Whatsminer by MicroBT: Complete Guide to Whatsminer ASIC Miners

What Is Whatsminer?

Whatsminer is the ASIC miner brand manufactured by MicroBT (Shenzhen MicroBT Electronics Technology Co., Ltd.), the world’s second-largest Bitcoin mining hardware manufacturer after Bitmain. Founded in 2016 by Yang Zuoxing — a former Bitmain chip designer — MicroBT has built a reputation for producing miners with excellent build quality, competitive efficiency, and reliable long-term performance.

While Bitmain’s Antminer line dominates market share, Whatsminer has carved out a significant portion of the global hashrate and earned loyalty among miners who appreciate its engineering consistency. MicroBT’s machines are found in industrial mining operations worldwide, and their aftermarket parts and repair ecosystem — while smaller than Antminer’s — continues to grow.

At D-Central Technologies, we have been working with Whatsminer hardware since our earliest days. Our repair facility in Laval, Quebec services Whatsminer units alongside Antminer, Innosilicon, and other brands. We stock Whatsminer miners, carry Whatsminer-specific repair tools, manufacture Whatsminer-compatible shrouds, and publish detailed maintenance and troubleshooting guides for the entire Whatsminer lineup.

Whatsminer Model Lineup: Complete Comparison

MicroBT’s Whatsminer lineup follows a generational naming convention. The first digit in the model number indicates the generation (M20 = 2nd gen, M30 = 3rd gen, M50 = 5th gen, M60 = 6th gen), while the suffix indicates the tier (S = standard, S+ = enhanced, S++ = premium). Here is a comprehensive comparison of every major Whatsminer model.

M20 Series (2nd Generation) — 2019

The M20 series was MicroBT’s breakout lineup, establishing Whatsminer as a credible alternative to Bitmain. Built on Samsung 10nm chips, these machines offered competitive efficiency for their era.

Model	Hashrate	Power	Efficiency	Chip	Release	Status
M20S	68 TH/s	3,360 W	~49 J/TH	Samsung 10nm	2019	End of life
M20S+	72 TH/s	3,360 W	~47 J/TH	Samsung 10nm	2019	End of life

D-Central service: We perform M20 series repairs including hashboard diagnostics, chip replacement, and full unit reconditioning.

M21 Series — 2019

The M21 was the budget-tier companion to the M20, offering lower hashrate at a lower price point.

Model	Hashrate	Power	Efficiency	Chip	Release	Status
M21S	56 TH/s	3,360 W	~60 J/TH	Samsung 10nm	2019	End of life
M21S+	58 TH/s	3,480 W	~60 J/TH	Samsung 10nm	2020	End of life

D-Central service: M21 series repairs available — these units commonly develop hashboard issues after extended operation.

M30 Series (3rd Generation) — 2020–2022

The M30 series is MicroBT’s most widely deployed generation. Built on Samsung 8nm chips, these machines offered a major efficiency jump and became the workhorses of many industrial mining operations. The M30S++ in particular is one of the most successful mining ASICs ever produced.

Model	Hashrate	Power	Efficiency	Chip	Release	Status
M30S	86 TH/s	3,268 W	~38 J/TH	Samsung 8nm	2020	Widely available used
M30S+	100 TH/s	3,400 W	~34 J/TH	Samsung 8nm	2020	Widely available used
M30S++	112 TH/s	3,472 W	~31 J/TH	Samsung 8nm	2021	In stock at D-Central
M31S	74 TH/s	3,220 W	~44 J/TH	Samsung 8nm	2021	Limited availability
M31S+	80 TH/s	3,360 W	~42 J/TH	Samsung 8nm	2021	Limited availability
M32	62 TH/s	3,348 W	~54 J/TH	Samsung 8nm	2021	End of life

D-Central service: We carry the M30S++ in stock and perform full repairs on the M30 series. See our M30 Series page and M30S Maintenance and Repair Guide for detailed information.

M50 Series (5th Generation) — 2023

The M50 series moved to a more advanced process node and delivered another significant efficiency improvement. These machines compete directly with Bitmain’s S19 XP and S19k Pro generation.

