ASIC miners: which to buy, profitability, and how to choose the best

What Are ASICs and Why Are They Important?

Definition: What Is an ASIC Miner?

An ASIC (Application-Specific Integrated Circuit) is a chip engineered for a dedicated task—in this case, cryptocurrency mining. Unlike general-purpose processors, ASICs are purpose-built for specific algorithms (e.g., SHA-256 for Bitcoin, Scrypt for Litecoin), which makes them exponentially more efficient than other mining hardware.

How Do ASICs Differ from Graphics Cards (GPU)?

• Performance: ASICs deliver hash rates in the hundreds of terahashes per second (TH/s) for Bitcoin, while GPUs achieve only megahashes (MH/s).
• Energy Efficiency: ASICs consume less electricity per unit of hash rate (J/TH).
• Specialization: ASICs are built for a single algorithm, whereas GPUs are versatile but less efficient.
• Cost: ASICs have a higher upfront price but typically offer faster ROI when mining popular coins.

Which Cryptocurrencies Can Be Mined with ASICs?

Modern ASICs are used to mine:

• SHA-256: Bitcoin (BTC), Bitcoin Cash (BCH)
• Scrypt: Litecoin (LTC), Dogecoin (DOGE), Bellscoin (BEL)
• kHeavyHash: Kaspa (KAS)
• Ethash: Ethereum Classic (ETC)
• Blake2S: Kadena (KDA)

Popular ASIC Models

Top ASIC Models on the Market

Three manufacturers dominate the ASIC market: Bitmain (Antminer), MicroBT (WhatsMiner), and Canaan (Avalon). Notable models include:

• Antminer S21 XP Hyd: 473 TH/s hash rate, 5676 W power consumption, water cooling
• Antminer S21 Pro: 234 TH/s, 3510 W, 15 J/TH energy efficiency
• Antminer L9: 17 GH/s, 0.2 J/MH, optimized for Litecoin and Dogecoin
• WhatsMiner M63S: 390 TH/s, 5.36 kW, immersion cooling
• WhatsMiner M50S: 132 TH/s, 31 J/TH, cost-effective
• AvalonMiner A1466: 150 TH/s, 3230 W, mid-range pricing

New Models in the Market

• Antminer S21 Hydro: Enhanced version with 320 TH/s and water cooling
• WhatsMiner M60: 200 TH/s, improved chips, air cooling
• Avalon A15/Q: Immersion cooling for large-scale farms

ASIC Specifications

ASIC Profitability and ROI

ASIC Profitability Calculator

Profitability can be estimated using online calculators (WhatToMine, CryptoCompare, CoinWarz), factoring in:

• ASIC hash rate
• Network difficulty
• Cryptocurrency price
• Electricity cost (per kWh)
• Pool fees (1–2%)

Profitability Formula:

Profit = (Hash Rate × Block Reward × Coin Price) − (Power Consumption × kWh Rate + Pool Fees)

Profitability Calculation Examples

1. Antminer S21 Pro (234 TH/s):

   • Daily income: ~$15–17 in BTC equivalent
   • Electricity cost: $3–5 per day (standard rates)
   • Net profit: ~$10–12 per day or $300–360 per month
   • Estimated payback: 14–16 months

2. Antminer L9 (17 GH/s):

   • Daily income (LTC+DOGE): ~$12–15
   • Expenses: $3–4 per day
   • Net profit: ~$8–11 per day or $240–330 per month
   • Estimated payback: 24–26 months

Key Factors Affecting Profitability

• Cryptocurrency Price: BTC/LTC volatility impacts earnings
• Network Difficulty: Higher difficulty lowers block rewards
• Temperature: Overheating can reduce hash rate by 10–20%
• Pool Selection: Pools with low fees (F2Pool, ViaBTC) increase net income

Where to Buy an ASIC

Reliable Purchasing Platforms

• Prom.Miner: Locations in major cities, 1-year warranty
• GetAsic: Ships from China, pre-orders for new models
• Avito: Used ASICs, thorough seller verification required
• Telegram Groups: Specialized channels with delivery, but verify seller trustworthiness

Buying Used ASICs on Classifieds

• Check History: Request a video of the device in operation and maintenance records
• Warranty: Confirm remaining factory warranty
• Chip Condition: Hash board wear reduces hash rate
• Price Comparison: Used units cost much less than new equivalents

Price Ranges

• New models: range from budget to premium by performance and brand
• Used ASICs: far cheaper than new, price depends on age and condition
• Pre-orders: discounts often available from official dealers and major suppliers

How to Choose the Best ASIC

Key Selection Criteria

1. Hash Rate: Higher hash rate yields greater earnings (e.g., 473 TH/s for S21 XP Hyd)
2. Energy Efficiency (J/TH): Lower consumption reduces costs (15 J/TH for S21 Pro)
3. Price: Weigh cost against expected ROI
4. Warranty: 1 year for new, 6 months for used units
5. Noise & Cooling: For home use, prioritize models with robust cooling

Best ASICs for Home Mining

• Antminer S21 Hydro: Low noise due to water cooling, but needs additional setup
• WhatsMiner M50S: Strong price-performance ratio, requires soundproofing
• Antminer L9: Suitable for LTC/DOGE, moderate noise level

Top ASICs for Different Cryptocurrencies

• Bitcoin: Antminer S21 XP Hyd, WhatsMiner M63S
• Litecoin/Dogecoin: Antminer L9, AvalonMiner 1266
• Kaspa: Antminer KS5 (21 TH/s)
• Kadena: Goldshell KD6

Connecting and Setting Up an ASIC

Connecting to Power and Internet

1. Power: Use a compatible PSU and standard outlet
2. Internet: Connect via Ethernet for stable performance
3. Voltage Stabilizer: Recommended to protect against surges

