The use of specially designed equipment to mine digital currencies is a relatively recent development. The reason was the explosive growth in the cost of “cryptocurrency”, and then the need arose for the best miners to achieve the most effective results.
The operating principle of an ASIC miner (from the English application-specific integrated circuit, “ special-purpose integrated circuit ”) is not too different from any other equipment (video card or processor). The main difference is only in efficiency. For example, to achieve the same performance as a miner, you need to build a “farm” of a dozen video cards that will consume an incredible amount of electricity.
Initially, ASIC systems were used exclusively for Bitcoin mining. However, soon the technology began to be used to earn altcoins, where the competition is much lower. This method also has its drawbacks. Thus, ASIC miners can work using one or two algorithms. Therefore, if significant changes occur in the cryptocurrency market, then the devices turn out to be useless. Their repurposing is impossible.
Getting started with ASIC mining is quite easy. All you need to do is connect the equipment to a power outlet and the Internet, and then install the software. Separately, we note that there must be at least 150 GB of free space for storing data on your PC. Komsomolskaya Pravda has compiled a rating of the most relevant devices for 2021.
What are ASICs for mining?
Mining ASICs are devices specifically designed for mining cryptocurrencies . Such equipment is also called miners or ASIC miners.
Interesting! The word ASIC comes from the abbreviation ASIC (application-specific integrated circuit).
ASICs are often the choice of professionals who do not want to compromise and lose processing power due to working with less technically advanced cryptocurrency mining rigs. Let's look at the pros and cons of such devices:
Pros of ASICs:
- The highest mining efficiency available on the market.
- The ASIC miner can replace large alternative mining rigs. For example, one device is enough to reach the power level of an average farm of video cards.
- The payback of some ASICs is higher than alternative mining equipment.
- Simple, in comparison with farms from video cards and other devices, setup. You can quickly connect to the network and start mining.
Disadvantages of ASICs:
- High cost compared to other mining equipment.
- Many miners have to participate in the hardware race. Manufacturers regularly release new, more powerful devices that surpass previous models in technical characteristics. Regular hardware upgrades may be required to maintain high mining efficiency.
- Buying ASICs for mining is not so easy. Many models are not represented in Russia. In some cases, they have to be ordered from abroad, which increases the cost of organizing mining. Therefore, many people have to choose which ASIC to buy from a small list of available models.
Technical aspects
ASIC is a specialized integrated complex that is used when searching for solutions for specific problems. The main difference from general-purpose integrated systems is that a specialized complex is designed for operation in a specific device. Accordingly, the implementation of a limited list of tasks is ensured, which distinguishes the unit in question. Consequently, ASIC quickly performs the specified functions, which reduces the material costs of completing tasks.
Let's consider the main nuances of the equipment:
- As an example of an ASIC, we can imagine a chip that was developed only to implement control functions via a mobile phone. This also includes hardware signal encoding/decoding chips (signal processors).
- ASIC chips always have a rather narrow scope of application. This is explained by the fact that the set of functions is clearly defined at the equipment production stage.
- In modern ASIC models, developers often use a 32-bit processor, ROM or RAM, as well as other units. Experts call the presented line of products “crystal complex”.
- When developing digital models, specialists use the technique of forming descriptions. To implement the task, languages are used in which descriptions for hardware units are created (for example, Verilog and VHDL).
Top 7 ASICs: choosing the best miner
There are many models of miners on the market. We invite you to familiarize yourself with the most popular and effective ones.
1.) Antminer S19 Pro
ASIC Antminer S19 Pro
- Power consumption : 3.25 kW
- Hashrate : 110 TH/s
- Price: $10,000 – $19,600
ASIC for mining Antminer S19 Pro from Bitmain is one of the main competitors of the M30S++. The energy efficiency of the machine is 29.5 J/TH. The miner is powered by TSMC chips.
The device is characterized by high performance . Users also praise Antminer S19 Pro for its ease of use. Thanks to firmware updates, in which developers eliminate identified deficiencies, the miner has become one of the most popular on the market.
