The Bitaxe Gamma 602 has earned its place as the single most popular open-source Bitcoin solo miner on the planet. Powered by a single BM1370 ASIC chip — the same silicon that drives the Bitmain Antminer S21 Pro — this tiny board delivers roughly 1.2 TH/s of SHA-256 hashrate at just 15–18 watts. That is industrial-grade efficiency in a package you can hold in one hand.
In this comprehensive review, we tear down every aspect of the Gamma 602: specifications, setup, AxeOS firmware, overclocking headroom, solo mining probability, and how it stacks up against every other Bitaxe model. If you are considering your first solo miner — or adding another to the fleet — this is the only guide you need.
Quick verdict: The Gamma 602 is the best entry point into real ASIC-powered solo Bitcoin mining. Nothing else delivers this combination of hashrate, efficiency, price, and community support. Pick one up at D-Central and start hashing today.
What Is the Bitaxe Gamma 602?
The Bitaxe is a family of open-source, single-board Bitcoin mining devices designed for solo mining and decentralization. The entire hardware design and firmware are published on GitHub under permissive open-source licenses, meaning anyone can manufacture, modify, and improve them.
The Gamma sits in the 600 series of the Bitaxe lineup. The “602” designation refers to the second hardware revision of the Gamma board, which includes refined PCB routing, improved thermal pad placement, and minor electrical optimizations over the original 601 revision. Both revisions use the same BM1370 ASIC chip and deliver virtually identical performance — the 602 simply represents incremental manufacturing refinements.
What makes the Gamma special within the Bitaxe family is its chip choice. The BM1370 is Bitmain’s most efficient SHA-256 ASIC to date, pulled straight from the Antminer S21 Pro production line. When the open-source community integrated this chip into the Bitaxe form factor, they created something genuinely remarkable: a $100 device running the same silicon as a $5,000+ industrial miner.
Full Specifications
| Specification | Bitaxe Gamma 602 |
|---|---|
| ASIC Chip | Bitmain BM1370 (from Antminer S21 Pro) |
| Hash Algorithm | SHA-256 (Bitcoin) |
| Stock Hashrate | 1.0–1.2 TH/s (at 525 MHz, 1150 mV) |
| Overclocked Hashrate | 1.8–2.0+ TH/s (with upgraded cooling) |
| Power Consumption | 15–18W stock / 25–35W overclocked |
| Efficiency | ~15 J/TH (stock) |
| Power Input | 5V DC via barrel jack (5.5×2.1mm) |
| Recommended PSU | 5V 4A minimum (6A recommended for overclocking) |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n (2.4 GHz) |
| Controller | ESP32-S3 microcontroller |
| Firmware | AxeOS (open-source, OTA updatable) |
| Mining Protocol | Stratum V1 |
| Display | 0.91″ OLED (hashrate, temp, best share) |
| Cooling | Small onboard fan + heatsink (upgradeable) |
| Board Dimensions | ~80mm x 40mm |
| Noise Level | Near silent at stock (~25 dB) |
| Operating Temp | Keep ASIC below 65°C for 24/7 operation |
Why the Gamma 602 Is the Most Popular Bitaxe in 2026
Walk into any Bitcoin meetup, scroll any mining community on X or Discord, or browse the bestseller lists at retailers stocking open-source miners — the Gamma 602 dominates. Here is why it has captured the market.
The BM1370 Efficiency Advantage
The BM1370 chip is simply the best ASIC silicon available in a single-chip Bitaxe. At approximately 15 J/TH, it matches the wall-level efficiency of full-scale industrial miners that cost fifty times more. This is not a toy chip repackaged for hobbyists — it is the real thing, delivering real hashrate at real efficiency.
The Price-to-Performance Sweet Spot
At roughly $100, the Gamma 602 is the cheapest way to run actual ASIC-grade silicon on the Bitcoin network. You get a fully assembled, plug-and-play device that starts hashing within minutes. No soldering, no Linux configuration, no command-line wrestling. Connect power, connect to Wi-Fi, enter your Bitcoin address, and you are mining.
