The MicroBT Whatsminer M50S was MicroBT’s mainstream offering in the M50 generation, delivering 126 TH/s at 26 J/TH. Released as a competitor to the Antminer S19 XP and S19k Pro era, the M50S offered MicroBT’s characteristic integrated PSU design and solid build quality at a competitive price point.
As the mining industry has moved on to more efficient hardware, the M50S now occupies a similar market position to the mid-tier S19 machines — viable at cheap electricity rates and increasingly attractive as a dual-purpose heating solution. Its integrated PSU continues to offer a deployment advantage over Antminer units that require separate power supplies.
Whatsminer M50S Full Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | MicroBT |
| Model | Whatsminer M50S |
| Algorithm | SHA-256 |
| Hashrate | 126 TH/s |
| Power Consumption | 3,276W (±5%) |
| Efficiency | 26 J/TH |
| Noise Level | 75 dB |
| Weight | 12.5 kg |
| Dimensions | 430 x 155 x 240 mm |
| Operating Temperature | 5-45 °C |
| Cooling | 2 x high-speed fans (air-cooled) |
| ASIC Chip | MicroBT proprietary |
| Chip Count | ~280 |
| Input Voltage | 200-277V AC (integrated PSU) |
| Network Connection | Ethernet (RJ45) |
| Release Date | 2023 |
Performance Analysis
At 26 J/TH, the Whatsminer M50S is more efficient than the Antminer S19j Pro (29.5 J/TH) and the Antminer S19 Pro (29.5 J/TH), but falls behind the S19k Pro (23 J/TH) and significantly behind the S19 XP (21.5 J/TH).
The generation gap is more pronounced when comparing to current hardware: the Whatsminer M60S (18.5 J/TH) from MicroBT’s own lineup is 29% more efficient, while the Antminer S21 (17.5 J/TH) is 33% more efficient with 60% more hashrate.
The M50S’s competitive position in 2026 depends heavily on acquisition cost. On the secondary market, the M50S trades at a significant discount to newer machines. For operators who already own M50S units, the question is whether to continue running (at cheap power) or sell and upgrade — a decision our profitability calculator can help evaluate.
For a full ranking of miners by efficiency, see our Most Efficient Bitcoin Miners 2026 guide.
Profitability Snapshot
Estimated daily revenue and cost at current network difficulty (approximate, based on typical 2026 conditions). Actual results depend on Bitcoin price, network difficulty, and pool fees.
| Electricity Rate | Daily Power Cost | Monthly Power Cost | Viability |
|---|---|---|---|
| $0.05/kWh | $3.93 | $118 | Marginal to profitable — viable with cheap power but thin margins |
| $0.08/kWh | $6.29 | $189 | Likely unprofitable — power costs likely exceed revenue at current difficulty |
| $0.10/kWh | $7.86 | $236 | Unprofitable as a pure miner — consider dual-purpose heating |
| $0.12/kWh | $9.43 | $283 | Unprofitable — only viable as a heating device that also mines |
Use our Bitcoin Mining Profitability Calculator for real-time estimates with your exact electricity rate, or check our Bitcoin Mining Electricity Cost by State & Province guide to find your local rate.
Best Use Cases
Dual-Purpose Space Heater: At 3,276W, the M50S outputs approximately 11,178 BTU/h of heat. In cold climates, this positions the M50S as an effective heating device that also generates Bitcoin mining revenue. The integrated PSU simplifies installation — no separate power supply means one less component and fewer cables. See our Bitcoin Space Heater vs Electric Heater analysis.
Ultra-Cheap Electricity Operations: At sub-$0.04/kWh rates (hydro, stranded natural gas, flare gas), the M50S’s low acquisition cost on the secondary market can deliver an attractive ROI. The machine costs a fraction of a new S21, and every sat mined at near-zero electricity cost is profit.
Fleet Diversity for Existing Whatsminer Operators: Organizations already running Whatsminer infrastructure (management software, spare parts, technician training) may find the M50S a cost-effective way to add hashrate without changing their operational toolchain.
Mining Education: The M50S’s availability on the used market at low prices makes it accessible for learning ASIC mining operations. It introduces miners to the Whatsminer ecosystem, which differs from Antminer in firmware, management, and hardware design.
Compatible Firmware
| Firmware | Compatibility | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Stock (MicroBT) | Full support | Default firmware with built-in power modes and overclocking options |
| Braiins OS+ | Not supported | Braiins OS+ does not currently support Whatsminer models |
| Vnish | Supported | Custom profiles, overclocking, immersion mode |
| LuxOS | Not supported | LuxOS focuses on Antminer models |
Like all Whatsminer models, the M50S has a more limited third-party firmware ecosystem compared to Antminer. MicroBT’s stock firmware includes built-in performance modes (Low Power, Normal, High Performance) that allow basic tuning. Vnish offers additional customization for advanced users.
For general firmware guidance, see our Mining Firmware for Beginners guide and Bitcoin Mining Software Comparison 2026.
Common Issues & Repair
Common issues with the Whatsminer M50S include:
- Hashboard failures: ASIC chip degradation is the most common issue as units age. Whatsminer hashboards require MicroBT-specific repair tools and techniques.
- Integrated PSU failures: Capacitor degradation in the integrated PSU can cause voltage instability, leading to hashrate fluctuations or unit shutdowns. PSU repair requires opening the unit and working with high-voltage components.
- Fan failures: The two large fans are critical for cooling. Whatsminer fans use different connectors than Antminer fans and must be replaced with compatible parts.
- Temperature issues: Dust accumulation reduces cooling efficiency over time. Regular compressed-air cleaning extends the unit’s life.
- Network connectivity: Ethernet port or control board issues can cause connectivity drops.
D-Central offers professional Whatsminer M50S Repair services from our Canadian workshop. Our technicians are trained on Whatsminer platforms with access to manufacturer-specific diagnostic tools and replacement parts. See our ASIC Repair Cost Estimator for pricing.
Where to Buy
Contact D-Central for Whatsminer M50S availability. We carry both new and refurbished Whatsminer units and ship across Canada and internationally. We also stock Whatsminer-compatible cooling shrouds and accessories for the M50 platform.