The Monero network successfully conducted a scheduled upgrade on Nov. 30. Among other features, the RandomX mining algorithm was introduced to cripple ASIC machines and improve the efficiency of CPUs. Specialized mining hardware has always been a hotly debated theme. Critics argue that they have a centralizing effect, as few companies in the world are able to manufacture ASICs. On the other hand, some suggest that ASIC-secured networks are less prone to suffering 51 percent attacks. Monero firmly positions itself in the former camp. Its proponents often criticized ASICs and pledged to always maintain XMR resistant to ... (full story)