The Community Effect
The Gamma 602 benefits from the largest installed base of any Bitaxe model. That means more firmware development attention, more accessory options, more overclocking data, and more community support when you need help. The Bitaxe Block Wins Tracker shows confirmed solo blocks found by Bitaxe miners — and a significant number of those wins came from Gamma units.
Proven Block Winner
Despite statistical odds that would make a casino blush, Bitaxe miners have found multiple solo blocks. In November 2025, a cluster of Bitaxe Gamma miners solved Bitcoin block #924,569. These are not theoretical wins — they are real, confirmed, full block rewards sent to the miner’s own wallet. Every hash genuinely has a chance.
BM1370 vs. BM1366 vs. BM1368: The Chip Showdown
Understanding the ASIC chips behind each Bitaxe model is key to choosing the right one. Here is how the three main chips compare.
| Specification | BM1366 (Ultra) | BM1368 (Supra) | BM1370 (Gamma 602) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Origin Miner | Antminer S19 XP | Antminer S21 | Antminer S21 Pro |
| Per-Chip Hashrate | ~500 GH/s | ~700 GH/s | ~1.0–1.2 TH/s |
| Efficiency | ~19 J/TH | ~21 J/TH | ~15 J/TH |
| Power per TH | 19W | 21W | 15W |
| Process Node | 5nm | 5nm | 5nm |
| Generation | Older | Mid-generation | Latest |
| Overclocking Headroom | Moderate | Moderate | Excellent |
The takeaway is clear: the BM1370 delivers roughly 2x the hashrate of the BM1366 at lower total power consumption. It is not just incrementally better — it is a generational leap in efficiency. This is why the Gamma 602 has displaced the Ultra and Supra as the default Bitaxe recommendation.
For a deeper dive into every model, see our Bitaxe Comparison 2026 guide.
Unboxing and First Setup
Setting up the Bitaxe Gamma 602 is genuinely one of the simplest hardware experiences in Bitcoin. Here is what to expect.
What Is in the Box
When you order a Gamma 602 from D-Central, you receive:
- Fully assembled Bitaxe Gamma 602 board with heatsink and fan pre-installed
- OLED display showing hashrate, temperature, and best share difficulty
- Quick start instructions
Note: Most configurations require a separate 5V DC power supply. D-Central offers a dedicated 5V 6A Bitaxe PSU specifically optimized for the Bitaxe series — we strongly recommend it, especially if you plan to overclock.
Step-by-Step Setup
- Connect power. Plug the 5V barrel jack into the Gamma 602. The OLED screen lights up and the fan spins — the board boots in about 15 seconds.
- Connect to the Bitaxe Wi-Fi hotspot. On first boot, the Gamma creates its own Wi-Fi access point (typically named “Bitaxe_XXXX”). Connect from your phone or laptop.
- Open the AxeOS web interface. Navigate to 192.168.4.1 in your browser. The AxeOS dashboard loads immediately.
- Configure Wi-Fi. Enter your home Wi-Fi network name and password. The Gamma reboots and connects to your network.
- Find its new IP address. Check your router’s connected devices list, or the OLED display will show the assigned IP.
- Enter your mining settings. Navigate to the Settings tab in AxeOS. Enter your Bitcoin wallet address as the Stratum User, and configure your preferred solo mining pool (such as public-pool.io or solo.ckpool.org).
- Start mining. Save settings, and within seconds the dashboard shows your hashrate, accepted shares, and ASIC temperature. You are now solo mining Bitcoin.
The entire process takes less than five minutes. For a full walkthrough with screenshots, see our Bitaxe Gamma Setup Guide.
AxeOS Interface Overview
AxeOS is the open-source firmware that powers every Bitaxe. It runs on the ESP32-S3 microcontroller and provides a clean web-based dashboard accessible from any browser on your local network. For a complete deep-dive, see our AxeOS Complete Guide.
Dashboard
The main dashboard displays real-time metrics: current hashrate, ASIC temperature, fan speed percentage, accepted and rejected shares, best share difficulty, and uptime. All values update live without page refreshes.
