Bitmain Antminer KS5 Pro (21Th) vs IceRiver KS3L
Side-by-side specs, profitability, and home mining comparison.
Specifications Comparison
| Bitmain Antminer KS5 Pro (21Th) | Specification | IceRiver KS3L |
|---|---|---|
| 21.0 TH/s | Hashrate | 5.0 TH/s |
| 3,150 W | Power Consumption | 3,200 W |
| 150.0 J/TH | Efficiency | 640.0 J/TH |
| 75 dB | Noise Level | 75 dB |
| 15.8 kg | Weight | 14.4 kg |
| 10,748 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 Pro (21Th)
IceRiver KS3L
Based on BTC price of $78,139 and current network difficulty as of May 16, 2026. Actual results vary.
Verdict
Our scoring model gives the nod to the Bitmain Antminer KS5 Pro (21Th), which leads on 4 of 4 weighted factors (efficiency, hashrate, power consumption, price-performance). Where it pulls away hardest is 77% better efficiency (150 vs 640 J/TH). Review the detailed specs and profitability calculations above to determine which miner best fits your specific setup.
Spec Deltas
Stripped to the numbers, this is how far apart the Bitmain Antminer KS5 Pro (21Th) and IceRiver KS3L sit on each measurable spec:
- Bitmain Antminer KS5 Pro (21Th) 320% more hashrate (21.0 vs 5.0 TH/s)
- Bitmain Antminer KS5 Pro (21Th) 2% better power draw (3,150 vs 3,200 W)
- Bitmain Antminer KS5 Pro (21Th) 77% better efficiency (150 vs 640 J/TH)
- IceRiver KS3L 9% better weight (15.8 vs 14.4 kg)
- IceRiver KS3L 2% more heat output (10,748 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 Pro (21Th) | Metric | IceRiver KS3L |
|---|---|---|
| $860 | Upfront cost (MSRP) | $7,500 |
| -$6.80 | Daily net profit | -$7.50 |
| -$3,344 | Net after 1 year | -$10,238 |
| -$5,828 | Net after 2 years | -$12,975 |
| -$8,311 | Net after 3 years | -$15,713 |
| 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 Pro (21Th)150.0 J/TH — lower electricity cost per terahash.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Bitmain Antminer KS5 Pro (21Th) or IceRiver KS3L more profitable?
At the current BTC price and a $0.10/kWh electricity rate, the Bitmain Antminer KS5 Pro (21Th) is more profitable at $-6.80/day compared to $-7.50/day for the IceRiver KS3L. Profitability depends heavily on your electricity rate — use the selector above to calculate with your actual costs.
Is the Bitmain Antminer KS5 Pro (21Th) or the IceRiver KS3L better for noise-sensitive spaces?
Both miners have similar noise levels. Check the specs table above for exact decibel readings.
Bitmain Antminer KS5 Pro (21Th) vs IceRiver KS3L: which fits a residential setup better?
Both miners score similarly on our Home Mining Score. Consider your specific constraints (noise tolerance, available power, heat needs) to decide.
Bitmain Antminer KS5 Pro (21Th) vs IceRiver KS3L: how much does the efficiency gap matter?
The Bitmain Antminer KS5 Pro (21Th) runs at 150.0 J/TH while the IceRiver KS3L runs at 640.0 J/TH — a difference of 490.0 J/TH. Lower efficiency means less electricity per terahash of mining power, directly reducing operating costs. In relative terms that is 77% better efficiency (150 vs 640 J/TH).