Antminer KS3 vs Antminer KS5
Side-by-side specs, profitability, and home mining comparison.
Quick verdict
For most buyers the Antminer KS5 is the stronger pick — Improved efficiency and performance from a newer chip revision. The Antminer KS3 runs 9.4 TH/s; the Antminer KS5 runs 20.0 TH/s.
Specs verified against the D-Central Mining Bible \xc2\xb7 June 2026
Specifications Comparison
| Antminer KS3 | Specification | Antminer KS5 |
|---|---|---|
| 9.4 TH/s | Taux de hachage | 20.0 TH/s |
| 3,500 W | Consommation électrique | 3,000 W |
| 372.3 J/TH | Efficiency | 150.0 J/TH |
| 75 dB | Niveau de bruit | 76 dB |
| 16.1 kg | Weight | 15.8 kg |
| 11,942 BTU/hr | BTU Output | 10,236 BTU/hr |
| 8/100 | Home Mining Score | 8/100 |
| — | Release Year | — |
| KHeavyHash | Algorithme | KHeavyHash |
| Bitmain | Manufacturer | Bitmain |
Profitability Comparison
Antminer KS3
Antminer KS5
Based on BTC price of $65,481 and current network difficulty as of Jun 17, 2026. Actual results vary.
Verdict
Bitmain's KAS miners spanning two generations. The KS3 launched the Kaspa mining era for Bitmain, while the KS5 refined the formula.
The KS5 improves on the KS3 with better efficiency and performance. The KS3 was a landmark product but the KS5 is the current choice for serious KAS mining.
Spec Deltas
The Antminer KS3 and Antminer KS5 diverge on the metrics below — each gap expressed as a real percentage, not a vague "better":
- Antminer KS5 113% more hashrate (9.4 vs 20.0 TH/s)
- Antminer KS5 14% better power draw (3,500 vs 3,000 W)
- Antminer KS5 60% better efficacité (372 vs 150 J/TH)
- Antminer KS3 1% better noise (75.0 vs 76.0 dB)
- Antminer KS5 2% better weight (16.1 vs 15.8 kg)
- Antminer KS3 17% more heat output (11,942 vs 10,236 BTU/hr)
Cost & ROI Over Time
Sticker price versus what the miner actually earns back: the table below projects cumulative net profit at a $0.10/kWh electricity rate.
| Antminer KS3 | Metric | Antminer KS5 |
|---|---|---|
| $8,000 | Upfront cost (MSRP) | $12,000 |
| -$8.09 | Daily net profit | -$6.54 |
| -$10,953 | Net after 1 year | -$14,387 |
| -$13,906 | Net after 2 years | -$16,775 |
| -$16,859 | Net after 3 years | -$19,162 |
| Does not pay back at current rates (negative daily profit) | Payback period | Does not pay back at current rates (negative daily profit) |
Projections assume continuous operation, a flat $0.10/kWh rate, and no hardware degradation, pool fees, or BTC price change. Real-world ROI varies.
Best For...
Best for Profitability
TieBoth miners produce similar daily profit.
Best for Home Mining
TieBoth miners are equally suitable for home use.
Best for Efficiency
Antminer KS5150.0 J/TH — lower electricity cost per terahash.
Foire aux questions
Can D-Central repair KAS miners?
Yes. D-Central's ASIC repair services cover the Antminer KS series alongside the full Bitmain lineup.
Are KS miners suitable for home use?
Both are industrial-class machines with significant noise and heat output. Home deployment requires sound dampening and proper ventilation.