Bitmain Antminer KS5 (20Th) vs IceRiver KS3
Side-by-side specs, profitability, and home mining comparison.
Specifications Comparison
| Bitmain Antminer KS5 (20Th) | Specification | IceRiver KS3 |
|---|---|---|
| 20.0 TH/s | Hashrate | 8.0 TH/s |
| 3,000 W | Power Consumption | 3,200 W |
| 150.0 J/TH | Efficiency | 400.0 J/TH |
| 75 dB | Noise Level | 75 dB |
| 15.8 kg | Weight | 14.4 kg |
| 10,236 BTU/hr | BTU Output | 10,918 BTU/hr |
| 36/100 | Home Mining Score | 36/100 |
| — | Release Year | — |
| KHeavyHash | Algorithm | KHeavyHash |
| Bitmain | Manufacturer | IceRiver |
Profitability Comparison
Bitmain Antminer KS5 (20Th)
IceRiver KS3
Based on BTC price of $78,234 and current network difficulty as of May 16, 2026. Actual results vary.
Verdict
Our scoring model gives the nod to the Bitmain Antminer KS5 (20Th), which leads on 4 of 4 weighted factors (efficiency, hashrate, power consumption, price-performance). Where it pulls away hardest is 63% better efficiency (150 vs 400 J/TH). The right pick still depends on your power cost and noise tolerance — the breakdowns above make that call concrete.
Spec Deltas
Here is every spec where the Bitmain Antminer KS5 (20Th) and IceRiver KS3 actually differ, with the gap quantified:
- Bitmain Antminer KS5 (20Th) 150% more hashrate (20.0 vs 8.0 TH/s)
- Bitmain Antminer KS5 (20Th) 6% better power draw (3,000 vs 3,200 W)
- Bitmain Antminer KS5 (20Th) 63% better efficiency (150 vs 400 J/TH)
- IceRiver KS3 9% better weight (15.8 vs 14.4 kg)
- IceRiver KS3 7% more heat output (10,236 vs 10,918 BTU/hr)
Cost & ROI Over Time
A miner pays for itself in profit, not specs. These projections track upfront cost against one, two and three years of net earnings at $0.10/kWh.
| Bitmain Antminer KS5 (20Th) | Metric | IceRiver KS3 |
|---|---|---|
| $799 | Upfront cost (MSRP) | $10,000 |
| -$6.48 | Daily net profit | -$7.39 |
| -$3,164 | Net after 1 year | -$12,698 |
| -$5,529 | Net after 2 years | -$15,396 |
| -$7,895 | Net after 3 years | -$18,094 |
| 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
Bitmain Antminer KS5 (20Th)150.0 J/TH — lower electricity cost per terahash.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which makes more money, the Bitmain Antminer KS5 (20Th) or the IceRiver KS3?
At the current BTC price and a $0.10/kWh electricity rate, the Bitmain Antminer KS5 (20Th) is more profitable at $-6.48/day compared to $-7.39/day for the IceRiver KS3. Profitability depends heavily on your electricity rate — use the selector above to calculate with your actual costs.
Bitmain Antminer KS5 (20Th) vs IceRiver KS3: which runs at a lower noise level?
Both miners have similar noise levels. Check the specs table above for exact decibel readings.
Which is better for home mining, the Bitmain Antminer KS5 (20Th) or IceRiver KS3?
Both miners score similarly on our Home Mining Score. Consider your specific constraints (noise tolerance, available power, heat needs) to decide.
How far apart are the Bitmain Antminer KS5 (20Th) and IceRiver KS3 on J/TH?
The Bitmain Antminer KS5 (20Th) runs at 150.0 J/TH while the IceRiver KS3 runs at 400.0 J/TH — a difference of 250.0 J/TH. Lower efficiency means less electricity per terahash of mining power, directly reducing operating costs. In relative terms that is 63% better efficiency (150 vs 400 J/TH).