Unfortunately, Bitmain often has supply problems. It is almost impossible to order equipment from the official website. An alternative for miners who want to get the Antminer S19 Pro and other ASICs was offered by the cryptocurrency-focused investment company ECOS.
There is an ASIC store on the platform website. In it you can find miners from popular manufacturers: from Bitmain and Innosilicon, to Antminer and WhatsMiner. The ASIC hashrate range in the ECOS store ranges from 39 TH/s to 112 TH/s.
Screenshot of ASIC ECOS store
The ECOS team also offers:
- Hosting services for miners.
- 6 month warranty on equipment.
- 24/7 support service.
- Services for setting up and connecting ASICs to mining pools.
The ECOS team offers control over the operation of devices through a convenient mobile application. With its help, you can, among other things, track expenses.
In addition, ECOS users have access to a cloud mining service. Working in this format involves renting computing power from a company to mine cryptocurrencies. This scheme of work is suitable for users who are not ready to purchase their own expensive equipment. Tariffs for cloud mining with ECOS start from $50.
2.) Avalon Miner 1246
Miner AvalonMiner 1246
- Power consumption : 3.43 kW
- Hashrate : 90TH/s
- Price: $4,000 – $5,300
ASIC mining is produced by a well-established Chinese company, Canaan, which released the first device for mining digital assets in 2013.
AvalonMiner 1246 is one of the most powerful ASIC miners on the market. 4 fans are built into its case. They are necessary to cool the device.
Unfortunately, when all four fans are turned on, the noise level emanating from the ASIC increases to an uncomfortable 75dB. Therefore, AvalonMiner 1246 buyers should think about organizing a separate room for installing the device .
At the same time, the miner has good energy efficiency indicators (38J/TH). Other advantages of AvalonMiner 1246 include the presence of a one-year warranty from the manufacturer.
3.) AvalonMiner A1166 Pro
Miner AvalonMiner A1166 Pro
- Power consumption : 3.4 kW
- Hashrate : 81TH/s
- Price: $2,200 – $2,850
Another ASIC miner produced by Canaan. It is a more budget version of AvalonMiner 1246 . The energy efficiency of the machine is 42J/TH. Due to the significant price difference between the devices in favor of the A1166 Pro, the ASIC is difficult to find on the market.
Among the disadvantages of the miner are only 180 days of warranty from the manufacturer and difficulties that may arise with delivery. Due to the popularity of the A1166 Pro , depending on the distance of the buyer, the manufacturer may set special order conditions . For example, in some cases, devices are delivered from 5 pieces.
The volume level of the machine, as in the case of the AvalonMiner 1246, can reach 75dB, which is uncomfortable for humans. It is important to clarify that almost all of the best high-power ASICs will be quite noisy.
4.) WhatsMiner M32-62T
Miner WhatsMiner M32-62T
- Power consumption : 3.348 kW
- Hashrate : 62 TH/s
- Price: $1,075 – $1,400
ASIC miner WhatsMiner M32-62T from MicroBT is one of the most budget models on the market. The machine runs on 8 Samsung chips.
The device's power consumption level is comparable to the AvalonMiner 1246. At the same time, the WhatsMiner M32-62T is approximately 30% less efficient. The low cost of the device can compensate for some of its shortcomings.
The manufacturer provides a 180-day warranty on the equipment. WhatsMiner M32-62T is delivered complete with a power supply.
Important! The manufacturer produces the M32 in three versions, the most expensive of which produces 66 TH/s.
5.) WhatsMiner M30S++
Miner WhatsMiner M30S++
- Power consumption : 3.472 kW
- Hashrate : 112 TH/s
- Price: $9,900 – $14,000
ASIC miner WhatsMiner M30S++ is another device produced by MicroBT. The model is considered one of the most powerful on the market. It runs on Samsung chips. The device has good energy efficiency indicators (31 J/TH).
High cost is one of the main disadvantages of WhatsMiner M30S++. Due to its high cost, the device has a long payback period. It may take about a year to reach net income.