Settings
The Settings page lets you configure:
- Stratum configuration: Primary and fallback pool URL, port, and wallet address
- Wi-Fi settings: Network name and password
- ASIC frequency and core voltage: These are the overclocking controls (hidden behind a
?ocURL parameter to prevent accidental changes) - Fan speed: Automatic or manual control
- Hostname: Custom name for identifying the device on your network
Firmware Updates
AxeOS supports over-the-air (OTA) updates directly from the web interface. The Settings page includes a “Latest Releases” section that checks GitHub for newer firmware versions. One click downloads and installs the update — no USB cables, no flashing tools. See our Bitaxe Firmware Update Guide for advanced methods including web flasher and CLI.
Overclocking the Gamma 602
This is where the Gamma gets truly exciting. The BM1370 has substantial overclocking headroom, and the community has mapped out exactly how far you can push it.
Stock vs. Overclocked Performance
| Setting | Frequency | Voltage | Hashrate | Power | Cooling Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stock | 525 MHz | 1150 mV | ~1.07–1.2 TH/s | ~15–18W | Stock heatsink + fan |
| Mild OC | 600 MHz | 1200 mV | ~1.3 TH/s | ~20W | Stock (monitor temps) |
| Moderate OC | 725 MHz | 1250 mV | ~1.5 TH/s | ~24W | Upgraded heatsink recommended |
| Aggressive OC | 800 MHz | 1300 mV | ~1.7 TH/s | ~28W | Premium heatsink + MOSFET cooling |
| Maximum OC | 900 MHz | 1350 mV | ~1.8–2.0 TH/s | ~32–35W | Tower cooler + active MOSFET cooling |
Critical Thermal Notes
The BM1370 ASIC itself is fairly thermally resilient — keep it below 65°C for reliable 24/7 operation, with 70°C as the absolute ceiling. However, the real bottleneck on the Gamma is not the ASIC chip — it is the VRM (voltage regulator module) and surrounding MOSFETs. At frequencies above 800 MHz, these components can overheat before the ASIC does.
If you are pushing past 800 MHz, adding small adhesive heatsinks to the MOSFETs is strongly recommended. Also upgrade to a quality 5V 6A power supply — the D-Central 5V 6A PSU or a Mean Well LRS-50-5 are proven choices.
For detailed step-by-step overclocking instructions for every frequency tier, see our Definitive Bitaxe Overclocking Manual.
Power Consumption and Efficiency Analysis
Let us talk real numbers. Power consumption is the single most important factor in long-term mining economics, and the Gamma 602 excels here.
Daily and Monthly Power Costs
| Configuration | Watts | kWh/Day | kWh/Month | Monthly Cost ($0.10/kWh) | Monthly Cost ($0.15/kWh) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stock (1.2 TH/s) | 17W | 0.41 | 12.2 | $1.22 | $1.84 |
| Mild OC (1.3 TH/s) | 20W | 0.48 | 14.4 | $1.44 | $2.16 |
| Moderate OC (1.5 TH/s) | 24W | 0.58 | 17.3 | $1.73 | $2.59 |
| Aggressive OC (1.7 TH/s) | 28W | 0.67 | 20.2 | $2.02 | $3.02 |
| Maximum OC (2.0 TH/s) | 35W | 0.84 | 25.2 | $2.52 | $3.78 |
At stock settings, the Gamma 602 costs between $1.22 and $1.84 per month to run. That is less than leaving a single LED bulb on. Even at maximum overclock, you are under $4/month. This is why the “lottery ticket” analogy works so well — the ongoing cost of playing is negligible.
Efficiency Compared to Industrial Miners
The Gamma’s ~15 J/TH stock efficiency is on par with the Antminer S21 Pro (15 J/TH) — the industrial miner that the BM1370 was designed for. You are not running some hobbled-down version of the chip. You are running the same silicon at the same efficiency. The only difference is scale: the S21 Pro runs 234 chips delivering 234 TH/s, while the Gamma runs one chip delivering 1.2 TH/s. Per terahash, the efficiency is equivalent.
Solo Mining Probability: What Are Your Actual Odds?
Let us be honest about the math. Solo mining with a Bitaxe is a lottery — but it is a lottery with known odds, negligible ticket costs, and a life-changing jackpot.
