Block Inc. Launches Proto Rig: Modular Bitcoin Miner Challenging Bitmain’s Dominance
Block Inc., led by Jack Dorsey, has unveiled the Proto Rig—a modular redesign of Bitcoin mining hardware marking the first major innovation since Bitmain’s S1 ASIC rig debuted over a decade ago in 2013. The reveal took place at Core Scientific’s facilities, Proto’s collaborator in developing the new mining systems. Dorsey joined industry leaders at the event, underscoring its significance.
Caught on camera: CEO @jack inspecting Proto Rig up close. pic.twitter.com/196Sk9KOzn
— Proto (@protomining) August 14, 2025
The Proto Rig aims to shake up Bitmain’s long-standing dominance, which controls roughly 80% of the mining hardware market. While initial improvements don’t focus on chip efficiency, the innovation lies in optimizing peripheral components to reduce maintenance and repair demands. Its modular architecture allows instant upgrades and part replacements, streamlining operations.
In a discussion with The Mining Pod, Perry Hothi, Block’s blockchain solutions architect, emphasized profitability over mere efficiency: “If hardware isn’t operational, efficiency becomes irrelevant.” He highlighted how Proto Rig shifts attention from ASIC chip specs to holistic rig design, borrowing best practices from decades of data center evolution. “Data centers have refined their systems far longer than Bitcoin miners. We’re integrating their proven innovations,” Hothi noted.
Erik Cativo, a Bitcoin developer and HRF grantee, praised Proto Rig’s aesthetics on X, comparing it to “sleek Swedish telecom equipment.”
Proto Rig’s sleek design echoes premium Swedish telecom gear. pic.twitter.com/4F3fLSPw6Q
— Erik (@uxerik_) August 14, 2025
Hothi also addressed U.S. manufacturing ambitions, citing benefits like resilient supply chains and incentives under recent tariffs. “Some parts are quicker to source from China, but our goal is domestic production for all components—including ASIC chips,” he stated, signaling a future shift toward localized manufacturing.
Max Guise, Proto’s ASIC lead, told Bitcoin Magazine the system is “fully integrated, featuring proprietary chips.” He highlighted flexibility, with configurations reaching 14.1 joules per terahash, though specifics remain guarded to prioritize modularity and customization.
Modularity
The Proto Rig’s chassis (39cm x 29cm x 50cm) houses nine chip boards, six fans, and three power units. Liquid cooling compatibility and swappable fans cater to diverse mining setups, from enterprise operations to home enthusiasts. Real-time error alerts for hardware issues enhance reliability, while software customization lets miners adjust chip usage dynamically.
Proto Rig packs three units’ performance into two traditional rigs’ footprint, rivaling Bitmain’s Antminer S21 XP and MicroBT’s Whatsminer M66S—both operating near 14 J/TH. With up to 810 TH per unit, it addresses industrial miners’ space constraints, a critical factor in warehouse-scale operations.
14.1 J/TH !! https://t.co/bZtUkwAkEj
— jack (@jack) August 14, 2025
Though initially targeting large operators with 12kW systems, Proto hints at future home-mining solutions. Dorsey tweeted, “Supporting ALL miners, not just giants,” sparking speculation about collaborations like Bitaxe for retail users. Guise confirmed scalability but clarified current focus remains industrial.
StratumV2 On By Default: Boosting Decentralization
Proto’s design chief Brian Stegall announced StratumV2 pre-installed, enhancing efficiency and decentralization. The protocol decentralizes block template creation, countering centralization risks from pools like Antpool replicating templates—a vulnerability threatening transaction censorship resistance.
Despite slow pool adoption due to development hurdles, Proto’s built-in integration could accelerate uptake as rigs deploy widely, aligning with Bitcoin’s decentralization ethos.
Open-Sourcing Fleet Software
Proto also open-sourced Fleet, its mining management platform, addressing industry software fragmentation. Stegall critiqued outdated practices: “Facilities still use BTC.com tools paired with spreadsheets—proof modern solutions are overdue.” Fleet unifies hardware monitoring, failure detection, and secure booting to thwart malware.
Stegall teased AI-driven features like automated alerts and repair guides, envisioning intuitive interfaces to boost operational efficiency. While details are sparse, the roadmap emphasizes cutting-edge software enhancing miner productivity.
Pricing and Availability
Pricing remains undisclosed, with configurations tailored via Proto’s sales team. Units are already shipping beyond partner Core Scientific, though availability depends on order specifics.
The Proto Rig’s launch signals Western innovation challenging Eastern hardware hegemony, blending industrial design excellence with Bitcoin’s decentralized ethos.
This post Block Inc. Launches Proto Rig: Modular Bitcoin Miner Challenging Bitmain’s Dominance first appeared on Bitcoin Magazine and is written by Juan Galt.
Source: cryptonews.net
