The world’s biggest chip maker, Intel unveiled its new 2nd generation “energy-efficient” bitcoin mining chip dubbed the Intel Blockscale ASIC, as per a press release. Each Blockscale ASIC processor is programmed to deliver up to 580 gigahashes per second [GH/s] of hash rate with up to 26 joules per terahash [J/TH] of power efficiency.
Besides that, it claims to provide support for up to 256 integrated circuits per chain, in addition to featuring on-chip temperature and voltage sensing capabilities. Jose Rios, general manager of Blockchain and Business Solutions in the Accelerated Computing Systems and Graphics Group at Intel stated,
“The Intel Blockscale ASIC is going to play a major role in helping bitcoin mining companies achieve both sustainability and hash rate scaling objectives in the years ahead.”
The press release also mentioned that it will provide its customers with only the ASIC chip itself, instead of delivering a complete ASIC mining system which was usually the norm. The firm’s shipments will also include a reference hardware design and software stack to kick-start customers’ system development.
It is to be noted that, the newly launched processors will begin shipping in Q3 2022. Intel said it will work with and supply prospective customers who share the company’s sustainability goals starting in 2023.
Intel set to rule the crypto mining industry
The bitcoin mining industry is plagued with an ASIC supply shortage crisis. For a market leader, this provides a massive market opportunity to fill up the gap by providing eco-friendly offerings.
Industry insiders feel that the tech giant is seeking to add value to the industry in the short to medium term by increasing the availability of miners. In the long-term, as constraints are reduced, competition will then shifts towards performance and cost of ownership.
In January Intel hogged the limelight as it organized a presentation at the ISSCC conference about an “ultra-low-voltage energy-efficient bitcoin mining ASIC.” The panel dwelt on the chipmaker’s past history of ASIC experimentation, and in the same month, the firm shared that its new chip, the Blockscale ASIC, would ship this year.
Intel is also reiterating its claim that it can supply mining ASICs in volume without affecting the supply of new CPUs or GPUs. Only time will tell if that holds true.