Antminer l3 review: characteristics, performance, payback

Antminer L3 series ASICs from Bitmain, after being released on the market, were considered one of the most optimal models for earning cryptocurrencies using the]Scrypt[/anchor] algorithm. This was true for both the regular L3 and the subsequent overclocked versions L3+ and L3++.

However, in the second half of summer 2022 the situation changed dramatically, which affected all Antminer L3 models. Is this ASIC worth considering for making money in 2022 or has it completely exhausted its resource, taking into account the growing complexity of the network and other factors? In this article we will look at all the features, payback period and relevance of Antminer L3 from Bitmain at the end of July and beginning of August.

Appearance and technical characteristics of Antminer l3

Antminer l3 was developed by specialists who had previously created a chip for mining BTC. With a performance of 250 Mh\sec, it consumes about 800 W of electricity, which is a very economical indicator.

The model uses 288 microcircuits, which is almost twice as many as competitors. The result of the introduced innovations was an increase in mining efficiency by 100%.

Using Antminer l3 allows you to minimize overhead costs when calculating the Scrypt algorithm and thereby increase the profitability of your work.

The device is housed in a durable and compact steel case. This solution provides protection from mechanical damage and extends service life.

The Antminer l3 mechanism is built into a durable steel case

Main characteristics of Antminer l3:

• computing power - 250 Mhash-sec.;
• number of chips on the processor - 288;
• energy consumption level - 800 W;
• noise level - 75 dB;
• operating voltage - from 11 to 13 V;
• operating temperature range - from 0 to +40 degrees;
• case dimensions: 130 x 352 x 197.5 mm;
• weight - 4.4 kg;
• efficiency - 1.6 J;
• price - from $1,500 to $2,000.

On the front and rear panels there are fans for the cooling system with a blade radius of 6 cm, operating at a speed of 3 thousand revolutions. They are indispensable in cases where it is necessary to use the full amount of computing power.

The design provides additional slots for connecting integrated circuits. This allows you to turn the Antminer l3 into an entire mining rig housed in its small and lightweight body.

In the center of the panel there are two color indicators that instantly signal device malfunctions, a button for automatic IP address detection, and an input for an RJ-45 cable.

One of the technical features of the ASIC is a two-level setting of the cooling system, which works using special software. The correct choice of settings can significantly reduce energy consumption and reduce noise levels.

List of car models

Here are the cars the L3 series engines were installed on:

• The base L3 engine was installed on the following cars: Mazda MPV LW minivan 2nd generation and Mazda Tribute EP 1st generation;
• Modification L3-VDT - for hatchback Mazda Axela BK/BL 1st and 2nd generations of 2006-2011 years of production and CX-7 ER 1st generation of 2006-2012 years of production. Also, a turbocharged engine was installed on the 1st generation Mazda Atenza GG sedan, 1st generation Mazda 3 BK hatchback and 3rd generation Mazda MPV LY minivan;
• L3-VE was installed on Mazda Atenza GG hatchbacks and station wagons of the 1st generation 2002-2007, Mazda Axela BK sedans and hatchbacks 2003-2006, Mazda Biante CC minivan 1st generation, Mazda 3 BK sedans and hatchbacks 1st generation, Mazda MPV LY minivan 3 generations, Mazda Premacy CR minivan 2 generations and Mazda Tribute EP 1 generation;
• L3KG was installed on the hatchback Mazda 3 MPS BL 2nd generation and Mazda 6 MPS GG 1st generation;
• L3C1 is installed on sedans, station wagons and hatchbacks Mazda 6 GG 1st generation 2002-2008;
• L3-DE - for the 2nd generation Mazda MPV LW minivan produced in 2002-2006.

What coins can be mined on Antminer l3

As already mentioned, l3 was tailored specifically for the popular ltc cryptocurrency.

This is a universal coin with a larger block size compared to BTC, which makes online payments much faster. Other coins that can be mined on l3:

• dogecoin;
• syscoin;
• belacoin;
• einsteinium, etc.

An increase in the number of resources involved in computing Scrypt significantly complicates the hardware implementation of specialized mining devices. Such a solution, according to the developers of the algorithm, should prevent the possibility of developing cheap ASICs that would allow large amounts of power to be concentrated in one hand.

But Antminer l3, which, judging by user reviews, shows excellent results, became a real technological breakthrough and actually pushed video cards out of the market. Even despite the fairly high price, buying a new ASIC is much more profitable than buying outdated GPUs.

Features of the Scrypt algorithm

By 2011, Bitcoin had already begun to be actively mined on video cards - they began to do it much more efficiently than processors. The question arose of using a more complex algorithm in new cryptocurrencies, which would not allow efficient mining on GPUs - that is what Scrypt became. Over time, however, the keys to it were also found, and at first mining litecoins on video cards became profitable, and then ASICs for it appeared.