Model	Hashrate	Power	Efficiency	Chip	Release	Status
M50S	126 TH/s	3,276 W	~26 J/TH	Samsung 5nm	2023	Current generation
M50S+	138 TH/s	3,450 W	~25 J/TH	Samsung 5nm	2023	Current generation
M50S++	150 TH/s	3,450 W	~23 J/TH	Samsung 5nm	2023	Current generation

The M50 series represents MicroBT’s answer to Bitmain’s S19 XP generation, with comparable efficiency and hashrate. Contact D-Central for availability and pricing on M50 series units.

M60 Series (6th Generation) — 2024–2025

The M60 series is MicroBT’s latest generation, competing head-to-head with Bitmain’s S21 family. These machines push efficiency below 20 J/TH and represent the cutting edge of Whatsminer technology.

Model	Hashrate	Power	Efficiency	Chip	Release	Status
M60S	186 TH/s	3,348 W	~18 J/TH	Samsung 5nm+	2024	Latest generation
M60S+	200 TH/s	3,400 W	~17 J/TH	Samsung 5nm+	2024	Latest generation
M60S++	212 TH/s	3,392 W	~16 J/TH	Samsung 5nm+	2024	Latest generation

The M60 series brings Whatsminer into direct competition with the Antminer S21 and S21 Pro. Contact D-Central for availability and pricing.

Whatsminer vs Antminer: Key Differences

This is the most common question in Bitcoin mining hardware: should you choose Whatsminer (MicroBT) or Antminer (Bitmain)? We repair and sell both brands at D-Central, so here is an honest comparison based on thousands of units we have handled.

Factor	Whatsminer (MicroBT)	Antminer (Bitmain)
Build Quality	Excellent — robust construction, well-sealed, durable connectors. Historically fewer early failures.	Good — some generations (S17 series) had reliability issues. S19 and S21 generations are solid.
Efficiency	Competitive — M60S++ at ~16 J/TH is close to S21 Pro (~15 J/TH) but slightly behind the S21 XP (~13.5 J/TH).	Market-leading — Bitmain’s latest chips consistently edge out MicroBT on efficiency by 1–2 J/TH.
Firmware Ecosystem	Limited — fewer third-party firmware options. MicroBT firmware is functional but less customizable.	Extensive — BraiinsOS+, Vnish, LuxOS all support Antminer. Far more tuning and underclocking options.
Aftermarket Parts	Moderate — hashboards, fans, and PSUs available but fewer sources than Antminer parts.	Extensive — massive aftermarket for hashboards, control boards, chips, cables, and accessories.
Repair Ecosystem	Growing — D-Central is one of the few Western repair shops with deep Whatsminer experience.	Mature — more repair guides, more tool availability, more technicians trained on Antminer boards.
Noise Profile	Both brands run at 75+ dB stock. Whatsminer fan design is slightly different but comparable noise levels.	Both brands run at 75+ dB stock. More aftermarket silencing solutions available for Antminer form factor.
Cooling Design	Dual-fan design with integrated PSU on many models. Different form factor from Antminer.	Standard dual-fan design with external PSU. More universal shroud and duct compatibility.
Resale Value	Good — lower than equivalent Antminer models due to smaller aftermarket, but holds value well.	Highest — Antminer brand recognition commands a premium in the secondary market.
Home Mining Suitability	Good — but fewer custom cases, shrouds, and silencing solutions designed for Whatsminer form factor.	Best — D-Central and other manufacturers have created extensive home mining accessories (Slim/Loki/Space Heater editions, shrouds, silencers).

D-Central’s recommendation: For home miners, Antminer currently has the edge due to the larger accessory and firmware ecosystem. For industrial or hosted operations where stock firmware and maximum uptime are the priority, Whatsminer is an excellent choice with proven reliability. For a deeper analysis, read our full Whatsminer vs Antminer 2026 Comparison.

Common Whatsminer Issues and Troubleshooting

Based on our experience repairing hundreds of Whatsminer units at our Laval, Quebec facility, here are the most common issues we encounter and how to diagnose them.

Hashboard Failures

Whatsminer hashboard failures are the most common repair we perform. Symptoms include reduced hashrate (one or more boards showing 0 TH/s), error codes on the dashboard, or the unit failing to detect a board entirely.