Configuration via Web Interface

1. Locate the device’s IP address using your router or a utility
2. Enter the IP in your browser and log in to the control panel
3. Set pool address, worker ID, and password
4. Save changes and reboot

Selecting a Mining Pool

• F2Pool: Low fees, supports multiple algorithms
• ViaBTC: Smart mining with auto-switching, competitive rates
• AntPool: Official Bitmain pool, stable operation

Cooling and Noise: Making Mining Quieter

Noise Reduction Solutions

• Noise Enclosures: Reduce noise by 10–20 dB, available at various price points
• Water Cooling: Water-cooled models operate significantly quieter (50 dB)
• Immersion Cooling: Submerges ASIC in dielectric fluid for near-silent operation, requires specialized equipment

Temperature and Ventilation

• Optimum Temperature: 20–40°C; overheating (>70°C) cuts performance
• Ventilation: Install exhaust fans for airflow
• Monitoring: Regularly check temperatures via the ASIC dashboard

ASICs for Apartments

For home use, choose water-cooled or compact ASICs. Soundproofing is essential in shared living environments.

ASIC Repair, Firmware and Maintenance

Firmware for ASICs

• Purpose: Can boost hash rate by 5–15% or optimize power draw
• Popular Firmware: HiveOS, Vnish, Braiins OS
• Update Steps:
  1. Download the latest firmware from the official website
  2. Upload via the ASIC’s web interface
  3. Reboot the miner
• Warning: Incorrect firmware can damage hardware

Common Issues

• Hash Board Shutdown: Caused by overheating or unstable power supply
• Reduced Hash Rate: Dust buildup or normal wear
• Network Failures: Unstable internet or incorrect pool settings

Service Centers

• Major Cities: Specialized workshops offer diagnostics and repairs
• Service Cost: Depends on fault type and location
• Warranty: Confirm warranty coverage for repairs

Mining Profitability in Today’s Market

Key Profitability Drivers

Mining can remain profitable with low electricity costs and stable crypto prices. Block rewards depend on the algorithm and current network difficulty.

Income Volatility

• Bull Market: Rising prices shorten payback periods
• Bear Market: Falling prices extend payback periods

Approximate Payback Periods

• Antminer S21 Pro: 14–16 months at standard electricity rates
• WhatsMiner M50S: 11–12 months thanks to strong price-performance ratio
• Antminer L9: 24–26 months due to higher upfront cost

Top ASICs for Mining

Comparison Table: Leading Models

Best Value-for-Money Choices

• WhatsMiner M50S: Affordable pricing, solid performance
• Antminer S19K Pro: Budget-friendly, ideal for new miners

ASICs by Cryptocurrency

• Bitcoin: Antminer S21 XP Hyd, WhatsMiner M63S—top picks for maximum output
• Litecoin/Dogecoin: Antminer L9—tailored for these algorithms
• Kaspa: Antminer KS5—best choice
• Kadena: Goldshell KD6—specialized ASIC

Conclusion

Selecting the right ASIC miner requires thorough evaluation of technical specs, financial investment, and operational conditions. Today’s market features options for every budget—from compact home units to high-powered farm systems. Leading manufacturers (Bitmain, MicroBT, Canaan) continually refine their designs, offering optimal efficiency and performance. With correct configuration, reliable pool selection, and consistent maintenance, ASIC miners remain a robust tool for generating crypto income. Calculate your payback using your local electricity rates, and source hardware from reputable vendors.

FAQ

What Is an ASIC Miner and How Does It Differ from a GPU Miner?

An ASIC is a purpose-built chip for mining specific cryptocurrencies. Unlike GPU miners, ASICs deliver significantly higher hash rates with much lower energy consumption. They are more cost-efficient but less flexible, as they only support one algorithm.

Which ASIC Miner Models Are Most Worth Buying in 2024?

Top picks for 2024 include Antminer KS5 Pro (Kaspa, payback period 163 months), Iceriver KS0 Pro (Kaspa, payback period 254 months), and Antminer E9 Pro (Ethereum Classic, payback period 39 months). These models offer high mining returns.

How Do You Calculate ASIC Mining Profitability, and What Monthly Earnings Are Possible?

Monthly ASIC earnings depend on the algorithm, hardware hash rate, and current coin price. Calculations use trailing 30-day data. Under favorable conditions, a profitable ASIC can generate $100–$500+ per month.

Which Factors Should You Consider When Buying an ASIC Miner (Power Consumption, Hash Rate, Price)?

Evaluate hash rate (drives earnings), power consumption (affects electricity costs), and device price. Compute ROI using current network statistics and your local energy rate.

What Is the Typical Payback Period for ASIC Miner Investments?

Payback periods for ASIC miners typically range from 4 to 14 months, depending on network difficulty and electricity rates. The latest models pay off faster.

How Does Performance Compare Across ASIC Brands (Bitmain, MicroBT, etc.)?

Bitmain and MicroBT deliver similar performance, but MicroBT is recognized for higher stability. Consider both efficiency and reliability when choosing hardware.

What Are the Risks and Costs of ASIC Mining?

ASICs require significant upfront investment and consume large amounts of power, with additional cooling costs. Mining difficulty rises, competition is intense, and profit can fluctuate. Hardware may become obsolete quickly, and regulatory changes can impact returns. Centralization risk is considerable, making it hard for small-scale miners to compete.

Where Should You Buy ASIC Miners and How Can You Avoid Counterfeits?

Purchase ASIC miners from authorized manufacturers and vetted dealers. Verify authenticity certificates, serial numbers, and warranties. Avoid suspiciously low-priced offers and stick to official sales channels.