Specifications Comparison
| NerdNOS | Specification | PiAxe |
|---|---|---|
| 500.0 GH/s | Hashrate | 500.0 GH/s |
| 12 W | Power Consumption | 15 W |
| 24.0 J/TH | Efficiency | 30.0 J/TH |
| 30 dB | Noise Level | 30 dB |
| 0.2 kg | Weight | 0.2 kg |
| 41 BTU/hr | BTU Output | 51 BTU/hr |
| 70/100 | Home Mining Score | 70/100 |
| — | Release Year | — |
| SHA-256 | Algorithm | SHA-256 |
| D-Central | Manufacturer | D-Central |
Profitability Comparison
NerdNOS
PiAxe
Based on BTC price of $79,066 and current network difficulty as of May 15, 2026. Actual results vary.
Verdict
Run the numbers across every spec and the NerdNOS edges it: 3 of 3 factors go its way (efficiency, power consumption, price-performance). Where it pulls away hardest is 20% better efficiency (24.0 vs 30.0 J/TH). Cross-check the spec deltas and ROI table above against your own electricity rate before deciding.
Spec Deltas
The NerdNOS and PiAxe diverge on the metrics below — each gap expressed as a real percentage, not a vague "better":
- NerdNOS 20% better power draw (12.0 vs 15.0 W)
- NerdNOS 20% better efficiency (24.0 vs 30.0 J/TH)
- NerdNOS 25% better weight (0.2 vs 0.2 kg)
- PiAxe 25% more heat output (40.9 vs 51.2 BTU/hr)
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.
| NerdNOS | Metric | PiAxe |
|---|---|---|
| $59 | Upfront cost (MSRP) | $79 |
| -$0.01 | Daily net profit | -$0.02 |
| -$63 | Net after 1 year | -$85 |
| -$67 | Net after 2 years | -$92 |
| -$71 | Net after 3 years | -$98 |
| 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
NerdNOS24.0 J/TH — lower electricity cost per terahash.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the NerdNOS or PiAxe more profitable?
At the current BTC price and a $0.10/kWh electricity rate, the NerdNOS is more profitable at $-0.01/day compared to $-0.02/day for the PiAxe. Profitability depends heavily on your electricity rate — use the selector above to calculate with your actual costs.
Which is quieter, the NerdNOS or PiAxe?
Both miners have similar noise levels. Check the specs table above for exact decibel readings.
NerdNOS vs PiAxe: 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.
NerdNOS vs PiAxe: how much does the efficiency gap matter?
The NerdNOS runs at 24.0 J/TH while the PiAxe runs at 30.0 J/TH — a difference of 6.0 J/TH. Lower efficiency means less electricity per terahash of mining power, directly reducing operating costs. In relative terms that is 20% better efficiency (24.0 vs 30.0 J/TH).