Common causes:

Failed ASIC chips — individual chips on the hashboard can fail due to overheating, power surges, or manufacturing defects. Diagnosable with a Whatsminer Hashboard Tester.
Solder joint degradation — thermal cycling (repeated heat/cool cycles) can crack solder joints over time, especially on BGA connections.
Power delivery issues — voltage regulator failures or damaged power traces can prevent chips from receiving correct voltage.
Connector damage — bent pins or corroded connectors between the hashboard and control board.

DIY troubleshooting: Check the Whatsminer web interface for error codes. If one board shows 0 TH/s, try reseating the data and power connectors. If the problem persists, the board likely needs professional repair. See our Complete Whatsminer Error Code Reference for specific error diagnosis.

Fan Errors and Overheating

Whatsminer units are sensitive to fan RPM readings. If a fan fails, slows below its minimum threshold, or reports incorrect RPM data, the unit will shut down to protect itself from thermal damage.

Common causes:

Dust accumulation — compressed air cleaning every 3–6 months prevents most fan issues
Fan motor failure — bearings wear out over time, causing grinding noise then failure
Cable damage — the fan cable or connector can be damaged during maintenance
Ambient temperature — operating above 40C ambient will trigger thermal throttling or shutdown

DIY troubleshooting: Clean the unit with compressed air. Swap fans between positions to isolate which fan is faulty. Replace failed fans with OEM Whatsminer replacements. Ensure adequate airflow — Whatsminers need at least 30cm of clearance on both intake and exhaust sides.

PSU and Power Issues

Many Whatsminer models (M30 series and newer) have an integrated power supply unit (PSU), unlike Antminers which use an external APW series PSU. This design simplifies the setup but means PSU failures require opening the unit.

Common symptoms:

Unit does not power on at all
Unit powers on briefly then shuts down
Intermittent power cycling
Voltage readings outside normal range on the web interface

Important: Whatsminer PSU repairs involve high-voltage components. If you suspect a PSU issue, we strongly recommend professional repair rather than DIY troubleshooting. Incorrect handling can cause serious injury or further damage to the unit.

Network and Connectivity Issues

Whatsminers connect via Ethernet (no built-in WiFi on most models). Common network issues include:

No IP address assigned — ensure your router’s DHCP pool has available addresses. Use the Whatsminer tool or check your router’s client list to find the assigned IP.
Web interface not loading — try a different browser, clear cache, or connect directly via Ethernet without a switch.
Pool connection failures — verify pool URL, port, and worker credentials. Whatsminer uses stratum protocol — ensure your pool URL starts with stratum+tcp://.
Firmware update failures — only use official firmware from MicroBT. Failed updates can brick the control board.

Whatsminer Repair Services at D-Central

D-Central’s ASIC repair facility provides comprehensive Whatsminer repair services. We are one of the few North American repair shops with dedicated Whatsminer expertise, including Whatsminer-specific chip reballing tools and professional hashboard testers.

What We Repair

Hashboard repair — chip replacement, solder rework, power delivery repair, connector replacement
Control board diagnostics — firmware recovery, component replacement, flash memory repair
PSU repair — capacitor replacement, MOSFET replacement, power regulation repair
Full unit reconditioning — complete cleaning, thermal paste replacement, fan replacement, testing
Diagnostic services — identify the issue and provide a detailed repair quote

Models We Service

How to Send Your Miner for Repair

Step 1: Contact D-Central with your model, symptoms, and any error codes. Include photos of the unit and web interface screenshots if possible.

Step 2: We will provide a preliminary diagnosis and repair estimate.

Step 3: Ship your unit to our facility at 1325 Rue Bergar, Laval, QC H7L 4Z7, Canada. Package the miner securely — use the original box if available, or a sturdy box with foam padding.

Step 4: We perform a detailed diagnosis, confirm the repair scope and cost, and proceed upon your approval.

Step 5: Repaired unit is tested under full load for 24+ hours before shipping back to you.

See our Repair Processes page for more details on our methodology and quality standards.

