Intel launches new Bitcoin mining chip Blockscale

On Monday, semiconductor manufacturing titan Intel unveiled its caller Bitcoin (BTC) mining chip, Blockscale. The application-specific integrated circuit, oregon ASIC, hardware is designed to run connected proof-of-work blockchains utilizing SHA-256 encryption.

As told by Intel, Blockscale volition person a hash rate of up to 580 gigahash per 2nd (or 0.58 terahash per second, TH/s), consuming betwixt 4.8 to 22.7 watts of power, and having an vigor ratio of up to 26 joules per terahash (J/TH). Each spot tin beryllium combined and merged into a azygous mining unit, expanding its output with a maximum of 256 integrated circuits per chain.

Blockscale conception art | Source: Intel

In comparison, Bitmain's Antminer S19 Pro, 1 of the starring Bitcoin mining machines connected the market, has a hash complaint of 110 TH/s, consumes 3,250 watts of power, and possesses an vigor ratio of 30 J/TH. Theoretically, a mining portion composed of 256 Blockscale chips would person a full hash complaint of 148.5 TH/s and devour betwixt 1,228 to 5,811 watts of powerfulness astatine astir the aforesaid vigor efficiency.

Intel says it volition commencement shipping Blockscale during the 3rd 4th of 2022. Argo Blockchain, Block, Hive Blockchain Technologies, and GRIID Infrastructure volition beryllium among the archetypal companies to make caller systems based connected the firm's ASIC. Regarding the development, Jose Rios, wide manager of Blockchain and Business Solutions successful the Accelerated Computing Systems and Graphics Group astatine Intel, commented:

"We are arrogant to collaborate with and supply solutions to companies that are creating a much sustainable cryptocurrency ecosystem globally. The Intel Blockscale ASIC volition play a large relation successful helping bitcoin mining companies execute some sustainability and hash complaint scaling objectives successful the years ahead."