Nevertheless, the algorithm fulfilled its function - it was possible to prevent the possible centralization of the Litecoin network at the stage of its formation, and now it is no longer in danger.

The key principles of Scrypt are the same as SHA-256: it also creates transaction blocks consisting of headers and lists, but Scrypt implements a more complex hashing function, resulting in more RAM required.

In addition to Litecoin, other cryptocurrencies are based on this algorithm, primarily such a popular coin as Dogecoin, in addition to it, and lesser known ones: DNotes, Viacoin, Florin, Verge (uses five algorithms).

Learn more about the benefits of ASIC Antminer L3

1. Simple and reliable connection and startup of the device.
2. The minimum necessary additional elements required for operation (only a power supply and twisted pair).
3. The presence of a restart function that automatically restarts the device after eliminating unexpected power failures.
4. Compact body, thanks to which Antminer l3 can be easily placed in an ordinary room and just as easily transported to another place.
5. Fast payback achieved through high energy efficiency and excellent price-benefit ratio.
6. Reliability in the robot. Firmware updates are required very rarely, and there is virtually no downtime.

Advantages and disadvantages

Despite the relatively high cost of the Antminer L3 miner, such investments are more than justified than investing in the purchase of video cards. This point of view is confirmed by the following advantages:

• a small number of additional devices and elements that are required for operation (Ethernet cable and power adapter),
• simple device connection process and intuitive web interface of ASIC equipment,
• prompt restart and automatic recovery of mining after eliminating problems with electricity,
• maximum reliability, a small number of updates, so there is no downtime in cryptocurrency mining,
• compact dimensions, making it possible to create a farm in a small room; if necessary, it can be very easily transported to another place,
• fast payback process due to the optimal ratio of device cost/working speed.

To read: How to make money on PoS mining

The advantages of ASIC do not end there; another strong point of Antminer L3 is its low power consumption. However, despite the extensive range of positive aspects, certain shortcomings in the operation of the integrated circuit can also be traced:

• the equipment operates exclusively on the Scrypt algorithm, changing the mining profile in the future will not be possible,
• processor chips cannot be restored if they fail,
• during operation, the ASIC produces colossal noise, which is explained by the powerful cooling system,
• The liquidity of integrated circuits leaves much to be desired, since new models with greater power are regularly introduced.

Having weighed all the pros and cons, the miner will be able to make a final decision regarding the advisability of purchasing this equipment.

Connection and configuration procedure

For a stable, uninterrupted connection to the miner, it is recommended to purchase a proprietary Bitmain APW3 power supply. The second condition is the availability of reliable high-speed Internet. It can be connected via twisted pair (there is a connector for it on the l3 case).

The ASIC case must be located at a distance of 20-25 cm from the wall for the fans to operate normally, otherwise the cooling will be ineffective.

After launch, you need to scan the local network through the settings in the interface and determine the IP of the device, and then enter the address in the browser.

To get started, you need to go to the settings of the selected mining pool, enter the address, come up with a password and login, and click Save. After this, the ASIC will reboot and mining will begin.

Note: when setting up the equipment, pay attention to an important parameter that is responsible for the reliability of operation: opposite the line “Stop running when temperature is over 80”, enable the “chack-box” protective function - turning off the miner when it overheats. After all mechanisms have cooled down to acceptable values, system operation automatically resumes.

Setting up ASIC miner L3

Let's start with the connection. In order for the device to work smoothly, you must use the original APW3 power adapter. Some distributors sell equipment at a lower price, but without this module. In this regard, it is wiser to purchase the most complete set.

To mine cryptocurrencies in a pool on an L3 ASIC, you must have a reliable Internet connection, as well as appropriate speed. The connection is made via an Ethernet cable, a connector for which is provided.

Before you begin, install the equipment so that there is enough space between the coolers and the case wall. This approach will significantly increase the cooling efficiency of the device.

Now let's move on to the setup. First you need to open the Bitmain Antminer L3 web interface. We write it in the address bar (depending on what address the router assigned).

We indicate the username and password, enter “root” in both lines.

The main settings menu opens; in principle, there is absolutely nothing complicated. Go to the “Miner Configuration” tab, this is where you should set the pool parameters. Let's take a closer look at the menu.

Conventionally, all settings are divided into 4 blocks - 3 pool parameters and 1 section for optimizing the operation of coolers. Please note that the miner will be able to specify three pools at once; accordingly, work will be carried out in descending order; if the first one stops working, there will be an automatic switch to the second one. However, if the first one is restored, the reverse transition will occur. Therefore, you should think carefully about setting priorities.

