Intel has unveiled a specialized Bitcoin-mining ASIC named Bonanza Mine, and a device based on it, at the international conference ISSCC. WikiChip Fuse reports.
Bonanza Mine System comprises 300 chips on four boards and can deliver a hash rate of 40 TH/s at a power draw of 3,600 W. A company spokesperson noted that the system is capable of higher speeds.
During the presentation, the company compared its miner with Bitfury Clarke and Canaan Avalon A9. At a hash rate of 47.7 EH/s, Intel’s system achieves an energy efficiency of 55 J/TH. Bitfury Clarke’s corresponding figures are 40 EH/s and 56 J/TH, while the Canaan miner is 30 EH/s and 58 J/TH.
Notably, the energy efficiency of Bitmain’s January-launched flagship—the Antminer S19 Pro+ Hyd with liquid cooling—is is rated at 27.5 J/TH. The MicroBT WhatsMiner M31S+ miner released in 2020 has a figure of 42 J/TH.
Intel’s presentation was strictly technical in nature. The company did not disclose prices or start dates for sales.
In early February, Raja Koduri, senior vice president of Intel’s Architecture, Graphics and Software (IAGS) group, announced the release of Bonanza Mine for the end of 2022. He said that the product’s waiting list includes Block (formerly Square) by Jack Dorsey, Argo Blockchain, and GRIID Infrastructure.
Intel CEO Pat Gelsinger has criticised bitcoin mining for its negative impact on the environment.
The company planned a presentation at ISSCC on a ‘highly efficient’ cryptocurrency mining chip in January.