How the RandomX algorithm works
The virtual machine and its random programs, the 2080 MiB dataset, RandomX v2, and the variants other coins have made by changing its parameters.

What is RandomX? The CPU proof of work, explained
RandomX is the proof of work Monero has run since 30 November 2019: random programs executed in a virtual machine over a 2080 MiB dataset, built so that an ordinary CPU stays the efficient way to mine. How one hash is made, and why it needs that much memory.

RandomX v2: what changes and when Monero switches
RandomX v2, released in March 2026, makes each hash about 53% more work — longer programs, AES in the main loop, a rarer rounding change and a deeper prefetch — for a small loss of hashrate. Monero has not switched yet: the change waits for a hard fork with no date set.

RandomX variants: rx/0, rx/2, rx/wow, rx/arq and more
RandomX is a family: Monero's rx/0 and the coming rx/2, and variants for Wownero, ArQmA, Graft, Safex and YadaCoin, each with its own salt and some with smaller scratchpads or shorter loops. What each RandomX variant changes, read from XMRig's source.