IceRiver KS5L vs Iceriver KS3M
Side-by-side specs, profitability, and home mining comparison.
Specifications Comparison
| IceRiver KS5L | Specification | Iceriver KS3M |
|---|---|---|
| 12.0 TH/s | Hashrate | 6.0 TH/s |
| 3,400 W | Power Consumption | 3,400 W |
| 283.3 J/TH | Efficiency | 566.7 J/TH |
| 75 dB | Noise Level | 75 dB |
| 15.0 kg | Weight | 17.1 kg |
| 11,601 BTU/hr | BTU Output | 11,601 BTU/hr |
| 36/100 | Home Mining Score | 36/100 |
| — | Release Year | — |
| KHeavyHash | Algorithm | KHeavyHash |
| IceRiver | Manufacturer | IceRiver |
Profitability Comparison
IceRiver KS5L
Iceriver KS3M
Based on BTC price of $77,954 and current network difficulty as of May 16, 2026. Actual results vary.
Verdict
Run the numbers across every spec and the IceRiver KS5L edges it: 2 of 3 factors go its way (efficiency, hashrate). The standout gap is 50% better efficiency (283 vs 567 J/TH) in the IceRiver KS5L's favour. The Iceriver KS3M claws back ground on price-performance. The right pick still depends on your power cost and noise tolerance — the breakdowns above make that call concrete.
Spec Deltas
Stripped to the numbers, this is how far apart the IceRiver KS5L and Iceriver KS3M sit on each measurable spec:
- IceRiver KS5L 100% more hashrate (12.0 vs 6.0 TH/s)
- IceRiver KS5L 50% better efficiency (283 vs 567 J/TH)
- IceRiver KS5L 12% better weight (15.0 vs 17.1 kg)
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.
| IceRiver KS5L | Metric | Iceriver KS3M |
|---|---|---|
| $12,000 | Upfront cost (MSRP) | $320 |
| -$7.73 | Daily net profit | -$7.94 |
| -$14,821 | Net after 1 year | -$3,220 |
| -$17,643 | Net after 2 years | -$6,120 |
| -$20,464 | Net after 3 years | -$9,020 |
| 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
IceRiver KS5L283.3 J/TH — lower electricity cost per terahash.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the IceRiver KS5L or Iceriver KS3M more profitable?
At the current BTC price and a $0.10/kWh electricity rate, the IceRiver KS5L is more profitable at $-7.73/day compared to $-7.94/day for the Iceriver KS3M. Profitability depends heavily on your electricity rate — use the selector above to calculate with your actual costs.
IceRiver KS5L vs Iceriver KS3M: which runs at a lower noise level?
Both miners have similar noise levels. Check the specs table above for exact decibel readings.
IceRiver KS5L vs Iceriver KS3M: 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.
What is the efficiency difference between IceRiver KS5L and Iceriver KS3M?
The IceRiver KS5L runs at 283.3 J/TH while the Iceriver KS3M runs at 566.7 J/TH — a difference of 283.3 J/TH. Lower efficiency means less electricity per terahash of mining power, directly reducing operating costs. In relative terms that is 50% better efficiency (283 vs 567 J/TH).
