Antminer T21 Specs

The Bitmain Antminer T21 marks a significant advancement in the realm of cryptocurrency mining technology. Officially unveiled at the Blockchain Life 2023 conference, this model is specifically engineered for mining cryptocurrencies that utilize the SHA-256 algorithm, such as Bitcoin (BTC). This release underscores Bitmain’s ongoing commitment to innovation, particularly in enhancing the efficiency and performance of its mining hardware.

The Antminer T21 was introduced during a period characterized by heightened competition among ASIC manufacturers aiming to offer more power-efficient and cost-effective solutions. Its launch follows the success of its predecessors, the Antminer S19 and S21 series, and is designed to provide a more accessible option for both industrial-scale operations and enthusiastic home miners, especially those dealing with three-phase power setups.

The T21 is tailored for individuals and enterprises aiming to maximize their mining output while managing operational costs. With its robust processing power of 190 terahashes per second (TH/s) and an energy efficiency of 19 joules per terahash (J/TH), the T21 is positioned as a competitive choice for serious miners seeking reliability and efficiency in their mining operations.

For potential buyers and existing miners, understanding the full specifications of the Antminer T21 is crucial. The specifications not only provide insights into the operational capabilities and power efficiency of the miner but also help in assessing compatibility with existing mining setups, including electrical configurations and physical space requirements. Moreover, detailed knowledge of the miner’s specifications aids in making informed purchasing decisions, optimizing mining operations, and ensuring that the setup aligns with the environmental and economic conditions of the mining site.

By comprehensively detailing the Antminer T21’s capabilities, potential upgrades, and operational requirements, miners can better strategize their investments and operational setups to maximize returns in the volatile cryptocurrency mining market.

Detailed Specifications

Hashrate and Power Efficiency

Exact Hashrate Capabilities:

• Hashrate: The Antminer T21 boasts a significant hashrate of 190 terahashes per second (TH/s). This high hashrate is indicative of the miner’s ability to perform a substantial number of hash calculations per second, which is crucial for increasing the probability of earning mining rewards in the competitive Bitcoin mining environment.

Power Consumption and Efficiency:

• Power Consumption: The T21 consumes approximately 3610 watts (W) of power.
• Efficiency: It operates at an efficiency of 19.0 joules per terahash (J/TH) at a standard ambient temperature of 25°C. This efficiency metric helps miners assess the energy cost relative to its output, which is vital for calculating potential profitability and operational costs.

Physical Dimensions

Measurements of the Miner:

• Without Packaging:
  • Length: 400 mm
  • Width: 195 mm
  • Height: 290 mm
• With Packaging:
  • Length: 570 mm
  • Width: 316 mm
  • Height: 430 mm

Weight Specifications:

• Net Weight: 16.4 kg
• Gross Weight (with packaging): 18.1 kg

These dimensions and weight specifications are important for miners when planning the physical setup, including shelving and spacing for air circulation around the miners to prevent overheating.

Electrical Requirements

Power Supply Specifications:

• Voltage: The T21 requires a power supply with an AC input voltage of 380~415V, which is typically found in industrial settings.
• Frequency Range: The required frequency range for the power supply is 50~60 Hz.
• Input Current: The standard input current is 12 Amps, adjusted for three-phase power supply setups.

Explanation of Three-Phase Power vs. Single-Phase Power Setups:

• Three-Phase Power: This type of power supply divides the total electrical load across three alternating currents that are offset in phase by one-third of a cycle. Three-phase power is more efficient for high-load machines like the T21, providing smoother power delivery and reducing the risk of power surges and outages.
• Single-Phase Power: More common in residential areas, single-phase power supplies electrical current along a single alternating current waveform. Adapting the T21 from three-phase to single-phase involves additional configurations, such as changing the power unit to one compatible with single-phase outputs (e.g., using an APW12 PSU).

Network and Connection

Type of Networking Connection Used:

• Connection Mode: The T21 utilizes an RJ45 Ethernet 10/100M interface for network connectivity. This standard is sufficient for the data transfer rates required in cryptocurrency mining, ensuring that the miner can maintain a stable connection to the mining pool.

Setup Requirements and Compatibility:

• Network Compatibility: The T21 is compatible with both home and industrial network setups, provided the network can deliver consistent internet access required for mining.
• Additional Networking Equipment: Depending on the setup environment, additional networking hardware such as routers or network switches may be required to handle multiple miners or to extend the reach within large mining farms.

Understanding these detailed specifications will help potential buyers and miners ensure they have the appropriate infrastructure in place to operate the Antminer T21 efficiently. Proper setup and maintenance are crucial to maximizing the miner’s performance and longevity, thereby enhancing the overall profitability of the mining operation.

Operational Environment

Optimal Operating Conditions

Suitable Temperature and Humidity Ranges:

• Temperature: The Antminer T21 is designed to operate optimally within a temperature range of 0°C to 45°C. Maintaining ambient temperatures within this range ensures efficient mining without overheating risks.
• Humidity: The ideal operating humidity for the T21 is between 10% and 90% non-condensing. It is crucial to avoid environments where condensation can occur as moisture can damage the hardware components.