Setup and Firmware Guides

Whether you are setting up a Whatsminer for the first time or updating firmware on an existing unit, these resources will help:

Initial Setup

Unbox and inspect — check for shipping damage, verify all fans spin freely, ensure no loose parts inside
Connect power — Whatsminer M30+ series have integrated PSUs. Connect the C13/C19 power cable directly to a dedicated 220V circuit. The M30S++ draws approximately 3,472 W — ensure your circuit can handle this load safely.
Connect Ethernet — plug a Cat5e or Cat6 cable into the Ethernet port on the control board side
Power on and find IP — the miner will request an IP via DHCP. Use the MicroBT IP Reporter tool, check your router’s DHCP client list, or scan your network with a tool like Advanced IP Scanner.
Access web interface — open the IP address in a browser. Default credentials are typically admin / admin.
Configure pool settings — enter your mining pool URL, port, and worker name. We recommend adding 3 pool addresses (primary, secondary, tertiary) for failover. See our Mining Pool Comparison for pool recommendations.
Monitor for 24 hours — watch for stable hashrate, consistent temperatures, and no error codes before considering the setup complete.

Firmware Updates

MicroBT periodically releases firmware updates that improve stability, fix bugs, and sometimes improve performance. Key rules for Whatsminer firmware updates:

Only use official firmware from MicroBT’s website or authorized distributors. Unofficial firmware can brick your control board.
Never interrupt a firmware update — power loss during flashing can permanently damage the control board.
Back up your pool configuration before updating — some firmware updates reset settings to defaults.
Test after updating — monitor hashrate and temperatures for 24 hours after any firmware change.

Unlike Antminer, Whatsminer has a more limited third-party firmware ecosystem. While Antminer users can install BraiinsOS+, Vnish, or LuxOS for custom tuning profiles, Whatsminer users are largely limited to MicroBT’s official firmware. This is a trade-off: less customization but also less risk of bricking or voiding warranty with unofficial software. For a comparison of Antminer firmware options, see our Firmware Comparison Guide.

For Antminer firmware downloads, visit our Firmware Download Center.

Whatsminer Accessories at D-Central

D-Central manufactures and stocks accessories designed for or compatible with Whatsminer units:

Whatsminer M3x Exhaust Shroud — connects to AC Infinity Cloudline T8 for quiet, ducted exhaust
Whatsminer Beefy 140mm to 6″ Shroud — heavy-duty shroud for larger duct connections
Whatsminer Single 120mm to 8″ Shroud — adapter for 8″ flexible ducting
Whatsminer Single 120mm ASIC and PSU Shroud — covers both miner and PSU exhaust
ARC Whatsminer Hashboard Tester Pro — professional diagnostic tool for hashboard testing
Tin Tool for Whatsminer Chips — precision reballing tool for chip replacement

Shrouds and ducting are critical for home mining with full-size ASICs. They direct hot exhaust air through flexible ducts to a window or vent, dramatically reducing the noise and heat impact in your living space. See our Noise Reduction Guide for detailed installation strategies.

Whatsminer Error Codes Quick Reference

Whatsminer units report issues through error codes visible in the web interface. Here are the most common error codes and their meanings. For a complete reference with detailed solutions, see our Complete Whatsminer Error Code Reference.

Error Category	Common Codes	Typical Cause	Action
Temperature Errors	Over temperature protection, Temperature too high	Blocked airflow, failed fan, high ambient temperature	Clean unit, check fans, improve ventilation
Fan Errors	Fan speed error, Fan lost	Failed fan motor, disconnected cable, dust buildup	Clean or replace fan, check connections
Hashboard Errors	Hash Board X not found, Chip count error	Failed chips, loose connector, damaged hashboard	Reseat connectors; if persistent, send for repair
Power Errors	PSU power off, Voltage abnormal	PSU failure, power surge, inadequate circuit	Check power source, verify circuit capacity; professional repair if PSU failed
Network Errors	Pool connection failed, Stratum error	Wrong pool config, network issue, DNS failure	Verify pool URL and credentials, check Ethernet cable

For the full error code database with step-by-step solutions: Complete Whatsminer Error Code Reference

Whatsminer Maintenance Schedule

Proactive maintenance extends the life of your Whatsminer and prevents unexpected downtime. Here is the schedule we recommend based on our repair experience:

Frequency	Task	Details
Monthly	Visual inspection	Check for dust accumulation, verify all fans spinning, check for unusual noises or vibrations
Every 3 months	Compressed air cleaning	Power off the unit and blow compressed air through the intake and exhaust. Clear dust from fan blades, heatsinks, and hashboard surfaces.
Every 6 months	Full inspection	Check all cable connections for corrosion or looseness. Verify power cable condition. Inspect PSU fan (if accessible). Check ambient temperature logging for trends.
Annually	Deep maintenance	Open the unit for internal inspection. Check thermal paste on heatsinks. Replace any fans showing wear (grinding noise, reduced RPM). Consider firmware update if a stable version is available.
As needed	Firmware updates	Apply only stable, official MicroBT firmware releases. Never update during active mining — schedule during a maintenance window.