6.) Ebang EBIT E11++
ASIC Ebang EBIT E11++
- Power consumption : 2 kW
- Hashrate : 44 TH/s
- Price: $2,024
The ASIC miner EBIT E11++ from one of the top miner manufacturers - the Ebang company - has a simple setup scheme, thanks to which you can start mining cryptocurrency via Ethernet.
The Ebang EBIT E11++ mining ASIC is covered by up to a year warranty (1 year for the controller, six months for the entire machine). Due to low hashing rates, the model ended up in one of the last places in the ranking.
7.) Bitmain Antminer S5
ASIC Bitmain Antminer S5
- Power consumption : 0.56 kW
- Hashrate : 62 TH/s
- Price: ~$500
Bitmain Antminer S5 is one of the oldest ASICs in the rating . It began to be released in 2014. Despite not the most top-end technical characteristics, due to good energy efficiency indicators (0.51 J / GH), the model is still in demand. This is, among other things, indicated by the popularity of the network request “Antminer S5 payback”.
Thanks to its light weight (about 2.5 kg) and low noise level (about 65 dB), the Bitmain Antminer S5 is suitable for miners who plan to keep the device in the apartment. The model is quite common. Buyers should not have problems finding an ASIC.
Antminer S5 payback, compactness and prevalence make the model quite in demand on the market.
Providing control and configuration functions for equipment
The criteria that are selected during equipment setup may vary depending on the selected ASIC model. For most well-known lines of devices for mining Bitcoin currency, detailed instructions are offered for activation and connection to the server. There are several recommendations that are relevant for any device operating on the basis of integrated circuits. Let's consider each nuance in more detail.
Checking device integrity
First of all, the ASIC should examine the packaging and the device itself for mechanical defects. If the box and the device are externally intact, you can proceed to the next stage of testing. The miner itself must be kept suspended, carefully turning it over several times. No sounds should be made during the procedure. If there is a ringing or knocking noise, the chips have fallen off and operation of the ASIC is prohibited.
Power supply and power ASIC
It is important to check that the power supply matches the power consumption of the equipment itself. If everything is in order, you can proceed to the next stage of the study.
Network connection
ASIC needs a stable connection to the Internet. Therefore, only a direct cable connection to a device that distributes the Internet is permissible.
Air temperature
It is advisable to operate ASIC at an air flow temperature in the building within +5-+25 degrees Celsius. Extreme heat causes the device to overheat, which will definitely lead to breakdowns. It is important to understand that ASIC is prohibited from running when there are high humidity levels at the facility.
Noise extraction
Operation of ASIC can generate noise emissions of up to 75 dB. Therefore, the device should not be placed in residential premises. Some specialists make their own or separately purchase special boxes to absorb noise. Experts recommend placing digital mining equipment in the garage. An alternative option is to send the equipment to a mining hotel.
Settings
ASIC, like the router itself, is configured via a computer. To complete the task, it is enough to determine the device’s IP address. The resulting parameter is entered into the line for entering website addresses in the browser. The necessary settings are specified and saved in the user interface. At the final stage, the device reboots. After this, the extraction of digital coins will occur automatically.
You can track current trends in pool activities using a personal computer or a special application for a mobile phone. The longest operational life of the device will be ensured by regular implementation of measures in the field of cleaning ASICs from dirt and dust.
Which ASIC to buy
It is worth choosing an ASIC miner based on a number of parameters. To simplify the selection process, you need to answer a few questions:
- What budget do you have? Based on the answer, you can narrow the range to decide which ASIC to buy. However, the best miner is not always the one that is available.
- Where will the equipment be installed? If the work of the compact Bitmain Antminer S5 is not noticeable in a living room, then you will hardly be able to sleep under the noise of, for example, the AvalonMiner 1246.
- What expectations do you have for the device? At this stage, it is worth comparing the technical characteristics of machines in order to find the best miner. This way you can understand which ASIC to buy for the first time.
