Blockscale, new Bitcoin mining chip launched by Intel

Blockscale, Intel’s new Bitcoin (BTC) mining chip was launched on Monday, by the world’s largest semiconductor manufacturer. The application-specific integrated circuit, or ASIC, hardware is intended to function with proof-of-work blockchains that use SHA-256 encryption.

According to Intel, Blockscale will have a hash rate of up to 580 gigahash per second (or 0.58 terahash per second, TH/s), a power consumption of 4.8 to 22.7 watts, and an energy efficiency of up to 26 joules per terahash (J/TH). Each chip may be joined and merged to form a single mining unit, boosting its production by up to 256 integrated circuits per chain.

In contrast, one of the top Bitcoin mining machines on the market, Bitmain’s Antminer S19 Pro, has a hash rate of 110 TH/s, requires 3,250 watts of electricity, and has an energy efficiency of 30 J/TH. A mining unit made up of 256 Blockscale chips would theoretically have a total hash rate of 148.5 TH/s and use between 1,228 and 5,811 watts of electricity with around the same energy efficiency.

According to Intel, Blockscale will be available in the third quarter of 2022. Argo Blockchain, Block, Hive Blockchain Technologies, and GRIID Infrastructure will be among the first to create new systems based on the company’s ASIC. Jose Rios, general manager of blockchain and business solutions at Intel’s accelerated computing systems and graphics area, remarked on the development:

“We are proud to collaborate with and provide solutions to companies that are creating a more sustainable cryptocurrency ecosystem globally. 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.”