Intel previews its second-generation ‘Blockscale’ bitcoin mining chip

Intel announced the launch of its second-generation bitcoin mining chip, dubbed the Blockscale ASIC.

The tech giant said on Monday that the new chip will deliver more energy efficiency and will start shipping in the third quarter of 2022.

Key features of the new chip include a dedicated secure Hash Algorithm-256 (SHA-256) ASIC processor, up to 580 GH/s hash rate operating, and up to 26 J/TH power efficiency, on-chip temperature and voltage-sensing capabilities, and support for up to 256 integrated circuits per chain.

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“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,” said Jose Rios, general manager of Blockchain and Business Solutions in the Accelerated Computing Systems and Graphics Group at Intel.

Among the companies that have already signed up to buy the new machine are Argo Blockchain, Block Inc., Hive Blockchain Technologies, and GRIID Infrastructure, according to the announcement.

The company jumped into this space recently, with the launch of its first-generation mining chip, the Bonanza Mine.

“Intel’s decades of R&D in cryptography, hashing techniques and ultra-low voltage circuits make it possible for blockchain applications to scale their computing power without compromising on sustainability,” said Balaji Kanigicherla, Intel vice president and general manager of custom compute in the accelerated computing systems and graphics group.