What This Error Means
The “Hashboard Error” on a Whatsminer — also shown as “Missing Hashboard,” “SM [X] not found,” “Hashboard [X] offline,” or fewer hashboards detected than expected in the WhatsMiner Tools software or web interface — means the control board is unable to detect or communicate with one or more hashboards. Whatsminer models (M30, M50, M60 series) typically have 3 hashboards, and each should be detected during the initialization sequence.
This is functionally similar to the Antminer “Chain X Only” error but has different diagnostic paths due to Whatsminer’s different hardware architecture, integrated PSU, and different control board communication protocols. When a hashboard is missing, the miner operates at reduced capacity — losing approximately 33% of hashrate per missing board.
Common Causes
- Loose data cable connection — The flat ribbon cable (FFC) between the hashboard and control board is not properly seated. Whatsminer data cables can be more sensitive to seating issues than Antminer cables due to different connector types.
- Failed hashboard — ASIC chips on the hashboard have failed, preventing the board from passing initialization. A critical chip failure in the communication chain can take down the entire board.
- Power delivery to hashboard — The specific hashboard is not receiving power from the integrated PSU. A failed power connection or a short circuit on the board can prevent it from powering up.
- Control board port failure — The specific port on the control board that communicates with the missing hashboard has failed.
- Thermal damage — Previous overheating events may have damaged chips or solder joints on the hashboard, causing it to fail initialization.
- Firmware issue — A firmware bug or corruption causes the control board to skip hashboard initialization or fail to detect a specific board.
Step-by-Step Fix
Safety first: Power off the Whatsminer and disconnect from power before opening the case. The integrated PSU means mains voltage is present inside the unit — do not touch any PSU components.
Step 1: Identify the Missing Hashboard
Access the miner web interface or use WhatsMiner Tools software to identify which hashboard (SM0, SM1, SM2 or similar designation) is missing. Note the specific identifier — this tells you which physical board position to inspect.
Step 2: Power Cycle the Miner
Perform a complete power cycle: disconnect power, wait 2 minutes, reconnect. Whatsminer boards sometimes fail to initialize due to timing issues during boot. A clean restart resolves approximately 10-15% of hashboard detection failures.
Step 3: Reseat the Data Cables
Open the miner case (remove the fan shroud or access panel). Locate the flat data cables connecting each hashboard to the control board. Carefully disconnect the cable for the missing board, inspect the connector for bent pins or debris, and firmly reseat it. Whatsminer FFC connectors typically have a flip-lock mechanism — lift the lock, insert the cable fully, then press the lock down.
Step 4: Inspect Power Connections
Check the power cables from the PSU to the affected hashboard. Ensure they are fully seated and show no signs of damage, melting, or discoloration. If the connector shows heat damage, the cable and possibly the board connector need replacement.
Step 5: Swap Data Cables
If you have spare FFC cables or can swap cables between boards, this helps isolate whether the cable is the issue. Move the suspect board’s cable to a port used by a working board. If the problem follows the cable, replace it. If the problem stays on the same board, the hashboard itself has an issue.
Step 6: Update Firmware
Download the latest firmware from MicroBT’s official site for your exact Whatsminer model. Update through the web interface or using WhatsMiner Tools. New firmware can improve hashboard detection reliability and fix known initialization bugs.
Step 7: Test Hashboard in Different Position
If your model’s hardware allows it, try swapping the positions of a working hashboard and the failing one. This tests whether the control board port is the issue. If the hashboard fails in any position, it has a hardware fault requiring professional repair.
Advanced Diagnosis
Using the Whatsminer API for deeper diagnostics:
# Query detailed hashboard status
echo '{"cmd":"edevs"}' | nc [miner-ip] 4028
# Get error codes
echo '{"cmd":"get_error_code"}' | nc [miner-ip] 4028
# Check PSU status
echo '{"cmd":"get_psu"}' | nc [miner-ip] 4028Error code interpretation: Whatsminer uses numeric error codes that map to specific hardware faults. Common hashboard-related codes include codes in the 1XX range for chip communication failures and 2XX range for power/voltage issues. Refer to MicroBT’s error code documentation or contact their support for code interpretation.
Temperature log analysis: Check if the hashboard failure correlates with temperature events. If the board was showing elevated temperatures before disappearing, thermal damage to chips or solder joints is likely. This requires professional repair.
When to Get Professional Help
Seek professional ASIC repair if:
- The hashboard fails in multiple positions, confirming a board-level fault
- Error codes indicate chip communication failure or voltage domain issues
- Physical inspection reveals damaged connectors, discolored components, or burnt areas
- The hashboard worked but has progressively degraded over time
- Multiple hashboards are failing — may indicate a PSU output issue affecting all boards
D-Central Technologies repairs all Whatsminer hashboard models. We perform chip-level diagnostics, voltage regulator testing, and BGA rework on Whatsminer boards from the M20 through M60 series. Submit a repair request here
Affected Models
Hashboard detection issues affect all Whatsminer models: M20S, M21S, M30S, M30S+, M30S++, M31S, M31S+, M50, M50S, M50S+, M56, M56S, M60, M60S, and all variants. The M30S series is the most commonly repaired due to its large install base and age.
Related Error Codes
- Antminer Chain X Only — The equivalent error on Antminer hardware
- Whatsminer Power Off / Won’t Turn On — A hashboard short can prevent the entire miner from starting
- Whatsminer Over Temperature — Overheating can damage hashboards and cause detection failures
- Low Hashrate — A partially detected hashboard may show reduced hashrate
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I run my Whatsminer with one missing hashboard?
Yes, most Whatsminer models will operate with 1 or 2 hashboards at proportionally reduced hashrate. However, the integrated PSU is designed for the full 3-board load — running underloaded may slightly affect PSU efficiency. The bigger concern is that the root cause of the missing board (if it is a short circuit or progressive failure) could eventually affect other boards.
How is Whatsminer hashboard repair different from Antminer?
Whatsminer hashboards use different ASIC chip packages, voltage regulator designs, and PCB layouts than Antminer boards. While the repair concepts are similar (chip replacement, voltage regulator repair), the specific tools, parts, and techniques differ. Not all repair shops that service Antminer boards are equipped for Whatsminer repairs. D-Central services both manufacturers.
Should I update Whatsminer firmware myself?
Yes, firmware updates from MicroBT are generally safe and recommended. Use the official WhatsMiner Tools software for firmware updates when possible — it provides a safer update process than manual web interface updates. Always download firmware from MicroBT’s official sources. Do not interrupt the update process once started.
Why does my Whatsminer keep losing the same hashboard intermittently?
Intermittent hashboard detection is typically caused by a marginal connection (data cable working loose due to vibration or thermal cycling), a chip with intermittent failure (works when cool, fails when hot), or a cracked solder joint that makes/breaks contact with temperature changes. If the issue is temperature-correlated (works when cold, fails after 30+ minutes of operation), thermal damage is the likely cause.