Goldshell E-KA1M vs IceRiver KS3
Side-by-side specs, profitability, and home mining comparison.
Specifications Comparison
| Goldshell E-KA1M | Specification | IceRiver KS3 |
|---|---|---|
| 5.5 TH/s | Hashrate | 8.0 TH/s |
| 1,800 W | Power Consumption | 3,200 W |
| 327.3 J/TH | Efficiency | 400.0 J/TH |
| 50 dB | Noise Level | 75 dB |
| — | Weight | 14.4 kg |
| 6,142 BTU/hr | BTU Output | 10,918 BTU/hr |
| 56/100 | Home Mining Score | 36/100 |
| — | Release Year | — |
| KHeavyHash | Algorithm | KHeavyHash |
| Goldshell | Manufacturer | IceRiver |
Profitability Comparison
Goldshell E-KA1M
IceRiver KS3
Based on BTC price of $77,954 and current network difficulty as of May 16, 2026. Actual results vary.
Verdict
Weighing six performance factors, the Goldshell E-KA1M comes out ahead — it takes 5 of 6 (efficiency, power consumption, home mining score, noise level, price-performance). The standout gap is 44% better power draw (1,800 vs 3,200 W) in the Goldshell E-KA1M's favour. The IceRiver KS3 holds the edge in hashrate. 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 Goldshell E-KA1M and IceRiver KS3 sit on each measurable spec:
- IceRiver KS3 45% more hashrate (5.5 vs 8.0 TH/s)
- Goldshell E-KA1M 44% better power draw (1,800 vs 3,200 W)
- Goldshell E-KA1M 18% better efficiency (327 vs 400 J/TH)
- Goldshell E-KA1M 33% better noise (50.0 vs 75.0 dB)
- IceRiver KS3 78% more heat output (6,142 vs 10,918 BTU/hr)
- Goldshell E-KA1M 56% more home mining score (56.0 vs 36.0)
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.
| Goldshell E-KA1M | Metric | IceRiver KS3 |
|---|---|---|
| $910 | Upfront cost (MSRP) | $10,000 |
| -$4.12 | Daily net profit | -$7.39 |
| -$2,415 | Net after 1 year | -$12,698 |
| -$3,920 | Net after 2 years | -$15,397 |
| -$5,424 | Net after 3 years | -$18,095 |
| 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
Goldshell E-KA1MScore: 56/100. 50 dB noise level.
Best for Efficiency
Goldshell E-KA1M327.3 J/TH — lower electricity cost per terahash.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which makes more money, the Goldshell E-KA1M or the IceRiver KS3?
At the current BTC price and a $0.10/kWh electricity rate, the Goldshell E-KA1M is more profitable at $-4.12/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.
Goldshell E-KA1M vs IceRiver KS3: which runs at a lower noise level?
The Goldshell E-KA1M is quieter at 50 dB compared to the IceRiver KS3 at 75 dB. For home mining, lower noise levels make a significant difference in livability.
Which is better for home mining, the Goldshell E-KA1M or IceRiver KS3?
The Goldshell E-KA1M scores 56/100 on our Home Mining Score (vs 36/100 for the IceRiver KS3). This composite score factors in noise, power requirements, heat output, size, and setup ease — all critical for residential mining.
Goldshell E-KA1M vs IceRiver KS3: how much does the efficiency gap matter?
The Goldshell E-KA1M runs at 327.3 J/TH while the IceRiver KS3 runs at 400.0 J/TH — a difference of 72.7 J/TH. Lower efficiency means less electricity per terahash of mining power, directly reducing operating costs. In relative terms that is 18% better efficiency (327 vs 400 J/TH).