Iceriver KS3M vs Iceriver KS5L
Side-by-side specs, profitability, and home mining comparison.
Specifications Comparison
| Iceriver KS3M | Specification | Iceriver KS5L |
|---|---|---|
| 6.0 TH/s | Hashrate | 12.0 TH/s |
| 3,400 W | Power Consumption | 3,400 W |
| 566.7 J/TH | Efficiency | 283.3 J/TH |
| 75 dB | Noise Level | 75 dB |
| 17.1 kg | Weight | 15.0 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 KS3M
Iceriver KS5L
Based on BTC price of $78,153 and current network difficulty as of May 16, 2026. Actual results vary.
Verdict
Weighing six performance factors, the Iceriver KS5L comes out ahead — it takes 3 of 3 (efficiency, hashrate, price-performance). Where it pulls away hardest is 50% better efficiency (567 vs 283 J/TH). Cross-check the spec deltas and ROI table above against your own electricity rate before deciding.
Spec Deltas
The Iceriver KS3M and Iceriver KS5L diverge on the metrics below — each gap expressed as a real percentage, not a vague "better":
- Iceriver KS5L 100% more hashrate (6.0 vs 12.0 TH/s)
- Iceriver KS5L 50% better efficiency (567 vs 283 J/TH)
- Iceriver KS5L 12% better weight (17.1 vs 15.0 kg)
Cost & ROI Over Time
Hardware cost is only half the story — here is how each miner's upfront price plays out against cumulative profit at a $0.10/kWh rate.
| Iceriver KS3M | Metric | Iceriver KS5L |
|---|---|---|
| $320 | Upfront cost (MSRP) | $400 |
| -$7.94 | Daily net profit | -$7.73 |
| -$3,220 | Net after 1 year | -$3,221 |
| -$6,119 | Net after 2 years | -$6,042 |
| -$9,019 | Net after 3 years | -$8,863 |
| 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
Which makes more money, the Iceriver KS3M or the Iceriver KS5L?
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 KS3M vs Iceriver KS5L: which runs at a lower noise level?
Both miners have similar noise levels. Check the specs table above for exact decibel readings.
Iceriver KS3M vs Iceriver KS5L: 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 KS3M and Iceriver KS5L?
The Iceriver KS3M runs at 566.7 J/TH while the Iceriver KS5L runs at 283.3 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 (567 vs 283 J/TH).