> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.parallaxprotocol.org/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Mining with your CPU

> Beginner-friendly guide on how to start mining using the built-in CPU miner.

Mining is how new coins are created and how transactions are secured on the Parallax network. The Parallax client comes with a **built-in CPU miner**, which makes it easy to start mining without installing extra software.

***

## Prerequisites

* You have already installed and started the [Parallax client](../client/setup).
* Your client is synced or actively syncing with the Parallax network.

***

## Step-by-step Guide

<Steps>
  <Step title="Create or unlock an account">
    Before you can mine, you need a Parallax account (address) to receive rewards.

    * If you already use [MetaMask with Parallax](../wallets/metamask), you can use one of those addresses.
    * To quickly generate a new account with the client, run:

    ```bash theme={null}
    ./prlx account new
    ```

    You’ll be asked to create a password. **Keep this safe!**

    Copy the address that is generated — you’ll need it in the next step.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Start mining">
    Run the Parallax client with the `--mine` flag and point it to your account:

    ```bash theme={null}
    ./prlx --mine --miner.coinbase <YOUR_ADDRESS>
    ```

    Replace `<YOUR_ADDRESS>` with the account you created in the previous step.

    Example:

    ```bash theme={null}
    ./prlx --mine --miner.coinbase 0x1234abcd...
    ```

    <Note>
      `--miner.coinbase` tells the node where to send mining rewards.
    </Note>

    <Tip>
      If you are using MetaMask, don't forget to include `--http` when starting the Parallax client. You can find more details on the [Setting up MetaMask](../wallets/metamask) guide.
    </Tip>

    <Tip>
      You can specify how many CPU threads to use when mining with `--miner.threads N`, where `N` is the number of threads. Set to `0` to use all available threads.
    </Tip>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Check mining status">
    Once running, the client will show logs about new work being generated and accepted.

    To confirm mining is active, look for messages like:

    ```
    ⛏️ Working on new block template
    🔷 Block found 
    ```
  </Step>
</Steps>

***

## Where do rewards go?

* Mining rewards are automatically sent to the **coinbase account** you specified.
* These rewards will be credited to your account once the block you mined reach enough maturity (100 blocks on top of the one you mined).
* You can view your balance in MetaMask (if using the same account) or with:

```bash theme={null}
./prlx attach --exec "eth.getBalance('<YOUR_ADDRESS>')"
```

***

## Tips & Troubleshooting

* If your node isn’t syncing, mining will not produce valid blocks. Wait until sync is caught up.
* CPU mining is slow — don’t expect big rewards. For better performance, look into GPU mining.
* Make sure your node stays online; if you close the client, mining stops.

***

✨ You’re now mining on the Parallax network with your CPU!