Intel launches crypto mining chip
Intel’s new Blockscale technology is designed to deliver energy efficient blockchain hashing for proof of work consensus mechanisms.
The Blockscale ASIC is intended to support the rapidly growing compute requirement for blockchains utilising proof-of-work consensus mechanisms, of which Bitcoin is the most prominent example.
For proof-of-work algorithms that are compatible with ASIC-based systems and SHA-256 hashing, the Blockscale ASIC will provide the energy efficiency and computing power needed to achieve scalability and sustainability, according to the company.
Moreover, given the nature of the silicon powering this technology, Intel will be able to supply it in volume without compromising the supply of new CPUs or GPUs.
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“Momentum around blockchain continues to build. It is the enabler of decentralised and distributed computing, making way for innovative business models,” says Balaji Kanigicherla, Intel vice president and general manager of Custom Compute in the Accelerated Computing Systems and Graphics Group.
“To power this new era of computing, Intel is delivering solutions that can offer an optimal balance of hashing throughput and energy efficiency regardless of a customer’s operating environment.”
Key features for the Intel blockchain accelerator include dedicated SHA-256 ASIC processor, up to 580 gigahash/second hash rate and up to 26 Joules/terahash power efficiency, on-chip temperature and voltage sensing capabilities and support for up to 256 integrated circuits per chain.
The ASIC is designed for flexibility to enable users to develop individual solutions with a range of operating frequencies enabling elasticity between hashing throughput and energy efficiency to drive to lifetime operating costs.
Shipments of the Blockscale ASIC are expected to start in the third quarter of 2022. The first users to develop new systems based on the ASIC include Argo Blockchain, Block Inc., Hive Blockchain Technologies and GRIID Infrastructure.
Hive Blockchain has indicated that the new ASICs will be integrated into an air-cooled Bitcoin mining system. The new miners when installed are expected to deliver an increase of up to 95% in the company’s aggregate Bitcoin mining hashrate from 1.9 exahash per second.
