Bitmain Antminer S9k (13.5Th) vs MicroBT WhatsMiner M78
Side-by-side specs, profitability, and home mining comparison.
Specifications Comparison
| Bitmain Antminer S9k (13.5Th) | Specification | MicroBT WhatsMiner M78 |
|---|---|---|
| 13.5 TH/s | Hashrate | 464.0 TH/s |
| 1,310 W | Power Consumption | 6,728 W |
| 97.0 J/TH | Efficiency | 14.5 J/TH |
| — | Noise Level | 75 dB |
| 4,200.0 kg | Weight | 18.0 kg |
| 4,470 BTU/hr | BTU Output | 22,956 BTU/hr |
| 31/100 | Home Mining Score | 30/100 |
| — | Release Year | — |
| SHA-256 | Algorithm | SHA-256 |
| Bitmain | Manufacturer | MicroBT |
Profitability Comparison
Bitmain Antminer S9k (13.5Th)
MicroBT WhatsMiner M78
Based on BTC price of $79,032 and current network difficulty as of May 15, 2026. Actual results vary.
Verdict
Our scoring model gives the nod to the MicroBT WhatsMiner M78, which leads on 3 of 5 weighted factors (efficiency, hashrate, noise level). The standout gap is 3337% more hashrate (13.5 vs 464.0 TH/s) in the MicroBT WhatsMiner M78's favour. The Bitmain Antminer S9k (13.5Th) claws back ground on power consumption and home mining score. Cross-check the spec deltas and ROI table above against your own electricity rate before deciding.
Spec Deltas
Stripped to the numbers, this is how far apart the Bitmain Antminer S9k (13.5Th) and MicroBT WhatsMiner M78 sit on each measurable spec:
- MicroBT WhatsMiner M78 3337% more hashrate (13.5 vs 464.0 TH/s)
- Bitmain Antminer S9k (13.5Th) 81% better power draw (1,310 vs 6,728 W)
- MicroBT WhatsMiner M78 85% better efficiency (97.0 vs 14.5 J/TH)
- MicroBT WhatsMiner M78 100% better weight (4,200.0 vs 18.0 kg)
- MicroBT WhatsMiner M78 414% more heat output (4,470 vs 22,956 BTU/hr)
- Bitmain Antminer S9k (13.5Th) 3% more home mining score (31.0 vs 30.0)
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.
| Bitmain Antminer S9k (13.5Th) | Metric | MicroBT WhatsMiner M78 |
|---|---|---|
| $600 | Upfront cost (MSRP) | — |
| -$2.65 | Daily net profit | $0.73 |
| -$1,568 | Net after 1 year | +$266 |
| -$2,537 | Net after 2 years | +$532 |
| -$3,505 | Net after 3 years | +$797 |
| Does not pay back at current rates (negative daily profit) | Payback period | — |
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
MicroBT WhatsMiner M78$3.38/day higher profit at current rates.
Best for Home Mining
Bitmain Antminer S9k (13.5Th)Score: 31/100. 0 dB noise level.
Best for Efficiency
MicroBT WhatsMiner M7814.5 J/TH — lower electricity cost per terahash.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Bitmain Antminer S9k (13.5Th) or MicroBT WhatsMiner M78 more profitable?
At the current BTC price and a $0.10/kWh electricity rate, the MicroBT WhatsMiner M78 is more profitable at $0.73/day compared to $-2.65/day for the Bitmain Antminer S9k (13.5Th). Profitability depends heavily on your electricity rate — use the selector above to calculate with your actual costs.
Which is quieter, the Bitmain Antminer S9k (13.5Th) or MicroBT WhatsMiner M78?
The MicroBT WhatsMiner M78 is quieter at 75 dB compared to the Bitmain Antminer S9k (13.5Th) at 0 dB. For home mining, lower noise levels make a significant difference in livability.
For mining at home, should I pick the Bitmain Antminer S9k (13.5Th) or the MicroBT WhatsMiner M78?
The Bitmain Antminer S9k (13.5Th) scores 31/100 on our Home Mining Score (vs 30/100 for the MicroBT WhatsMiner M78). This composite score factors in noise, power requirements, heat output, size, and setup ease — all critical for residential mining.
How far apart are the Bitmain Antminer S9k (13.5Th) and MicroBT WhatsMiner M78 on J/TH?
The Bitmain Antminer S9k (13.5Th) runs at 97.0 J/TH while the MicroBT WhatsMiner M78 runs at 14.5 J/TH — a difference of 82.5 J/TH. Lower efficiency means less electricity per terahash of mining power, directly reducing operating costs. In relative terms that is 85% better efficiency (97.0 vs 14.5 J/TH).