Proto rigs and 240 TH/s A2s: Hardware bets reshaping bitcoin mining competition

Proto rigs are shaking up BTC mining, with CleanSpark pushing an open, decentralised hardware play that could redefine efficiency and uptime. Across discussions, A2s reliably hit ~240 TH/s, and Canaan’s biggest rig orders in years spotlight how throughput and supply cycles are tilting the field ^[1][2][3].

Open, decentralised hardware push - Efficiency around 14.1 J/TH puts more hash on less power, a key edge for smaller players and cleaner energy use ^[1]. - A single Proto Rig packs about 819 TH/s, a leap that could shift scale dynamics in a hurry ^[1]. - Modularity matters: swap hashboards and fans in under 90 seconds, boosting uptime ^[1]. - An open ecosystem and firmware invites devs and reduces vendor lock-in, increasing transparency ^[1].

A2s performance and Bitdeer - A2s are delivering around 240 TH/s consistently, a throughput benchmark that keeps operators focused on efficiency and capex balance ^[2]. - Even with higher upfront costs, Bitdeer shows strong performance and demand in a crowded market ^[2].

Canaan’s big rig orders and the supply cycle - Canaan reportedly sold 50k bitcoin rigs, the largest order in about three years, signaling a fresh push in rig supply and fleet growth ^[3]. - November earnings should reflect this surge, as the company leans into rising demand for ASICs ^[3].

Takeaway: hardware strategy—proto, open, and high-throughput rigs—may redraw who leads BTC mining in 2025, as supply cycles and capex discipline collide.

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