Let's talk separately about setting up the cooling system. Here you can not only adjust the number of revolutions, but also automatically turn off the fans when the temperature rises to 80 degrees Celsius. If the device is located outside the house, then you need to set the radiators to constantly operate at 80% of the speed. However, if mining is carried out at home, then it is still better to uncheck this box. As a result, the ASIC will independently select the number of revolutions, depending on the temperature.

The fan speed is adjusted in the “Miner Status” menu. The “Advanced Settings” subsection, in which the device’s power is overclocked, deserves special attention. However, this must be done wisely, otherwise the equipment may be damaged.

Save the settings and restart the miner. Then open “Miner Status”, the parameters should be selected as follows:

At this point, the connection and configuration are completed, you can get to work.

Briefly about other devices for mining ltc and comparison with L3

1. Antminer L3+ was created by Bitmain based on the VM1485 microprocessor. It has a performance of 504 mh\sec (an increase of 5% is possible), equipped with 288 chips, two powerful coolers and a power supply. Like other Bitmain models, it is small in size, simple and reliable in operation.
2. A4+ LTC Master. ASIC manufactured by Innosilicon for ltc mining with a performance of 620 mh\sec, power consumption level of 0.75 kW, two powerful fans. Sold in small quantities, after pre-order you need to wait for production and delivery. Features of the model: high hashrate, low noise, reliability.
3. Innosilicon A6 LTC Master. An improved version of the previous model released in 2022 with higher performance (1.23 gh\sec) and electricity consumption (1.5 kW). The main disadvantage of the A6 is the high price ($6.3 thousand)
4. L21. 2022 model from BW. Average performance - 550 Mh\sec, 28 NM chips, two cooling fans, power consumption level - 0.95 kW. A reliable device with fairly high performance at a price of $2,640.

L3 Service Schedule

The main provisions of the L3 engine service manual concern changing the lubricant. The manufacturer recommends filling with the following compounds:

• API SJ ACBA 52-30;
• API SL ILSAC GF-3 5W-20;
• API SG from 0W-40 to 20W-40.

This should be done every 20 thousand km, along with the filter.

Other procedures that must be carried out periodically, at specified time intervals:

• 20 thousand kilometers - check the idle speed;
• 20 thousand km - cleaning the air filter;
• 40 thousand km - check the cooling system, coolant level;
• 60 thousand km - replacing the air filter;
• 60 thousand kilometers - check the condition of the auxiliary belt;
• 120 thousand km - check the timing belt gaps by ear. If there is increased noise, adjust;
• 120 thousand km - replace spark plugs, but they should be checked at every technical inspection;
• 100-200 thousand km - replacement of antifreeze.

How Antminer l3 appeared

Bitmain has been hatching plans to create a miner for Litecoin mining since 2014. It was then that rumors first appeared about the imminent launch of Antminer l1 for script mining. But at that moment something grew together, and the ASIC was never born. And now, three years later, at the beginning of 2017, publications about ASIC for scrypt resumed in the media. This time everything worked out: soon miners could already make an advance payment for the Antminer l3 model - an improved version of the never released l1 from the same manufacturer.

Sales of the scripted device began in April 2022 and coincided with the beginning of the active growth of the ltc exchange rate. This led to a rush of demand for a new ASIC. Surprisingly, even the super-productive Chinese were unable to meet the needs of everyone, and a shortage formed on the market. Many miners even had to travel to China to buy equipment locally, since there was no other way to do it.

As a result, counterfeit l3 antminers appeared on sale, which were quite effective, but failed very quickly. Used equipment was sold on the market at a speculative price, far exceeding the manufacturer's price. This is not surprising, because the new devices provided speeds of up to 250 Mx/sec, which significantly exceeded the speed of GPUs running the Scrypt algorithm.

What is DogeCoin?

The Dogecoin cryptocurrency was not intended to be a serious digital asset. The coin was released as a parody of the explosive growth of altcoins. Its creators are programmer Billy Marcus and marketer Jackson Palmer. DogeCoin is a fork of Litecoin. For the project logo, the creators used a popular meme depicting the Shiba Inu dog.

The cryptocurrency was released in December 2013, and by January 2021, 127 billion coins had been issued. The issue of the coin is limited, and the block reward became fixed only in March 2014. The project uses the SCRYPT algorithm. The block time in DogeCoin is 60 seconds.

Today, DogeCoin is no longer a joke—its value has skyrocketed by more than 8,500% since the start of 2022.

Supporters of the project include Tesla CEO Elon Musk, who called Dogi his favorite cryptocurrency. Musk also called it “the people’s project” and promised to place a physical Dogecoin token on the Moon.

Price and payback of Antminer L3

Of course, every potential buyer of Antminer l3 is interested in how quickly the investment will pay off. During 2018, Litecoin gradually lost value, as did almost all other cryptocurrencies. Today, one ltc is trading at about $54, which is almost six times less than the January peak ($300). Of course, this directly affects the profitability of mining.

