Given the constant increase in the Bitcoin mining complexity, more and more powerful equipment is required for its mining. The ASIC lineup is updated a bit less frequently than the smartphone one, so let's take a look at the latest 2022 models.
The days when you could mine cryptocurrencies on CPUs and GPUs are long gone. Currently, this approach remains possible only for a limited list of coins with the RandomX algorithm. All other Proof-of-Work cryptocurrencies now require more powerful hardware. Specialized FPGA and ASIC devices have replaced CPU and GPU mining, which have lost their relevance.
FPGAs were an interesting universal solution – they could be used to mine any coin with different algorithms. But, if you wanted to switch to a more profitable coin on another algorithm, the FPGA had to be reprogrammed and reconfigured. It was not user-friendly and created difficulties for the average user unfamiliar with programming. ASICs have gradually squeezed FPGAs out due to simple plug-and-play connectivity, higher efficiency, and lower cost. But ASIC has a big disadvantage - each model is "tailored" only for one specific algorithm and mining only those cryptocurrencies that use it. Lines of ASIC models configured for the SHA-256 algorithm are used for Bitcoin mining.
ASIC in simple words
ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) is a highly specialized device for performing cryptographic calculations for the purpose of mining cryptocurrencies. It is not possible to use it for anything other than mining, unlike CPU or GPU. The integrated circuits of these devices provide the fastest and most efficient calculation of hash functions and are mounted in specially designed cases with their own cooling system.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Compared to other mining options, these devices have the following advantages:
• provide a high hashrate;
• have an easy, fast and autonomous connection;
• do not require special maintenance/programming;
• provide high energy efficiency compared to CPU and GPU;
• have the best price-quality ratio, which ensures high profitability and relatively quick ROI;
• equipped with an autonomous cooling system.
ASIC devices have the following disadvantages:
• support only one algorithm according to the manufacturer's specification;
• noisy and generate heat on par with industrial servers;
• the latest and most powerful models require a separate power supply unit;
• become unprofitable after each halving, which reduces the reward to miners by half (this event takes place approximately once every four years - the next halving is scheduled for 2024).
The Latest and Most Powerful ASIC Models for Bitcoin Mining (SHA-256)
The list below shows the newest models with the highest hash rate. These are the most powerful models on the market. Hashrate is a unit of measurement of the mining equipment power. The higher the hashrate value, the faster the ASIC works and the more likely it is to create a block and therefore receive a BTC reward for it.
The Latest and Most Powerful ASIC Models for Bitcoin Mining (SHA-256)
As can be seen from the table, the top positions are occupied by devices of the Antminer S19 series, and the Bitmain Antminer S19 XP Hyd model is currently the leader of the entire market. This "giant", second to none, was created by Bitmain from the Celestial Empire and produces a record 255 Th/s, although it also consumes a lot - 5.3 kW. Let's take a closer look at its outstanding characteristics.
Bitmain Antminer S19 XP Hyd
The abbreviation Hyd is here for a reason - the device has water cooling. This is not the first model of a hydro-ASIC, and it seems that it will not be the last. This cooling technology is becoming more and more popular compared to the traditional coolers (fans). Water cooling is a step forward in the thermal regulation technology of mining equipment. The main advantages of this approach are energy savings, noise reduction, and reduced risks of spontaneous combustion.
Bitmain Antminer S19 XP Hyd
Antminer S19 XP Hyd can claim record parameters received from the manufacturer. There hasn’t been anything like it on the market.
Characteristics
Hashrate — 255 Th/s;
Power consumption — 5.3 kW;
Energy efficiency — 21 J/TH;
Dimensions (LxWxH) — 570*316*430 mm;
Weight — 15.4 kg.
Yield
So, taking into account the characteristics stated by the manufacturer, the current difficulty of mining in the Bitcoin network, the average BTC cost of $ 20,000, the cost of 1 Kw of electricity per container at $0.04 (1.5 UAH) per 1 kWh, this device can earn approximately $21 per day. It will be about $630 per month, and $7,560 per year.
Pool Mining
If solo mining is not your forte, you can join one of the many BTC pools. When choosing such a format, it is necessary to take into account:
• commission amount;
• conditions for withdrawing the reward (size of the minimum amount);
• pool reputation;
• support for your device.
The average fee is usually 4%, although each pool may offer its own terms that differ from the market standards. Therefore, it is worth checking in advance. The minimum withdrawal amount starts from 0.005 BTC, but there can be nuances here as well.
As you can see, there is nothing complicated about Bitcoin mining and there is a wide selection of ASIC models. Yes, the current Bitcoin rate and the mining difficulty are not optimistic, but everything can change in the near future, because many signs and indicators show that we have already reached the bottom or are in the final correction phase. After that, the trend will change and miners will be able to earn more and more profit every day.
