The Growing Discontent with Bitmain’s Antminer Aluminum Hashboards

Bitcoin mining plays a vital role in maintaining the Bitcoin network by validating and adding transactions to the blockchain. Miners solve complex mathematical problems that require significant computational power, contributing to network security and stability. Successful miners are rewarded with new bitcoins and transaction fees, providing financial incentives for their participation in this essential process.

Hashboards are crucial components of Bitcoin mining hardware, housing multiple ASIC (Application-Specific Integrated Circuit) chips designed to efficiently perform the mining process. These chips execute the necessary calculations at high speeds while consuming minimal energy. The quality of hashboards greatly influences mining performance and profitability, as they determine the efficiency and power usage of the mining equipment.

In recent weeks and months, concerns have emerged regarding the use of aluminum hashboards or PCBs (Printed Circuit Boards) in mining hardware. While not all aluminum boards are problematic, it is important to note that some manufacturers have faced criticism. For instance, Bitmain’s aluminum board designs have been associated with high failure rates and other issues, negatively impacting mining efficiency, warranty coverage, and repair processes.

When purchasing and using mining hardware, miners should exercise caution and research the quality and reliability of the hashboards to ensure optimal mining efficiency, profitability, and overall experience.

Identifying and Avoiding Aluminum Hashboards

A recent tweet by user @ndgoHODL offers a helpful guide on identifying and avoiding aluminum hashboards

How to spot and avoid aluminum hashboards on eBay: a guide

1) 90T 86T 82T = all AL
2) 110T 95T = never AL
3) JPros serial on the side = never AL
4) Pro 88T 92T 96T 100T 104T = all AL
5) Type ABC psu = never AL
6) Type DEF psu = all AL
7) XP = AL
8) JPro+ = not AL behaves like AL

— ndgo (@ndgoHODL) June 25, 2023

How to spot aluminum hashboards: a step-by-step guide

1. Look for specific models, such as 90T, 86T, 82T, and Pro 88T, 92T, 96T, 100T, 104T, which are usually made of aluminum.
2. Check for models that rarely use aluminum, like 110T and 95T.
3. Identify hashboards with JPros serial markings on the side, as these tend not to be aluminum-based.
4. Pay attention to PSU types: Type ABC PSUs usually indicate no aluminum, while Type DEF PSUs are often paired with aluminum hashboards.
5. Be cautious with the XP series, as these boards are typically made of aluminum.

The issues associated with aluminum hashboards

Aluminum hashboards suffer from high DOA (Dead on Arrival) rates due to manufacturing defects or transportation damage. They may also lead to voided warranties, especially from manufacturers like Bitmain, as the usage of these boards poses a greater risk to the equipment. Additionally, repairs for aluminum PCBs are often slow, challenging, and expensive when you need to maintain mining performance.

Bitmain’s history of soldering issues and their impact on mining equipment

Bitmain has already faced scrutiny for its soldering issues, particularly with the S17 series. The solder paste quality on these boards has been questionable, and aluminum PCBs are even more challenging to reflow. These soldering problems can contribute to faulty connections and increased risk of equipment failure, significantly affecting mining performance.

Alternatives to aluminum hashboards, such as those made from FR4, provide a more reliable and efficient option for Bitcoin mining. They don’t share the same soldering issues and are less likely to result in DOA, warranty voids, or repairs. By avoiding aluminum 19 series hashboards, miners can enjoy increased mining performance, improved stability, and ultimately, higher profitability.

Aluminum Hashboards and Bitcoin Mining Performance

Aluminum hashboards can negatively impact mining efficiency and profitability due to their higher likelihood of failure and poor thermal conductivity compared to other materials. When these hashboards malfunction, they can lead to decreased mining performance, increased downtime, and loss of potential earnings. Furthermore, the necessary repairs or replacements often come at a high cost, further reducing miners’ profitability.

Common aluminum hashboard-related mining errors

Mining errors associated with aluminum hashboards typically stem from their susceptibility to manufacturing defects and soldering issues. These errors might include inactive or underperforming chips, poor connections between components, and complete board failures. While specific error messages may vary depending on the manufacturer and model, these issues often result in reduced mining performance and increased maintenance requirements.

New-style, old fashion hashboards, like the Antminer S19j Pro+, and their potential in the market

New-style hashboards, such as the Jpro+, showcase innovative designs that aim to address concerns related to aluminum hashboards and improve overall mining performance. These boards feature EEPROM-only designs, where the control board emulates the PIC (Programmable Integrated Circuit), meaning the board can’t turn itself off.

While the Jpro+ and similar models are relatively new to the market, their potential for increased reliability and efficiency could make them viable alternatives to aluminum hashboards. However, cautious miners should keep a close eye on these emerging technologies, as their long-term performance and reliability remain to be seen.

Repairing and Upgrading Mining Equipment

Regular maintenance and timely repairs of hashboards are essential for ensuring optimal Bitcoin mining performance. By addressing issues such as chip failures, poor connections, and other hardware malfunctions, miners can minimize downtime and maximize their mining efficiency and profitability. Additionally, upgrading mining equipment when necessary helps miners stay competitive in the ever-changing landscape of Bitcoin mining, as more powerful and energy-efficient hardware becomes available.

We have encountered cold solder joints and poor-quality solder tin, which can lead to decreased mining performance and equipment failure. Identifying and addressing these issues can be challenging but necessary for restoring optimal mining performance.

The challenges of reflowing aluminum PCBs and potential solutions

Reflowing aluminum PCBs is a more challenging process compared to other materials like FR4. Due to aluminum’s unique properties, the heat dissipation and reflow process can be complicated, often resulting in suboptimal solder connections. Potential solutions for these challenges include seeking professional assistance in reflowing or repairing aluminum PCBs or investing in higher quality, non-aluminum hashboards that avoid these issues altogether. By choosing reliable hashboards and addressing repair issues effectively, miners can improve overall equipment performance and enhance their Bitcoin mining profitability.

Conclusion