Impact of Environmental Conditions on Miner Performance:

• Environmental factors such as temperature and humidity can significantly affect the performance of the Antminer T21. Higher temperatures can lead to thermal throttling, where the miner reduces its operational capacity to prevent overheating. This reduction in performance can decrease the miner’s efficiency and overall output. Similarly, excessive humidity can lead to corrosion of electronic parts and potentially short circuits, both of which degrade the miner’s long-term functionality and reliability.

Noise and Cooling Specifications

Cooling System:

• The Antminer T21 is equipped with four high-efficiency fans designed to maintain optimal operating temperatures by enhancing airflow through the miner’s components. The cooling system is crucial for stabilizing the miner’s internal environment and ensuring consistent performance even under load.

Noise Level Measurements:

• The operational noise level for the T21 is approximately 75 dB. This noise level is comparable to a busy street or a moderately loud music system and is typical for high-performance mining equipment. Miners should consider this when planning the setup location, especially in residential or noise-sensitive environments.

User Expectations:

• Users should expect a significant amount of noise during the miner’s operation, which may necessitate specific arrangements to mitigate noise, especially in shared spaces or residential areas. Solutions can include soundproofing enclosures or placing the miner in a detached location such as a garage or basement.

Understanding these operational environment factors is essential for maintaining the Antminer T21’s efficiency and longevity. Proper management of the operational environment will not only optimize mining results but also help in reducing wear and tear on the device, thereby extending its usable life.

Advanced Features and Technologies

The Antminer T21 incorporates several advanced features and proprietary technologies designed to enhance both its performance and security. These improvements are critical in maintaining competitive mining outputs and ensuring the stability and security of the mining operations.

Firmware Features

Secure Boot:

• Functionality: The Secure Boot feature ensures that only firmware signed by Bitmain can be run on the device. This security measure prevents unauthorized or malicious software installations that could potentially disrupt mining operations or compromise the miner’s integrity.
• Benefits: By controlling the firmware loading process, Secure Boot helps in safeguarding the mining hardware against firmware attacks, maintaining the miner’s operational integrity and reliability.

Root Authority:

• Functionality: The Root Authority feature is designed to restrict root access to the firmware, thereby providing an additional layer of security against unauthorized modifications.
• Benefits: This feature protects the device against external manipulations of the firmware and system settings, which can be critical in preventing the exploitation of the mining hardware.

Proprietary Technology

Advanced Cooling Technology:

• The Antminer T21 utilizes an enhanced cooling system that employs proprietary fan algorithms and heat sink designs to optimize airflow and heat dissipation. This technology ensures that the miner operates within the optimal temperature range, thereby maximizing efficiency and prolonging the lifespan of the components.

Energy-Efficiency Optimization:

• Bitmain has integrated specific circuit designs and power-saving technologies that reduce the power consumption of the T21 without compromising its output capacity. These innovations are part of Bitmain’s ongoing efforts to improve the energy efficiency of their miners, which is increasingly important as electricity costs continue to rise and constitute a significant portion of mining expenses.

Performance Stability Systems:

• The T21 features systems designed to maintain performance stability under various operational conditions. These include adaptive frequency adjustments and voltage tuning capabilities that respond to environmental changes such as temperature fluctuations. This dynamic adjustment helps in maintaining consistent performance and efficiency, which is crucial for mining profitability.

These advanced features and technologies not only bolster the Antminer T21’s performance capabilities but also fortify its defenses against a range of security threats, ensuring that miners can operate with peace of mind. By continuously innovating and improving upon its hardware, Bitmain ensures that its products remain at the forefront of the cryptocurrency mining industry, providing users with reliable and effective mining solutions.

Potential Setups and Modifications

Home Mining Adaptations

Adapting Three-Phase Power for Home Use: The Antminer T21 typically requires a three-phase power setup which is not available in standard residential environments. To adapt this miner for home use, a conversion to a single-phase power supply is necessary. This is achieved by replacing the existing power supply unit (PSU) with one that supports single-phase power, specifically the APW12 PSU, which is compatible with older mining models like the Antminer S19.

• Required Parts: APW12 PSU and S19 bus bars.
• Adjusted Output: Post-conversion, the T21’s output adjusts to 180 TH/s at 3,520 watts.
• Total Cost: The conversion requires an investment of approximately $250 for the new PSU and bus bars.

Additional Equipment for Safe and Efficient Operation:

• Cooling Solutions: Given the substantial heat output, additional cooling beyond the standard fans (e.g., external fans or dedicated air conditioning units) may be necessary to maintain optimal operating temperatures.
• Sound Management: Mining rigs are noisy. Soundproofing measures may be needed to reduce noise pollution in a residential setting.

Cost and Efficiency Comparison: T21 vs. S21

Cost Analysis:

• T21 Price: $3,499
• S21 Price: Starts at $4,149
• Conversion Cost for T21: Approximately $250

The Antminer S21 is slightly more expensive than the T21, but it comes ready for use in more typical mining setups without needing significant modifications.

