[XPM] The Unofficial Primecoin Overview Thread (all information in one place!)

[mechs]

Hello fellow Primecoin miners.  If you are like me, you are confused by all the different miners, threads, clients and optimizations for Primecoin (XPM) now.  I figured we needed a post with all the aggregate information in one place.

Just as a very brief overview, Primecoin has a bunch of features (which admittedly, other alt-coins have) that are improvements over bitcoin.  The biggest one from a practical standpoint is much faster confirmation times due to 60 second block times (versus 10 minutes for Bitcoin).  This makes it functionally much faster for the  transmission of the primecoins.  However, what makes Primecoin unique from all the other coins (and there are a lot!) is its Proof of Work system actually does something useful (as opposed to a hashing algorithm such as SHA, scrypt, etc), it finds chains of prime numbers.

Specifically it finds the following types of prime chains:
1CC -> Cunningham chain of 1st kind
2CC -> Cunningham chain of 2nd kind
TWN -> bi-twin chain

What I really like about it, is these chains are useful not just for prime number theory but have uses for cryptography.  As we are all part of the crypto-currency revolution, anything that moves forward the science of cryptography enhances the entire eco-system.

For more information on what these chains are useful for:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cunningham_chain
http://mathworld.wolfram.com/BitwinChain.html

To Summarize, the Upsides of Primecoin:
1. # of coins only limited by Moore's law and efficiency of algorithms to find prime number chains.
2. Fast transaction time
3. Proof of Work scientifically relevant
4. No pre-mine, fairly launched on July 7, 2013 at 18:00 UTC

Primecoin Downsides:
1. Since only limit is Moore's law (no set max coin limit), if Moore's law is broken (ie quantum computers), the difficulty may drop in the future.
2. If another more useful PoW is found which meets the criteria of being both
   a. Hard to compute
   b. Easy to verify
   Then interest in the coin will collapse along with it's value
3. If the coin is successful and prime number theorists can use the results to find an equation to predict prime #s, it would essentially break the coin's PoW.  Though, not everyone would view this as a downside due to the enormous scientific value that may provide.

You can find an excellent, much more detailed article explaining primecoin here: http://letstalkbitcoin.com/primecoin-primer/#.UilbJJLbPng

Stats:
Minutes per Block: 1 minute
Current Difficulty: Approx 9.8
Block Reward = 999/Difficulty²
How to mine: Currently CPU only, but a GPU miner in works by mtrtl (forum thread listed below).  Virtual Private Server mining common (VPS)
Creator: Sunny King (same creator as PPCoin)
Primecoin Symbol: XPM
# of Exchanges: 9
Total Coins Minted: 2,064,278 XPM (as of 9/15/2013)

HELPFUL LINKS:

Official Client: https://sourceforge.net/projects/primecoin/files/

Design Paper: http://ppcoin.org/static/primecoin-paper.pdf

Official Site & Forum: http://primecoin.org

Primecoin Blockchain Explorer #1: http://xpm.cryptocoinexplorer.com

Primecoin Blockchain Explorer #2: http://primecoin.21stcenturymoneytalk.org

Primecoin Block Crawler: http://primeblock.kicks-ass.net/block_crawler.php

Cryptometer.org Stats for Primecoin (90 day view): http://cryptometer.org/primecoin_90_day_charts.html

The Primecoin Wiki: http://www.primecoinwiki.com/index.php/Primecoin

Primecoin on Reddit: http://www.reddit.com/r/primecoin

Primecoin News Feed: http://www.primecoinnews.com/

Primecoin News Site: http://www.primecoiner.com/ (has a lot of good info on compiling mikael's high performance miner in linux)

Primecoin Chatroom (on ypool.net): http://ypool.net/chat.php

Primecoin Facebook Fan Page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Primecoin-XPM-Cryptocurrency/199526993546179?fref=ts

Primecoin Wikipedia Article: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Primecoin (help expand it!)

Primecoin Mining Wiki: http://www.xpmwiki.com/

Primecoin Faucet: https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=265191.0 (Post something useful here and maco sends you XPM!)

