2 GPUs)
RAM: 8GB per GPU (e.g., 16GB for 2 GPUs)
Storage: At least 128GB SSD for fast read/write operations
Operating System: Ubuntu 18.04–20.04 Server Edition (no GUI)

This configuration ensures optimal performance when generating zero-knowledge proofs, a resource-intensive process central to Aleo’s PoW mechanism.

👉 Start mining Aleo efficiently with the right setup and tools today.

Step-by-Step: Setting Up Your Aleo Miner

Step 1: Register an f2pool Account

Aleo mining on f2pool uses a username-based system. You’ll need to register and obtain a unique username.

Go to the official f2pool signup page.
Complete registration by providing necessary details.
Log in and navigate to your account dashboard to find your username.

This username will be used later in your mining configuration file (config.cfg). While rewards are accumulated automatically during Testnet3, wallet binding functionality is currently disabled and will be activated only after mainnet launch.

💡 Tip: Use a secure password and enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for added account protection.

Step 2: Download and Configure Mining Software

The mining software required for Aleo Testnet3 includes CUDA-compatible prover tools designed for NVIDIA GPUs.

🔧 Configuration File: `config.cfg`

After downloading and extracting the mining package, locate the config.cfg file. You'll need to modify two key parameters:

Option A: Connect via Non-SSL Pool Address

Edit the following lines in config.cfg:

ACCOUNT_NAME=your_f2pool_username.worker_name
POOL="aleo-asia.f2pool.com:4400"

Replace your_f2pool_username with your actual f2pool account name.
worker_name should be a short identifier (up to 15 characters, lowercase letters or digits only).

Option B: Connect via SSL-Encrypted Tunnel (Recommended for Security)

For enhanced security, use SSL encryption via stunnel.

Install stunnel4:
```
sudo apt-get install stunnel4
```
Create the configuration file:
```
sudo nano /etc/stunnel/stunnel.conf
```

Add the following content:

[aleo]
client = yes
accept = 127.0.0.1:4400
connect = aleo-asia.f2pool.com:4400

Enable and start stunnel:

sudo systemctl enable stunnel4
sudo systemctl start stunnel4

Now, keep the POOL address in config.cfg as:

POOL="127.0.0.1:4400"

Using SSL helps protect your connection from potential eavesdropping or man-in-the-middle attacks.

Step 3: Launch the Mining Process

Once configured:

Transfer aleo_setup.sh, aleo-prover-cuda, and config.cfg to the same directory on your miner.
Run the setup script:
```
sudo ./aleo_setup.sh
```
This generates two helper scripts: start_aleo.sh and stop_aleo.sh.
Verify the setup succeeded:
```
ps aux | grep aleo
```

Check prover.log after about 3 minutes. Successful output looks like:

2022-12-09 00:19:41.041 INFO 2.1.2 474322 perf: 870059 (1m: 1319.02 P/s, 5m: 1317.87 P/s)
2022-12-09 00:20:41.042 INFO 2.1.2 474322 perf: 949274 (1m: 1320.25 P/s, 5m: 1318.25 P/s)

Start mining:
```
./start_aleo.sh
```
To stop:
```
./stop_aleo.sh
```

The script enables automatic startup on boot, ensuring continuous operation.

👉 Maximize your mining efficiency with secure, optimized configurations.

Understanding Aleo Testnet3 Rewards and Eligibility

While active mining contributes to network stability, it's essential to understand how rewards work during this phase.

Mining Score: f2pool tracks your contribution via a scoring system based on computational work.
Reward Distribution: Final allocation depends entirely on Aleo’s official policy post-Testnet3.
KYC Requirement: To receive any future mainnet rewards, both the pool and individual miners may need to undergo identity verification.
Regional Restrictions: f2pool complies with Aleo’s geographic limitations and may block access from sanctioned regions.

There is no guarantee that testnet participation will result in token distribution, but active involvement increases chances of eligibility if rewards are issued.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Is Aleo mining profitable in Testnet3?

A: Since no tokens are currently distributed during Testnet3, direct profitability isn’t measurable. However, consistent participation may improve eligibility for future incentive programs or airdrops upon mainnet launch.

Q: Can I use AMD GPUs for Aleo mining?

A: As of now, official mining software only supports NVIDIA CUDA-enabled GPUs. AMD GPU support is not available in the current testnet phase.

Q: What happens if f2pool fails Aleo’s KYC process?

A: If f2pool does not meet Aleo’s KYC requirements at mainnet launch, it cannot redeem testnet block rewards — meaning miners using this pool may lose access to potential future payouts.

Q: How often should I check my mining logs?

A: It’s recommended to monitor prover.log daily during initial setup and weekly thereafter to ensure stable hashrate and detect errors early.

Q: Does Aleo support solo mining?

A: Currently, most participants mine through pools like f2pool due to low individual success rates in solving proofs. Solo mining is technically possible but not practical for most users.

Q: Will there be a mainnet mining guide?

A: Yes — once Aleo launches its mainnet, updated guides will be released detailing wallet integration, reward claiming, and long-term mining strategies.

Final Thoughts and Best Practices

Mining on Aleo Testnet3 offers an early opportunity to engage with a privacy-focused Layer-1 blockchain using cutting-edge zero-knowledge cryptography. While financial returns aren’t immediate, technical experience gained now could provide strategic advantages later.

To maximize your impact:

Maintain stable hardware performance
Keep software updated
Monitor official Aleo announcements
Prioritize secure connections (use SSL where possible)

Whether you're exploring ZKPs, preparing for future token opportunities, or contributing to decentralized privacy infrastructure, participating in Aleo’s development cycle is a forward-looking move.

👉 Stay ahead in blockchain innovation — explore tools and insights that power next-gen mining success.