Block Inc. Launches Modular Bitcoin Miner Promising 10-Year Lifespan
Block Inc., led by Jack Dorsey, has launched Proto Rig, a modular Bitcoin miner, and Proto Fleet, an open-source management platform. This initiative was announced at Core Scientific's facility in Dalton, Georgia.
Key Features of Proto Rig
- Modular architecture allows individual hashboard upgrades, extending lifespan to over 10 years.
- Reduces upgrade costs by 15-20% per cycle.
- Tool-free hot-swapping enables repairs in seconds, minimizing downtime.
- Achieves up to 819 TH/s with nine hashboards, each delivering 91 TH/s.
- Power consumption is up to 12,000 W with efficiency as low as 14.1 J/TH.
- More effective use of rack space, providing 1.5 times the power per foot compared to legacy miners.
Image of the new Bitcoin miner, Proto Rig. Source: proto.xyz
Comparison with Traditional Miners
- Legacy ASIC miners like Antminer S23 have high upfront costs exceeding $17,400 and are often discarded after a few years.
- Proto Rig allows ongoing upgrades rather than complete replacements, facilitating technological advancements.
Additional Developments
- Block introduced Proto Fleet, integrating power-scaling, monitoring, diagnostics, and maintenance tools.
- The company aims to provide comprehensive mining solutions amid trade wars impacting Bitcoin rig imports to the US.
- Since November 2024, Block has focused on Bitcoin mining and joined the S&P 500 in July 2025.
- On August 14, Block experienced a 1.04% decline in NYSE share value despite recent announcements.