For a detailed maintenance walkthrough, see our Whatsminer M30S Maintenance and Repair Guide.

Related Resources

Whatsminer-Specific Guides

General Mining Resources

Bitcoin Miner Comparison Hub — compare Whatsminer against every miner category
Getting Started with Bitcoin Mining
Mining Profitability Calculator
Mining Pool Comparison 2026
120V Mining Guide
Noise Reduction Guide
Firmware Download Center

Repair Pages

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Whatsminer better than Antminer?

Neither is categorically “better” — they serve different priorities. Whatsminer is known for robust build quality and reliability, making it excellent for set-and-forget industrial deployments. Antminer has a larger aftermarket ecosystem (third-party firmware, accessories, repair parts), making it more flexible for home miners who want to customize, silence, or underclock their machines. D-Central carries and repairs both brands. Read our full Whatsminer vs Antminer Comparison for a detailed breakdown.

Can I use a Whatsminer as a space heater?

Technically yes — any miner converts all consumed electricity to heat. However, D-Central’s Space Heater Editions are currently built around Antminer platforms because the Antminer form factor is more compatible with our custom enclosure designs. If you want to use a Whatsminer for heating, you can direct its exhaust into your room using a Whatsminer shroud and flexible ducting. The heat output is identical to Antminer at the same wattage — a 3,400 W Whatsminer produces exactly 3,400 watts of heat.

Can I run a Whatsminer on 110V/120V?

Most full-size Whatsminer models (M30S++, M50 series, M60 series) are designed for 220V–240V operation and cannot safely run on 110V/120V household circuits. The power draw (3,000–3,500 W) exceeds what a standard 120V circuit can provide. If you only have 120V available, consider D-Central’s Antminer Slim Edition or Loki Edition, which are specifically modified for 110V/120V operation, or explore open-source miners that run on standard 5V/12V adapters.

Where can I find Whatsminer replacement parts?

D-Central stocks Whatsminer-specific tools and diagnostic equipment. For hashboard replacements, chip reballing, and other component-level repairs, our repair service handles the work in-house. Contact us for parts availability and pricing.

How long does a Whatsminer last?

With proper maintenance (regular cleaning, stable power, adequate ventilation), Whatsminer units typically operate reliably for 3–5 years. The M30 series, now several years old, is still running in many operations worldwide. Build quality is a Whatsminer strength — these machines are engineered for continuous 24/7 operation. Following our maintenance schedule significantly extends operational lifespan.

Does D-Central repair Whatsminers?

Yes. D-Central’s ASIC repair facility in Laval, Quebec provides comprehensive Whatsminer repair services including hashboard repair, chip replacement, control board diagnostics, PSU repair, and full unit reconditioning. We service M20 through M60 series units. Contact us with your model and symptoms for a repair quote.

What is the most efficient Whatsminer available?

As of early 2026, the Whatsminer M60S++ leads MicroBT’s lineup at approximately 16 J/TH efficiency with 212 TH/s hashrate. This places it between the Antminer S21 (~17.5 J/TH) and S21 Pro (~15 J/TH) in the efficiency rankings. Contact D-Central for current M60 series availability and pricing.

Can I install custom firmware on a Whatsminer?

Unlike Antminer, which supports multiple third-party firmware options (BraiinsOS+, Vnish, LuxOS), Whatsminer has a limited third-party firmware ecosystem. Most Whatsminer operators run MicroBT’s official firmware. While this limits customization (underclocking, custom fan curves, advanced monitoring), it also means fewer opportunities for firmware-related issues. If firmware flexibility is important to you, Antminer platforms offer more options — see our Firmware Comparison Guide.

D-Central Technologies — Bitcoin Mining Hackers since 2016. Whether you are running a Whatsminer M30S++ in your garage or evaluating M60 series units for a large deployment, our team has the expertise to help you buy, set up, maintain, and repair your hardware. Browse our Whatsminer products or contact our team for personalized guidance.