Litecoin rate over the last three months according to Coinmania

To have an idea of ​​the amount of possible income, use an online mining profitability calculator, for example, WhatToMine.

Those who did not have time to order a new ASIC at the time of release can today only purchase it on the secondary market: on Ebay, Amazon and similar trading platforms, or in specialized companies - official distributors of such equipment. The light weight and dimensions of the device allow you to save on delivery, especially when it comes to long distances.

But taking into account the decrease in mining profitability and the fact that an improved and more productive Antminer l3+ model has already been released, you should not pay more than $1 thousand, and even then with a guarantee of fast delivery, because the formula “time is money” is especially relevant in mining. It may be better to wait for the stable positive dynamics of the cryptocurrency market, which, according to experts, should come very soon.

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Results

After the recent fall in cryptocurrencies, dogecoin is still holding strong and has positive dynamics.

It is quite profitable to mine Dogecoin while it is on hype. Judge for yourself:

• The currency is still not as popular among miners as Bitcoin and Ethereum;
• Constantly appears in the information field and the general public knows about it;
• Low network complexity relative to Bitcoin and Ethereum;
• Cryptocurrency is holding its course on the market.

If you are planning to purchase Antminer L3+ at a favorable price, then you can contact our managers. Link to the site with contacts in the description.

Miner capabilities

How much is 815 gigahashes per second? Depends mainly on the power of the network. In the early days after the release of A3, when the entire SIA network had a capacity of hundreds of terahashes, this was an excellent indicator. Now it no longer blows your mind, but you can’t directly compare it with ASICs for mining using the SHA-256 algorithm, which have a power of tens of gigashes – after all, they are much less useful there.

To understand how serious the A3 device is, let's try to compare it with the GeForce GTX 1080Ti video card with a price of about $1,500. When mining on the Blake(2b) protocol, such a video card is capable of delivering a performance of 3 Gh per second, and will spend about 200-250 W per hour. Antminer A3 is capable of delivering 815 Gh per second, that is, 270 times more, spending 6 times more electricity! Therefore, in order to mine as quickly as one ASIC, you will have to buy $400,000 worth of video cards - it’s clear why immediately after its release, when it was necessary to fight specifically with the GPU, the A3 made such a fuss.

Now, when thousands of such ASICs are already working simultaneously, its capabilities look much weaker, but still not bad. Overclocking can help you squeeze more out of the device - however, like all miners from Bitmain, the A3 already works almost to the limit, and therefore you shouldn’t expect much. But overclocking is very simple - the manufacturer carefully included the ability to adjust the frequency directly from the interface, so you don’t have to come up with anything.

Thus, you can get about 900-910 Gh from the A3, but keep in mind that the board temperature should not be higher than 66 °C, and the chips themselves cannot be heated to more than 88 °C. With additional cooling, it is realistic to not go beyond these limits and squeeze out even more performance, but you will have to do this at your own peril and risk.

The 6 month manufacturer's warranty will not apply in case of overclocking.

Update as of December 28, 2017

In the two months that have passed since the launch of miners, the difficulty of mining Litecoin has increased significantly, but at the same time the price of the coin has risen several times. Currently, one Litecoin can fetch $240.

Currently there are four miners in operation, which operate at factory settings, and on average, they bring in an average of 0.28 LTC per day, which is approximately $67. Without taking into account the cost of electricity , as of December 28, 2017 , one device “produces” $16.75. “Net” we get $16.75-$1.1904 = $15.56, which is 2.7 dollars higher than two months ago.

Let us note once again that the increase in the profitability of LTC mining became possible solely due to the fact that its price has increased more than fourfold. So, one miner at the end of October mined 0.24 LTC, now - 0.066 LTC. The volume of coin production in two months has decreased by 3.6 times and with a decrease in price, mining profitability will decrease.

Stay tuned for updates and happy mining!

Friends, we have launched our calculator for mining LTC and other cryptocurrencies. Use it and write comments, maybe it’s worth adding something)

List of L3 modifications

Here are the modifications of this internal combustion engine:

• L3-VDT;
• L3-VE;
• L3KG;
• L3C1;
• L3-DE.

L3-VDT - the turbo version of the Mazda engine develops a power of 263 hp. s., and if you do chip tuning, you can achieve 350 hp. With.

The turbocharged modification L3-VDT is structurally no different from the basic version, except for the presence of a turbocharger. Direct fuel injection. The engine has an additional air cooler - intercooler. Ignition is carried out using a coil on a spark plug. This power unit develops power up to 263 hp. With. at 6700 rpm. Only he does not recognize low-grade and low-octane fuel. It is recommended to pour only AI-98.