BitMEX: Antminer S19 Pro holds a slight edge over Whatsminer M30S+

The flagship bitcoin miner Antminer S19 Pro from Bitmain slightly outperforms its competitor Whatsminer M30S+ from MicroBT. According to researchers at BitMEX Research.

Antminer S19 Pro vs Whatsminer M30S+

We measure various performance metrics for two of the latest and most energy efficient Bitcoin mining products, MicroBT’s Whatsminer M30S+ & Bitmain’s Antminer S19 Pro@Whatsminer_MBT @BITMAINtechhttps://t.co/vEJdQx4k8P pic.twitter.com/N2CtvZeNQT

— BitMEX Research (@BitMEXResearch) August 17, 2020

Over three days, equipment from both manufacturers was tested across a range of characteristics, including hash rate, energy efficiency, thermal performance, noise, and the supply chain.

Analysts found that the top Bitmain miner version boasts better energy efficiency — 29.7 J/TH versus 34.4 J/TH for MicroBT’s leading model. Experts note that even the upgraded Whatsminer M30S++, which gained the extra plus in the name, trails the Antminer S19 Pro — 31.0 J/TH.

Nevertheless, enthusiasts seeking Bitmain’s product faced supply difficulties.

BitMEX notes that the manufacturer’s site lists sold-out stock, while MicroBT does not face this problem.

Moreover, MicroBT miners are cheaper for buyers.

BitMEX noted that they themselves experienced delays in obtaining the Antminer S19 Pro.

“MicroBT delivered the miners in a matter of days, while Bitmain took almost five weeks,” the researchers said.

BitMEX attributes the delay to the ongoing power struggle among the co-founders and concerns over supply of 7nm TSMC chips.

Experts forecast continued fierce competition between the two manufacturers in the coming years. They give a slight edge to Bitmain due to its initial position and order book.

This view is based on a survey of mining farm operators. Most still lean toward Bitmain, though disappointed with the supply situation. Sometimes these operators do not consider MicroBT’s products at all.

Analysts attribute this to the difficulties of switching to another equipment supplier; such a move could negatively affect operating efficiency and maintenance costs.

As reported in June, BitMEX experts predicted further consolidation in the mining hardware industry, leaving only two to three players.

Earlier ForkLog published a special feature on mining investments.

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