Manufacturers Shift ASIC Designs to Server Rack Models for Bitcoin Mining
Bitcoin mining is evolving from traditional shoebox-shaped ASICs to server rack designs, driven by efficiency and customer demand.
- ASIC manufacturers are developing hydro-cooled server racks, including Bitmain's U3S21EXPH and Auradine's AH3880, which occupy multiple server slots.
- The U3S21EXPH model offers 860 TH/s, while Auradine’s AH3880 provides 600 TH/s.
- Feedback from miners indicates a preference for hydro-based miners due to better performance and cooling efficiency.
- Adoption of server racks could lead to a 40% usage of direct liquid-to-chip cooling in data centers by 2026.
- This transition may facilitate easier integration with AI and high-performance computing (HPC) workloads.
However, challenges remain:
- Existing bitcoin mines may struggle to adapt their electrical infrastructure to support new designs.
- Miners like Hut 8 plan to integrate the U3S21EXPH model at new sites, with operations set to begin in Q2.
- Public miners could pave the way for broader adoption if initial deployments prove successful.