The Numbers
As of February 2026, the Bitcoin network hashrate sits at approximately 1,166 EH/s (exahashes per second). A Bitaxe Gamma 602 at stock 1.2 TH/s represents roughly 0.000000103% of the total network hashrate.
| Hashrate | Chance per Block (10 min) | Chance per Day | Chance per Year | Expected Time to Find Block |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.2 TH/s (stock) | ~1 in 971 billion | ~1 in 6.7 million | ~1 in 18,400 | ~18,400 years |
| 1.5 TH/s (mild OC) | ~1 in 777 billion | ~1 in 5.4 million | ~1 in 14,700 | ~14,700 years |
| 2.0 TH/s (max OC) | ~1 in 583 billion | ~1 in 4.0 million | ~1 in 11,000 | ~11,000 years |
| 10x Gamma fleet (12 TH/s) | ~1 in 97 billion | ~1 in 674,000 | ~1 in 1,840 | ~1,840 years |
Yes, the expected time is measured in thousands of years. But here is the critical insight: probability is not a countdown timer. Your very next hash could be the one. A Bitaxe miner found a full block in 2024 — beating odds that were just as long. And the jackpot? At current Bitcoin prices, a full block reward of 3.125 BTC is worth over $300,000.
The monthly electricity cost for that ticket? About $1.50.
For detailed probability calculations and to model your own setup, use our Solo Mining Probability Calculator. For the philosophical case for why every hash matters, read What Is Solo Mining?
Bitaxe Model Comparison: Gamma 602 vs. the Full Lineup
The Bitaxe ecosystem has grown substantially. Here is how the Gamma 602 fits within the complete family.
| Model | ASIC Chip(s) | Hashrate (Stock) | Power | Efficiency | Price Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ultra (200) | 1x BM1366 | ~500 GH/s | ~12W | ~19 J/TH | $70–90 | Legacy model, lowest power draw |
| Supra (400) | 1x BM1368 | ~700 GH/s | ~15W | ~21 J/TH | $80–100 | Budget entry, BM1368 enthusiasts |
| Gamma 602 | 1x BM1370 | ~1.2 TH/s | ~17W | ~15 J/TH | $90–120 | Best value, highest efficiency single-chip |
| Hex (300) | 6x BM1366 | ~3.0 TH/s | ~60W | ~19 J/TH | $350–450 | Higher hashrate in one board |
| GT (800) | 2x BM1370 | ~2.15 TH/s | ~43W | ~18 J/TH | $180–220 | Double Gamma power, 12V input |
Why the Gamma 602 Wins for Most People
The Gamma 602 occupies the sweet spot. It delivers the best efficiency of any single-chip Bitaxe, costs the least per terahash among BM1370-based models, runs on simple 5V power, and has the broadest accessory ecosystem. Unless you specifically need the higher hashrate of the GT or Hex — and are willing to pay more and manage more power — the Gamma 602 is the default recommendation.
Want to scale up? Buy multiple Gammas. A fleet of ten Gamma units costs roughly the same as two or three Hex units but gives you redundancy (if one fails, nine keep hashing), flexibility (spread them around the house), and the best per-terahash efficiency in the lineup.
For a comprehensive model-by-model breakdown, see our Bitaxe Buying Guide.
Best Accessories for the Bitaxe Gamma 602
The right accessories transform the Gamma from a solid stock performer into a tuned overclocking machine. D-Central has been a pioneer in the Bitaxe accessory ecosystem — we created the original Bitaxe Mesh Stand (the first company to manufacture one) and developed some of the leading heatsink solutions for the Bitaxe platform.
Heatsinks
The stock heatsink handles stock frequencies fine, but if you plan to overclock, an upgraded heatsink is essential.
- Premium Bitaxe Heatsink — Our high-performance aluminum cooler designed for silent operation and stable overclocking. Compatible with Gamma, Supra, and Ultra models.
- Bitaxe Basic Heatsink — A cost-effective cooling upgrade for stock or mild overclock operation.
- Bitaxe Modern Heatsink — Mid-range option balancing cooling performance and aesthetics.
