Block, Inc. Unveils Innovative Mining Solutions
This week, Block, Inc., listed on the New York Stock Exchange, revealed its innovative mining solutions: the Proto Rig and Proto Fleet. These offerings are part of a broader initiative aimed at decentralizing both the hardware and software aspects of bitcoin mining. The launch event was hosted at the Core Scientific facility, where working versions of the Proto Rig are already in place, showcasing Block’s entry into the ASIC mining segment through its Proto division after previously selling bitcoin mining chips.
Introducing the Proto Rig
The Proto Rig is designed to replace outdated, single-use hardware with a more durable, modular approach that allows for significant upgrades. Rather than discarding entire units every few years, operators can now simply replace individual hashboards, turning the lifespan of mining assets from a typical 3-5 years into potentially a decade.
“Our goal was to innovate mining hardware to address longstanding industry issues,”
remarked Thomas Templeton, Block’s Hardware Lead, who expressed frustration with traditional machines that frequently malfunction and require challenging, costly upgrades. The Proto Rig promises to streamline repairs, reducing downtime from potentially weeks to mere seconds.
Technical Specifications
This air-cooled system, with dimensions of 390mm in width, 290mm in height, and 500mm in depth, is equipped with nine interchangeable hashboards and can achieve an impressive output of up to 819 terahash per second (TH/s), with each board capable of generating 91 TH/s at a power consumption of 14.1 joules per terahash (J/TH). It is powered by up to 12,000 watts through standard 208-240V outlets, using three provided 8-foot power cables. Weighing in at 110 pounds, or about 5.38 pounds per hashboard, the Proto Rig is designed to fit in conventional racks and supports enhancements for immersion cooling. With a power density 1.5 times greater per rack foot than existing miners, it optimizes layout efficiency without extensive alterations. Moreover, it maintains compatibility with older infrastructure while allowing hot-swapping of components to reduce interference in operations.
All critical components, including the control board and dual 4,000W power supplies, are easily serviceable on-site, aligning with Block’s vision for decentralized hardware. Templeton emphasized that the design of Proto Rig intentionally tackles key issues within the bitcoin mining industry, notably efficiency in power use, frequent operational hiccups, and rapidly outdated technology.
Introducing Proto Fleet
In tandem with the Proto Rig, Block introduced Proto Fleet — a comprehensive, free, and open-source management platform that integrates power scaling, diagnostic tools, monitoring, and maintenance. Templeton pointed out the lag in bitcoin mining software advancements compared to overall software technology, which complicates miners’ practices. This newly developed platform aims to eliminate reliance on disparate third-party tools, allowing miners of various scales to operate more efficiently.
Commitment to Democratizing Bitcoin Mining
Both the Proto Rig and Proto Fleet reflect Block’s commitment to democratizing bitcoin mining. The Proto Rig is purposely designed for accessibility, encouraging wider participation among developers, while the Proto Fleet empowers users with free management capabilities. Highlighting the essence of their mission, Block stated that the software is intended for universal access. Currently, Proto Rig is functioning at Core Scientific’s Dalton facility as a real-time demonstration. Although the price of these units has not been revealed, Block is positioning the Proto Rig as a sustainable long-term investment rather than a short-lived piece of hardware.