How to Use Vanitygen to create Vanity Primecoin Addresses and Paper Wallets: https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=251850.msg2716295#msg2716295
         Useful commands:
             To have vanitygen create a Primecoin address:

Code:

vanitygen -F compressed -X 23 A

            For bulk-wallet usage, try this, which will generate 10 addresses:

Code:

./bulkwallet.sh 23 A 10 | ./paperwallet.sh >paperwallet.html

            The View and print the resulting paper wallet in the browser of your choice.
             Link to VanityGen Binaries (x86 & x84): https://github.com/downloads/samr7/vanitygen/vanitygen-0.20-win.zip

Common VPS Miners compatible with primecoin:
Server4you: http://www.server4you.com/  <---currently best price/performance I have found
Amazon EC 2: http://aws.amazon.com/ec2/
Digital Ocean: https://www.digitalocean.com/
Linode: https://www.linode.com/    <--some users report accounts suspended for mining
Ramnode: http://www.ramnode.com/  <--some users report accounts suspended for mining
Warrior VPS: https://www.warriorvps.com/
Hetzner Online Server Auction: https://robot.your-server.de/order/market (not a VPS but useful way to buy server power cheap)
*Please note, with any VPS, your account may be suspended since it may be considered abusive use.  Leasing a dedicated server is the only safe way to avoid suspension but is much more costly.

Prime chain record lists

Dirk Augustin's Cunningham Chain World Record List: http://users.cybercity.dk/~dsl522332/math/Cunningham_Chain_records.htm

Henri Lifchitz's Bi-Twin Chain Record Book: http://www.primenumbers.net/Henri/fr-us/BiTwinRec.htm

Mining Programs

Linux High Performance HP10 Client Mining :  https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=259022.0

High Performance Mining Client by mikaelh (-hp10 version) - most popular for solo mining
Windows x64 binaries
http://sourceforge.net/projects/primecoin-hp/files/0.1.2-hp10/primecoin-0.1.2-hp10-winx64.zip/download
https://mega.co.nz/#!Bp9SGJqY!EldvEiEniFRuHyWI7Abi33ZrdbAID-AfQvKAoJYAXzg
Windows x86 binaries
http://sourceforge.net/projects/primecoin-hp/files/0.1.2-hp10/primecoin-0.1.2-hp10-winx86.zip/download
https://mega.co.nz/#!hw1iFQqS!Sy-KPXL7Q8pWez_9d3Ll-TE-qepXpNcWWLLDACtwTY8
Linux x64 and x86 binaries
http://sourceforge.net/projects/primecoin-hp/files/0.1.2-hp10/primecoin-0.1.2-hp10-linux.tar.bz2/download
https://mega.co.nz/#!00k20SKQ!UmONjVccc7oWNrfxw7jxiTIjTIh-KY3xAEWuxYHnP9o
Source code (Git)
https://bitbucket.org/mikaelh/primecoin-hp
https://github.com/mikaelh2/primecoin


jhPrimeminer (command-line miner for y-pool.net)
jhPrimeminer v0.41 download (Win64, faster)
http://ypool.net/files/jhprimeminer_x64.zip
jhPrimeminer v0.41 download (Win32)
http://ypool.net/files/jhprimeminer.zip
jhPrimeminer source
https://github.com/jh000/jhPrimeminer

Alternate Versions of jhPrimeminer (various optimizations)
jhPrimeminer (cabin's version v0.33alpha)
https://www.dropbox.com/s/szayx15skhevv7x/jhPrimeminer.zip <--updated 8/20/2013 (x64 windows executable)
jhPrimeminer (mumus' high performance version 7.1 with and w/o avx) <---optimized to auto-adjust to best settings and has GMP libs (I use this version but it an unofficial hack. Beware!)
https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/1189851/jhPrimeminer-GMP-v7.1.zip (x64 windows executable)
v7.1 64bit AVX - https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/1189851/jhPrimeminer-GMP-v7.1-AVX.zip (x64 executable with AVX optimization) <--for newer cpus with AVX instruction set
https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/1189851/jhPrimeminer-GMP-v4.zip (x64 windows executable) <--older version, but some think it works better on old systems
Do you have AVX instruction set?  Check using CPU-Z: http://www.cpuid.com/softwares/cpu-z.html
*Advice for optimizing v7.1: Don't forget to press C after your auto tune has stabilized (after about 20 min). Pressing C will auto tune your L1 Cache. Write the results down and be sure to include that all other settings were on stock.

