EEPROM Error Fix — Antminer EEPROM Corrupted Troubleshooting Guide

What This Error Means

The “EEPROM Error” — also displayed as “EEPROM corrupted,” “read EEPROM failed,” “EEPROM data error,” or “hashboard EEPROM mismatch” — means the control board cannot read or validate the identification data stored on one or more hashboards. Every Antminer hashboard contains a small EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory) chip that stores critical information: the board serial number, calibration data, chip configuration, voltage settings, and frequency profiles.

When the control board boots and attempts to initialize a hashboard, it reads the EEPROM first. If that data is corrupted, missing, or unreadable, the control board cannot properly configure the hashboard and will either skip it entirely (resulting in a missing chain) or report the EEPROM error. This error is especially common after firmware updates, power surges, and on miners that have been stored improperly.

Common Causes

• Power surge or improper shutdown — The EEPROM was being written to during a power interruption, corrupting the stored data. This is the most common cause, especially in areas with unstable power.
• Failed firmware update — A firmware flash that was interrupted or applied an incompatible version can overwrite or corrupt EEPROM data on the hashboards.
• Worn EEPROM chip — EEPROM chips have a limited number of write cycles (typically 100,000-1,000,000). On miners that have undergone many firmware updates or configuration changes, the chip itself may be degraded.
• Connector or communication issue — The data path between the control board and the hashboard EEPROM is compromised — a damaged ribbon cable, corroded connector, or broken trace on the PCB.
• Moisture or environmental damage — Condensation or humidity has damaged the EEPROM chip or its surrounding circuitry on the hashboard.
• Incompatible hashboard — A hashboard from a different miner model or variant has been installed, and its EEPROM data does not match what the control board expects.

Step-by-Step Fix

Safety first: Power off the miner and disconnect from the PSU before inspecting any internal components. Never attempt to flash firmware or modify EEPROM data while the miner is hashing.

Step 1: Identify Which Board Has the EEPROM Error

Check the miner web interface or kernel log to identify which chain is reporting the EEPROM error. The error message typically references a specific chain number (0, 1, or 2). This tells you which hashboard has the corrupted data.

Step 2: Power Cycle with a Clean Shutdown

Perform a clean shutdown through the web interface, wait 60 seconds, then power on again. Sometimes the EEPROM read fails due to a transient communication issue during boot, and a clean restart resolves it. Try this 2-3 times before proceeding.

Step 3: Reseat the Hashboard Connection

Power off and unplug the miner. Disconnect the ribbon cable for the affected hashboard from the control board. Inspect the connector for corrosion, bent pins, or debris. Clean with isopropyl alcohol if needed, and firmly reseat. Also check the connector on the hashboard end if accessible.

Step 4: Flash Official Firmware

Download the latest official Bitmain firmware for your exact model from the Bitmain support site. Flash via the web interface (System > Upgrade). A clean firmware flash will often reinitialize the EEPROM configuration process and restore proper communication with the hashboard.

Step 5: SD Card Recovery Flash

If the web-based firmware update does not resolve the EEPROM error, perform an SD card recovery flash. Download the SD card recovery image for your specific model from Bitmain, write it to a microSD card using a tool like Etcher or Win32DiskImager, insert it into the control board SD slot, and power on. The recovery process performs a deeper system reset that often resolves EEPROM issues that a standard firmware update cannot.

Step 6: Test the Hashboard in a Different Miner

If you have access to another Antminer of the same model, install the affected hashboard in the second miner. If the EEPROM error follows the board, the issue is on the hashboard itself. If the board works in the other miner, the issue is with your original control board or its configuration.

Advanced Diagnosis

Via SSH, check the EEPROM-specific logs:

ssh root@[miner-ip]
cat /var/log/messages | grep -i "eeprom"
cat /var/log/messages | grep -i "chain"
# Look for messages like "read eeprom failed" or "eeprom crc error"

EEPROM reprogramming: On some Antminer models, the EEPROM can be reprogrammed using manufacturer tools or third-party utilities. This is a specialized procedure that requires knowledge of the correct data format and values for your specific hashboard model and chip configuration. Incorrect EEPROM data can render the hashboard non-functional. This should only be attempted by experienced technicians.

I2C bus diagnosis: The EEPROM communicates with the control board over an I2C bus. If you have an oscilloscope or logic analyzer, you can probe the SDA and SCL lines on the hashboard connector to verify that the control board is correctly addressing the EEPROM and receiving responses. A flat or noisy I2C signal indicates a hardware fault.

When to Get Professional Help

Seek professional ASIC repair if:

• The EEPROM error persists after firmware flash and SD card recovery — the EEPROM chip itself may need replacement
• The hashboard shows the same error in multiple miners — board-level repair required
• You need EEPROM reprogramming — this requires specialized tools and data
• The error appeared after a power surge that may have caused broader damage to the hashboard

D-Central Technologies performs EEPROM diagnostics, reprogramming, and chip replacement on all Antminer models. Our technicians have the manufacturer data and tools to correctly reprogram hashboard EEPROMs and restore full functionality. Submit a repair request here

Affected Models

EEPROM errors can occur on any Antminer model. They are most commonly reported on: S17 and S17 Pro (known EEPROM reliability issues), T17 series, S19 variants, and older S9 units with many firmware cycles. The S19 XP and S21 series use newer EEPROM configurations that are somewhat more resilient but not immune.

Related Error Codes

• Chain X Only / Missing Hashboard — EEPROM failure typically causes the affected chain to disappear entirely
• SD Card Error / Boot Failure — Both involve data integrity issues during boot
• Firmware Update Failed — Interrupted firmware updates are a primary cause of EEPROM corruption
• Voltage Error — Power issues during EEPROM write operations cause corruption
• ASIC Chip Error — EEPROM stores chip configuration data; corruption can mimic chip failures

Frequently Asked Questions