Stands and Cases
- Bitaxe Mesh Stand — The original, designed and first manufactured by D-Central. Mesh ventilation promotes airflow around the entire board. Durable 3D-printed construction with universal Bitaxe compatibility.
- Modern Bitaxe Stand — Our premium enclosure with support for a second backside fan for enhanced cooling. Supports both horizontal and vertical orientation.
- Bitaxe Mini Miner DIY Kit — Full enclosure and cooling upgrade kit for builders who want a polished, contained setup.
- Bitaxe Infinity Case — Modular, clippable cases that let you build expandable mining racks from multiple Bitaxe units.
Cooling Sockets (for Overclocking)
- Ice Cooler Tower Socket — Low-profile tower cooler for aggressive overclocking. Dramatically improves heat dissipation over the stock setup.
- Argon THRML Noctua Socket — The premium cooling solution, combining Noctua’s legendary fan quality with advanced thermal management. Built for sustained high-frequency operation.
Power Supply
- D-Central 5V 6A Bitaxe PSU — Purpose-built for the Bitaxe series with enough headroom for overclocking. Clean, stable 5V output protects your hardware.
For the complete rundown of every accessory category, see our Complete Bitaxe Accessories Guide.
D-Central and the Bitaxe Ecosystem
D-Central Technologies has been involved with the Bitaxe project since its earliest days. As a company built on the principle of decentralizing every layer of Bitcoin mining, the Bitaxe’s open-source, solo-mining philosophy is a natural fit for our mission.
Our contributions to the ecosystem include:
- Created the original Bitaxe Mesh Stand — the first commercially manufactured stand for the Bitaxe platform
- Developed leading heatsink solutions — for both standard Bitaxe and Bitaxe Hex form factors
- Stock all Bitaxe variants — Supra, Ultra, Gamma, GT, Hex, plus every accessory, PSU, and cooling solution
- Rigorous quality testing — every unit we ship is assembled, tested, and verified before leaving our facility
- Full support ecosystem — setup guides, troubleshooting documentation, overclocking manuals, and direct technical support from our team
The Bitaxe is open-source hardware — anyone can build and sell them. We compete on expertise, quality control, accessory innovation, and the depth of our support infrastructure. When you buy from D-Central, you are buying from a team that has been living and breathing Bitaxe since day one.
Who Should Buy the Bitaxe Gamma 602?
The Gamma 602 is not for everyone — but its sweet spot is enormous. Here is who benefits most.
First-Time Solo Miners
If you have never mined Bitcoin before and want to start with real ASIC hardware (not a USB stick running 5 GH/s), the Gamma 602 is the on-ramp. Sub-$100 entry, five-minute setup, negligible power costs, and you are genuinely participating in the Bitcoin network with industrial-grade silicon.
Bitcoin Maximalists and Sovereignty Advocates
If you believe in decentralization — not as a slogan but as a practice — running a solo miner is putting your hashrate where your mouth is. Every Bitaxe running on solo mining adds to the distributed hashrate that keeps Bitcoin resistant to censorship and centralization. It is a political act encoded in silicon.
Overclocking Enthusiasts and Tinkerers
The Gamma’s BM1370 has exceptional overclocking headroom. If you enjoy tweaking settings, upgrading cooling, and squeezing out every last gigahash, this board is a playground. Push it to 2 TH/s, add custom heatsinks, build a fleet — the open-source nature means there are no restrictions on what you can do.
Gift Buyers
A Bitaxe Gamma makes a genuinely memorable gift for anyone interested in Bitcoin. It is tangible, it is functional, it comes with a “you might find a $300,000 block” story attached, and it costs less than a nice dinner out. We have seen more Gamma units purchased as gifts than any other Bitaxe model.
Fleet Builders
Serious lottery miners often run fleets of 10, 20, or even 50+ Gamma units. At $100 each and $1.50/month in power, a 10-unit fleet gives you 12 TH/s of solo hashrate for under $1,000 in hardware and $15/month in electricity. The Gamma’s 5V power, small footprint, and Wi-Fi connectivity make fleet management straightforward.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the Bitaxe Gamma 602 cost?
Prices typically range from $90 to $120 depending on the configuration and included accessories. At D-Central, we offer the Gamma with various cooling options to match your needs and budget. A quality 5V power supply should be budgeted separately if not included.
