- Intel (NASDAQ:INTC) has launched a new Bitcoin mining chip called Blockscale, that is designed for energy-efficient blockchain hashing.
- Blockscale boasts a hash rate of 580 gigahash per second, consuming between 4.8 to 22.7 watts of power.
- Argo Blockchain, Block, Hive Blockchain Technologies and GRIID Infrastructure will be among the first companies to develop new systems based on Intel’s ASIC.
Intel has launched a new Bitcoin mining chip called Blockscale, that is designed for energy-efficient blockchain hashing. The chip was unveiled on Monday and operates with proof-of-work blockchains that use SHA-256 encryption.
Blockscale boasts a hash rate of 580 gigahash per second, consuming between 4.8 to 22.7 watts of power, and has an energy efficiency of up to 26 joules per terahash (J/TH). Each chip is merged into one single unit, which then increases the output with up to a maximum of 256 integrated circuits per chain.
For comparison, Bitmain’s Antminer S19 Pro mining machine has a hash rate of about 110 TH/S, uses 3,250 watts of power and has an energy efficiency of 30J/TH.
Blockscale chips will have a total hash rate of 148.5 TH/S and will consume around 1,228 to 5,811 watts of power.
Intel aims to start shipping Blockscale around the third quarter of 2022. Argo Blockchain, Block, Hive Blockchain Technologies and GRIID Infrastructure will be among the first companies to develop new systems based on Intel’s ASIC.
Jose Rios, the general manager of blockchain and business solutions stated that
we are proud to collaborate with and provide solutions to companies that are creating a more sustainable cryptocurrency ecosystem globally.
With regards to Blockscale’s impact on Bitcoin mining specifically, Rios stated that “the Intel Blockscale ASIC will play a major role in helping Bitcoin mining companies achieve both sustainability and hash rate scaling objectives in the years ahead”.