Why does my cpu hash at H/s when it can mine in kH/s with other coins?

[CyberGreen]

I'm talking about Monero. I'm sure it has something to do with the set/actual diff. or something  but I can't help but feel as though I'm not able to use my cpu's full potential.. I'm not going to buy new mining hardware if I don't have to.

Any insight would be greatly appreciated!!

[andrew2k]

I'm talking about Monero. I'm sure it has something to do with the set/actual diff. or something  but I can't help but feel as though I'm not able to use my cpu's full potential.. I'm not going to buy new mining hardware if I don't have to.

Any insight would be greatly appreciated!!

Different cryptocoins use different algorithms. To make it simple: when you mine one of those coins where you have a speed of several Kh/s, the algorithm requires the CPU to do hashes (calculations) that are simpler (like 1+1) but when it comes to Monero (as you said) the hashes are much more complicated (like 44+332^2+sqrt(log 345345) for example). Because of these differences your CPU won't be able to do the math as fast with all coins so you will get different hashrates.

[eckmar]

I'm talking about Monero. I'm sure it has something to do with the set/actual diff. or something  but I can't help but feel as though I'm not able to use my cpu's full potential.. I'm not going to buy new mining hardware if I don't have to.

Any insight would be greatly appreciated!!

Just as andrew2k explained. If you want to make comparisons between coins look at algorithm. Coins with same algorithm will have same hashing units (h/s, kh/s,mh/s ...)