Antminer KS3 vs IceRiver KS2
Side-by-side specs, profitability, and home mining comparison.
Specifications Comparison
| Antminer KS3 | Specification | IceRiver KS2 |
|---|---|---|
| 9.4 TH/s | Hashrate | 2.0 TH/s |
| 3,500 W | Power Consumption | 1,200 W |
| 372.3 J/TH | Efficiency | 600.0 J/TH |
| 75 dB | Noise Level | 65 dB |
| 16.1 kg | Weight | 15.0 kg |
| 11,942 BTU/hr | BTU Output | 4,094 BTU/hr |
| 36/100 | Home Mining Score | 52/100 |
| — | Release Year | — |
| KHeavyHash | Algorithm | KHeavyHash |
| Bitmain | Manufacturer | IceRiver |
Profitability Comparison
Antminer KS3
IceRiver KS2
Based on BTC price of $77,927 and current network difficulty as of May 16, 2026. Actual results vary.
Verdict
Based on our multi-factor analysis, the Antminer KS3 wins on 3 of 6 factors (efficiency, hashrate, price-performance). Its biggest concrete edge: 370% more hashrate (9.4 vs 2.0 TH/s). The IceRiver KS2 holds the edge in power consumption and home mining score and noise level. The right pick still depends on your power cost and noise tolerance — the breakdowns above make that call concrete.
Spec Deltas
The Antminer KS3 and IceRiver KS2 diverge on the metrics below — each gap expressed as a real percentage, not a vague "better":
- Antminer KS3 370% more hashrate (9.4 vs 2.0 TH/s)
- IceRiver KS2 66% better power draw (3,500 vs 1,200 W)
- Antminer KS3 38% better efficiency (372 vs 600 J/TH)
- IceRiver KS2 13% better noise (75.0 vs 65.0 dB)
- IceRiver KS2 7% better weight (16.1 vs 15.0 kg)
- Antminer KS3 192% more heat output (11,942 vs 4,094 BTU/hr)
- IceRiver KS2 44% more home mining score (36.0 vs 52.0)
Cost & ROI Over Time
Hardware cost is only half the story — here is how each miner's upfront price plays out against cumulative profit at a $0.10/kWh rate.
| Antminer KS3 | Metric | IceRiver KS2 |
|---|---|---|
| $8,000 | Upfront cost (MSRP) | $5,000 |
| -$8.06 | Daily net profit | -$2.81 |
| -$10,943 | Net after 1 year | -$6,025 |
| -$13,886 | Net after 2 years | -$7,050 |
| -$16,829 | Net after 3 years | -$8,075 |
| 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
IceRiver KS2Score: 52/100. 65 dB noise level.
Best for Efficiency
Antminer KS3372.3 J/TH — lower electricity cost per terahash.
Frequently Asked Questions
Antminer KS3 vs IceRiver KS2: which one earns more per day?
At the current BTC price and a $0.10/kWh electricity rate, the IceRiver KS2 is more profitable at $-2.81/day compared to $-8.06/day for the Antminer KS3. Profitability depends heavily on your electricity rate — use the selector above to calculate with your actual costs.
Is the Antminer KS3 or the IceRiver KS2 better for noise-sensitive spaces?
The IceRiver KS2 is quieter at 65 dB compared to the Antminer KS3 at 75 dB. For home mining, lower noise levels make a significant difference in livability.
Antminer KS3 vs IceRiver KS2: which fits a residential setup better?
The IceRiver KS2 scores 52/100 on our Home Mining Score (vs 36/100 for the Antminer KS3). This composite score factors in noise, power requirements, heat output, size, and setup ease — all critical for residential mining.
How far apart are the Antminer KS3 and IceRiver KS2 on J/TH?
The Antminer KS3 runs at 372.3 J/TH while the IceRiver KS2 runs at 600.0 J/TH — a difference of 227.7 J/TH. Lower efficiency means less electricity per terahash of mining power, directly reducing operating costs. In relative terms that is 38% better efficiency (372 vs 600 J/TH).