It is also important to calculate the payback period and energy costs in advance. In some cases, it will not be superfluous to install additional equipment for cooling (this item may be relevant for hot regions).
ASIC connection
Some beginner virtual miners think that connecting an ASIC is very difficult. In fact, the procedure does not require any special skills or knowledge. Each supplied device is accompanied by detailed step-by-step instructions with a complete description of the installation process. Let's look at each step.
- The power supply is connected as follows. The main number of connectors from the power supply are connected to the ASIC body until a characteristic click is heard. One of the connectors should be connected to the control panel. In most cases the connectors are identical. Therefore, the implementation of this stage of the event does not cause problems.
- Ensuring synchronization between the router and the connection cable.
- Running the equipment in test mode will allow you to practically check the relevance of any kind of connections. If all measures are completed correctly, the display and cooling system will function normally.
- Detecting the device's IP address will provide information that will be useful when implementing the function of controlling the hardware mechanism during its operation. To find out the IP, you can use all kinds of applications. The easiest way is to launch the browser and go to the page with the router data.
- Determining the operating characteristics of the equipment will allow you to carefully configure the ASIC using the device interface.
- Saves the settings and reboots the device. Carrying out the above actions and implementing the full cycle of preparatory activities. The correctness of the specified parameters can be checked in the running processes tab. Information about activity statistics can be found in the personal account of the selected pool for mining digital currency.
- Uninterrupted operation of the device will be ensured by a high-quality heat removal system.
The above outlines a system of basic actions that allow you to successfully connect any ASIC. A guarantee of rational connection of equipment can be provided by compliance with the requirements of the installation instructions for a specific ASIC. Almost all equipment is configured in an identical manner, but each model has certain nuances, information about which should be obtained without fail. If problems or difficulties arise, you should explore thematic sites and forums, where you can definitely find an answer to any question.
What other equipment can be used for cryptocurrency mining
As mentioned earlier, buying ASICs for mining is far from the only way to start mining cryptocurrency. There are other options for working. For example, mining on video cards is popular in the crypto community. You can start working this way even with a small budget.
You will find more mining scenarios, with an analysis of their pros and cons, in our material.
Important! To start mining, it is not always necessary to buy equipment. The computing power of the devices can be rented. This way of working is called cloud mining. Find out more about him from our material.
Those who are not suitable for mining can purchase coins on the exchange. You can profitably buy cryptocurrency for rubles , for example, on the anonymous trading platform StormGain .
Important! StormGain pays each newbie 25 USDT to replenish their deposit . You can claim your bonus via this link :
Let us remind you that earlier the editors of BeInCrypto understood how to organize passive income from mining cryptocurrencies.
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Bitcoin
At the very beginning of its popularity, ordinary video cards were used to mine Bitcoin. However, taking into account the key features of the algorithm, over time special devices have been developed that allow achieving unprecedented hashrate. Their use has dramatically complicated the process of finding suitable blocks, while even top video cards remained at the same level.
Modern versions of ASIC miners should only be purchased if you want to build a rig that will be used until the last minute. It should be remembered that these devices become obsolete, so over time they will not be sold profitably.
An example of a great option for 2022 is the Bitmain Antminer T19. The company involved in its production at one time produced one of the first ASICs, and since then has been constantly increasing its capacity.
This device has the following characteristics:
· Hashrate can reach 84 terahash per second.
· Electricity consumption is within 3150 watts.
· The software is configured by default to mine Bitcoin, but mining currencies such as BCH and BSV are also available, using the same algorithm.
If you wish, you can try using another new development, this time from AvalonMiner. Its ASIC, called Canaan Avalon 1246, can achieve performance of up to 90 terahash per second, but it also has higher power consumption, which ranges in the range of 3420 watts. Among the minuses, it is also worth noting that only BTC can be mined; reconfiguration for other coins is impossible.
A budget of one million rubles is enough to purchase three such devices and power supplies for them, which will make it possible to achieve a total hashrate of approximately 250-270 terahash per second.