Efficiency and Performance:

• T21 Efficiency: After conversion, while slightly reduced, the T21 still provides substantial throughput making it a viable option for home miners.
• S21 Efficiency: Offers up to 200 TH/s at about 17.5 J/TH, which is higher and more energy-efficient compared to the modified T21.

Situational Advice on Model Selection

When to Choose the T21:

• Budget-Friendly Option: If initial purchase cost is a significant concern, the T21, even after modification costs, may represent a more budget-friendly option.
• Space and Setup Flexibility: The T21’s adaptability to single-phase power makes it suitable for residential areas where three-phase power isn’t available.
• Availability: Depending on market availability, the T21 might be more readily available than newer models.

When to Prefer the S21:

• Higher Efficiency: If operational cost and efficiency are priorities, the S21 is superior due to its better power efficiency.
• Simpler Setup: The S21 does not require modifications for typical setups, offering convenience and reducing initial setup complexity.
• Extreme Environments: Better suited for environments where temperature and power supply stability are guaranteed.

In conclusion, choosing between the Antminer T21 and S21 should consider personal circumstances such as budget constraints, residential power setup, and long-term efficiency goals. The T21 offers a great learning curve with modifications, while the S21 might be preferable for turnkey operations with minimal setup requirements.

Conclusion

The Antminer T21 by Bitmain is a formidable player in the realm of cryptocurrency mining hardware, engineered to target SHA-256 algorithm cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, and Bitcoin SV. Noteworthy for its robust output and efficiency, the T21 boasts a hashrate of 190 TH/s and a power efficiency of 19.0 joules per terahash, positioning it as a highly competitive option for both industrial and serious home miners.

This model is distinctively designed for three-phase power environments but can be adapted for single-phase power through specific modifications, expanding its accessibility to a broader range of users, including those operating from home setups. The conversion involves replacing the standard PSU with a model like the APW12 and making adjustments with S19 bus bars to accommodate a single-phase electrical setup.

Within Bitmain’s extensive lineup, the T21 serves as a mid-to-high range option, sitting between the less powerful S19 and the more advanced S21 in terms of both cost and performance. It offers a balance of efficiency and power at a price point that is noticeably lower than the S21, especially when factoring in the cost of necessary modifications for optimal home use.

In conclusion, the Antminer T21 is a viable investment for those looking for a capable and somewhat versatile mining solution. It is particularly suited to individuals and organizations that can manage the initial modifications for single-phase use and are equipped to handle the operational demands of a high-power device. As with any investment in cryptocurrency technology, potential users should consider current and future market conditions, their operational setup, and energy costs to assess whether the T21 aligns with their mining objectives and financial strategies.

Investors are encouraged to keep abreast of market trends and technological advancements to make informed decisions that maximize returns and ensure the sustainability of their mining operations.

FAQ

What is the Bitmain Antminer T21?

The Bitmain Antminer T21 is a high-performance cryptocurrency miner designed to mine SHA-256 algorithm cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin. It features a hashrate of 190 TH/s and an energy efficiency of 19 joules per terahash, making it a competitive option for both industrial-scale operations and home miners.

What makes the Antminer T21 stand out?

The Antminer T21 is notable for its robust processing power, energy efficiency, and suitability for three-phase power environments. It’s engineered for both serious home miners and industrial operations, offering a balance of power and efficiency that positions it competitively in the market.

Can the Antminer T21 be adapted for home use?

Yes, the Antminer T21, which is typically designed for three-phase power environments, can be adapted for single-phase power found in home settings. This conversion involves replacing the standard power supply unit (PSU) with one that supports single-phase power, such as the APW12 PSU, alongside adjustments with S19 bus bars.

How does the Antminer T21 compare to its predecessors and other models like the S21?

The Antminer T21 sits between the less powerful S19 and the more advanced S21 models in terms of cost and performance. It offers a more accessible option for those looking for a balance between efficiency and power at a price point lower than the S21, especially when considering the adaptation for home use.

What are the electrical requirements for the Antminer T21?

The Antminer T21 requires a power supply with an AC input voltage of 380~415V for three-phase power settings, with a standard input current of 12 Amps. It consumes approximately 3610 watts of power.

What are the optimal operating conditions for the Antminer T21?

The optimal operating conditions for the T21 include a temperature range of 0°C to 45°C and a humidity range of 10% to 90% non-condensing. Proper management of these conditions ensures efficient mining operations without overheating risks or hardware damage due to condensation.

What advanced features and technologies does the T21 incorporate?

The Antminer T21 incorporates advanced features such as Secure Boot for firmware security, Root Authority for restricted firmware and system modifications, proprietary cooling technology for temperature management, and power-saving technologies to improve energy efficiency.

How should investors approach mining hardware investments like the Antminer T21?

Investors should consider market trends, technological advancements, operational setups, and energy costs to assess whether models like the Antminer T21 align with their mining objectives and financial strategies. Keeping abreast of these factors can help maximize returns and ensure the sustainability of mining operations.