jhPrimeminer Beta v3.3 (rdebourbon's latest update to v7.1 - some claim better performance. Includes HP10 optimizations)
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/sq24hzo993afy9c/l7icP0KiuM (x64 windows binaries for x64,x64-AVX, x64-XP versions)
https://github.com/rdebourbon/jhPrimeminer (source)

Tandy's Build of jhPimeminer for Linux (with -hp10 optimizations) - confirmed to work well on Ubuntu
Github Source: https://github.com/tandyuk/jhPrimeminer (Linux source)

Pools:
http://ypool.net (home of jhPrimeminer - command-line miner)
Pool Fee: 3%
Protocol: XPT
Notes: must use its own custom miner or those derived from it
Connection details:
http://ypool.net:8332 (getwork, currently disabled due to performance issues)
http://ypool.net:10034 (x.pushthrough, jhPrimeminer only)
Username: accountname.workername (e.g. example.1)
Password: your worker password

http://www.beeeeer.org
Pool Fee: 1%
Protocol: getwork
Notes: Can use reference client, the high performance (mikaelh) variants or jhPrimeminer
Custom Client for beeeer.org (based on mikaelh's hp10 variant)
windows binary: primeminer v0.2 http://www.mediafire.com/download/lw5v9ck4bho1dts/primeminer_v02_x86_and_x64.zip.zip  (contains 32 and 64 bit version)
windows binary: primeminer v0.3 RC0 *experimental* http://www.mediafire.com/download/1j6p5v1q349q8bb/primeminer_v03_x86_and_x64.zip  (contains 32 and 64 bit version)
Source: https://github.com/thbaumbach/primecoin
How to use pool
No need to register
Use your XPM address as "user"
To check your stats:  http://www.beeeeer.org/user/<XPM adress>
Usage: primeminer -pooluser= -poolpassword=0 -poolip=beeeeer.org -genproclimit=
For more info, check the official announcement thread: http://www.ppcointalk.org/index.php?topic=485.0


Helpful Bitcointalk Threads:

General Overview:
[XPM] [ANN] Primecoin Prerelease Announcement - Introducing Prime Proof-of-Work
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=245953.0

[XPM] [ANN] Primecoin Release - First Scientific Computing Cryptocurrency
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=251850.0

[XPM] Primecoin Record Books <--my favorite thread, why primecoin exists
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=253409.0

[XPM] Primecoin Press Thread
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=259572.0

[XPM] Why Primecoin Price Has Bottomed Out
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=265587.0

Mining Optimizations:

[XPM] [ANN] Primecoin High Performance
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=255782.0

[XPM] Working on a GPU miner for Primecoin, new thread
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=273637.0

[XPM] Working on a GPU miner for Primecoin (project by mtrlt)  <--thread closed, see above
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=258540.0

[XPM] CUDA enabled qt client miner for primecoins. Source code inside. WI
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=258982.100

[XPM]unofficial jhPrimeminer thread
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=257623.0

Pool Mining:

yPool.net XPM Pooled CPU Mining!!!
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=256995.0

Cloud Mining:

[ANN][XPM] HostForBit.com - XPM Mining Cloud Service
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=262189.0

[XPM] [FASTER!] Mining PrimeCoin using DigitalOcean (VPS)
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=252944.0

Linux Compilation and Configuration:

[XPM] Noobproof Primecoin All-In-One EZ Setup Script (Updated)
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=261179.0

[XPM] Primecoin High Performance Linux Compilation Guide
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=259022.0

[XPM] mining Primecoin on openSUSE
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=259807.0

How to Install Primecoin on Ubuntu
http://www.devtome.com/doku.php?id=install_primecoin_ubuntu

Address Generating and Paper Wallet:

How to Use Vanitygen to create Vanity Primecoin Addresses and Paper Wallets (part of a different thread)
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=251850.msg2716295#msg2716295

Self-Made Offline Paper Wallets Using LaTeX
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=213946.msg2243072#msg2243072

Petitions and Polls:

[XPM] PETITION Primecoin listing on BTC-e
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=263389.msg2827184#msg2827184


EXCHANGES TRADING XPM (all crossed with BTC except BTCLTC):

