Block Targets Mining Decentralization With Air-Cooled Proto Rig Delivering up to 819 TH/s
This week, Block, Inc. (NYSE: XYZ) introduced Proto Rig, a customizable bitcoin mining solution built for longevity, alongside Proto Fleet, a no-cost open-source management system, advancing efforts to distribute control over mining technology.
Disposable Miners Obsolete? Proto Rig Promises Decade-Long Durability
Unveiled at Core Scientific’s Dalton site, where prototypes are already active, Proto Rig marks Block’s expansion into ASIC hardware via its Proto division. The system challenges short-lived equipment by offering upgradable modules. Operators can replace specific hashboards rather than entire machines, extending hardware lifespan from 3–5 years to a potential 10-year cycle.
Thomas Templeton, Block’s Hardware Lead, highlighted flaws in conventional gear: “Older devices fail regularly, prove difficult to fix, and require costly, lengthy upgrades.” Proto Rig’s tool-less maintenance cuts repair delays from “hours or weeks to moments,” slashing upgrade expenses by up to 20%. The air-cooled unit (390mm W × 290mm H × 500mm D) features nine interchangeable hashboards, achieving 819 terahash per second (TH/s) total or 91 TH/s per board, with 14.1 joules per terahash (J/TH) efficiency.
Operating on 208–240V power via three 8-foot C20-to-C19 cables, it consumes up to 12,000 watts. At 110 pounds (5.38 lbs per hashboard), the unit works with standard racks and allows immersion cooling adaptations. Offering 1.5× greater power density per rack space compared to conventional systems, it optimizes facility use without expensive modifications. Compatibility with older setups and replaceable parts ensure minimal workflow interruptions.
Onsite maintenance extends to control boards, 4,000W power supplies, and cooling fans. “Our goal was to redefine mining tech and foster hardware decentralization,” Templeton stated. Developers emphasized Proto Rig’s focus on resolving persistent industry issues: wasted energy, excessive downtime, and premature hardware replacement.
Released simultaneously, Proto Fleet merges power management, analytics, and maintenance tools into a unified open-source interface. Templeton observed that mining software “lags behind broader tech advancements,” creating operational complexity. The platform allegedly replaces multiple third-party apps, helping operations of any scale optimize efficiency and reduce idle periods.
Block clarified that both innovations support its mission to democratize bitcoin mining. Proto Rig’s adaptable architecture encourages wider industry involvement, while Proto Fleet’s accessible framework distributes operational control. Described as “central to Proto’s decentralization strategy,” the software is openly available. Proto Rig’s live deployment at Core Scientific validates its practicality. Pricing details remain private, but Block frames the system as enduring infrastructure rather than temporary equipment.
Source: cryptonews.net