Can the Bitaxe Gamma 602 actually find a Bitcoin block?
Yes. Bitaxe miners have found confirmed solo blocks on the Bitcoin mainnet. The odds for a single Gamma are roughly 1 in 18,400 per year at stock hashrate, but probability does not guarantee timing — blocks have been found by miners with similarly long odds. Check the Bitaxe Block Wins Tracker for confirmed wins.
Is the Bitaxe Gamma 602 profitable?
In the traditional mining profitability sense (daily revenue minus daily electricity cost), no — the hashrate is too small relative to the network to generate consistent daily income. The Gamma is a solo mining device: it either finds nothing or finds an entire block reward (currently 3.125 BTC). Think of it as a lottery ticket that costs $1.50/month to hold, with a jackpot exceeding $300,000. For consistent daily income, look at full-scale ASIC miners.
What is the difference between the Bitaxe Gamma 601 and 602?
Both use the same BM1370 ASIC chip and deliver the same hashrate. The 602 is an incremental hardware revision with refined PCB layout, improved component placement for marginally better thermal management, and minor electrical optimizations. Performance is essentially identical — the 602 is simply a manufacturing refinement.
How loud is the Bitaxe Gamma 602?
At stock settings, virtually silent — around 25 dB, comparable to a whisper. You can run it in a bedroom or office without any noise issues. At higher overclock settings with upgraded fans, noise increases but remains far quieter than any traditional ASIC miner. Even the loudest Bitaxe setup is quieter than a laptop fan under load.
Can I mine coins other than Bitcoin with the Gamma 602?
No. The BM1370 is a SHA-256 ASIC — it can only compute SHA-256 hashes, which means it can only mine Bitcoin (and SHA-256 forks like Bitcoin Cash, though AxeOS is configured for Bitcoin). It cannot mine Ethereum, Litecoin, or any non-SHA-256 cryptocurrency.
What pool should I use for solo mining?
Popular solo mining pools include public-pool.io, solo.ckpool.org, and solo.d-central.tech. These pools simply relay your work to the Bitcoin network — if your hash finds a block, the full reward goes to your wallet address. See our Mining Pool Comparison 2026 for detailed options.
How long does the Bitaxe Gamma 602 last?
ASIC chips are solid-state components with no moving parts (the fan is the only wear component). With proper cooling — keeping the ASIC below 65°C — a Gamma 602 should run for years. The fan can be replaced cheaply if it eventually fails. Many miners report 18+ months of continuous 24/7 operation without issues.
Can I run multiple Bitaxe Gamma units together?
Yes. Each Gamma operates independently on your Wi-Fi network, each with its own IP address and AxeOS interface. You can run as many as your Wi-Fi network supports. All point to the same Bitcoin wallet address. The Bitaxe Infinity Case is specifically designed for building modular multi-unit racks.
Do I need any technical knowledge to set up the Gamma 602?
No. If you can connect to a Wi-Fi network and type a Bitcoin address into a web form, you can set up a Bitaxe Gamma. The entire process takes under five minutes. Our Bitaxe Gamma Setup Guide walks through every step, and our Bitaxe Troubleshooting Guide covers every common issue.
Final Verdict
The Bitaxe Gamma 602 is the most important product in the open-source Bitcoin mining space right now. It puts industrial-grade ASIC efficiency into a $100 device that anyone can set up in five minutes. It is silent, it costs pennies to run, it supports a growing ecosystem of accessories and firmware improvements, and it gives every Bitcoiner a way to directly participate in securing the network.
Is it going to make you rich through daily mining revenue? No. But that was never the point. The Gamma 602 is a statement device — a physical embodiment of the idea that Bitcoin mining should not be the exclusive domain of warehouses full of machines in Kazakhstan. It is a lottery ticket, a learning tool, a conversation piece, and a contribution to decentralization, all wrapped into one tiny PCB.
And sometimes — ask the miner who found block #924,569 — the lottery pays off.
Buy the Bitaxe Gamma 602 at D-Central | Explore the Bitaxe Hub | Read the Setup Guide