BTCLTC
https://btcltc.com/
Fee: ?%
Note: Only offers direct crosses with CMC & Chinese Yuan (CNY). However, can trade to CNY or CMC and then to BTC on the site, but will essentially double the trading fees. Site in Chinese but easily used enabling google translate in chrome

Bter
https://bter.com/
Fee: 0.2%

Coins-e
https://www.coins-e.com/
Fee: 0.3%

CoinEx
https://coinex.pw/
Fee: 0% (as of 8/22 while in Beta)

Crypto-Trade <--has XPM/BTC & XPM/USD cross-trades
https://crypto-trade.com/
Fee: 0.2%

Cryptsy
https://www.cryptsy.com/
Fee: 0.2% to buy, 0.3% to sell XPM

Mcxnow
https://mcxnow.com/
Fee: 0.2%

PhenixEx
https://phenixex.com/
Fee: ?

Vircurex
https://vircurex.com/
Fee: 0.2%

Where to shop with Primecoins?
Buy Delicious Jerky: http://jaysjerkyandgoodies.com/
Buy Amazing Southern BBQ Sauce: http://sauce4coins.com
Games, Hardware, Video Games & More: http://www.mtyimport.com
The Daily Special: http://dailybit.net
Buy Video Games: http://www.crypto4games.com
Get a Pre-Paid Visa Debit Card: http://www.Visa4Crypto.com
Get Server Hosing: http://Litehosting.org
Miner Supplies: http://coincable.com/
Buy some unique jewelry: http://www.finitebydesign.com/
Buy 1oz Silver Physical Primecoins (11 XPM demonination): https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=278474.0

[1714550141]

1714550141

[1714550141]

1714550141

[1714550141]

1714550141

[tadakaluri]

Great All At One Place - Thread.

[mechs]

I am open to additions.  Let me know what else should be added or updated

[xavenged]

thank you for this!

[mechs]

Added the primecoin wiki

[mechs]

Added the primecoin blockchain explorer

[vingaard]

Thank you very much!! 

It's very useful

[jaakkop]

Cheers! Mind adding this thread too? 
[XPM] CUDA enabled qt client miner for primecoins. Source code inside. WIP

[Giodark]

great 3ad! It rocks

[jdebunt]

very nice thread, thank you for the compilation

[Tgspring]

great work,thx

[magnificat_mafia]

Very useful.  Thanks!

[Buratino]

...
Virucex - some mistake
https://vircurex.com/
Fee: 0.5%

[seqa]

+1

[human]

let's make this coin succeed! we need an agenda primecoin.

[mechs]

...
Virucex - some mistake
https://vircurex.com/
Fee: 0.5%

Thanks, made correction

[colinistheman]

Thanks for the info.

Will mining with the HP8 (high performance) client work in pools? I just see the notation that it is preferred for solo mining.

If it will work for pools, is it better than jhprimeminer?

[mechs]

Thanks for the info.

Will mining with the HP8 (high performance) client work in pools? I just see the notation that it is preferred for solo mining.

If it will work for pools, is it better than jhprimeminer?

The issue is currently there is only 1 primecoin miner pool and that is ypool.net.  hp8 can be used to pool mine if you had a pool to point it at. However, that would require a pool with either getwork or Stratum support.  Currently, ypool.net supports only pushthrough and therefore you can only use the jhPrimeminer with it.  On the bright side, the latest version came out today of jhprimeminer v0.34 beta and includes all the hp8 algorithm changes.

[mechs]

Added block crawler link

[colinistheman]

Thanks for the info.

Will mining with the HP8 (high performance) client work in pools? I just see the notation that it is preferred for solo mining.

If it will work for pools, is it better than jhprimeminer?

The issue is currently there is only 1 primecoin miner pool and that is ypool.net.  hp8 can be used to pool mine if you had a pool to point it at. However, that would require a pool with either getwork or Stratum support.  Currently, ypool.net supports only pushthrough and therefore you can only use the jhPrimeminer with it.  On the bright side, the latest version came out today of jhprimeminer v0.34 beta and includes all the hp8 algorithm changes.

Oh wow that's great. So basically with the new version of jhprimeminer, we can now mine at ypool with our higher PPS rate. Do I have this right?

Secondly, where do I get the new version of jhprimeminer?