Key takeout
- The block places its Proto Rig as a durable, repairable, upgradeable alternative to today’s “disposable” mining machines.
- Proto Fleet is free to use and can be deployed either on-premises or in the cloud.
Jack Dorsey-led blocks have announced Proto Rig, the first modular Bitcoin mining system aimed at tackling the operational hurdles of the industry, and Proto Fleet, an open source software platform for managing and optimizing mining operations, either on small or industrial scales.
At a livestream event held at the Core Scientific facility in Dalton, Georgia, Block’s hardware lead said:
“It’s not just a new machine or new chip, it’s a real paradigm shift. It’s a transition from disposable, disposable hardware to durable, repairable, upgradeable hardware. The rig is built to easily repair, properly upgrade and make the most of the facility,” he says.
The Proto Rig is built with high quality components and focuses on quick, tool-free repairs that can be completed in seconds, greatly reducing downtime-related costs, says Templeton.
Proto Rig’s modular design allows operators to upgrade individual hashboards without dismantling the entire unit. The system works with existing infrastructure to enable miners to use current setups without major changes.
This product provides 1.5 times the power per rack foot compared to traditional mining hardware. Templeton said this approach could double the useful lifespan of hardware from 3 to 5 to 10 years, reducing upgrade costs by about 20% per cycle.
Alongside Proto Rig, Block releases Proto Fleet, a free open source fleet management software, consolidating power scaling, diagnostics, monitoring and maintenance into a single platform. This software is designed for miners of all fleet sizes.
Using Proto Rig and Proto Fleet, blocks aim to democratize access to mining hardware and tools, promoting blocks’ mission to decentralize bitcoin mining and enhance network resilience.
“Effective in every way from tip to repair time to upgrade, and it’s a setup to upgrade, cheaper and more powerful each upgrade cycle,” Templeton emphasized.
“We believe this is the best way to make the most of your investment. Rigs of facilities are a huge step forward for the mining industry for Bitcoin, and what’s good for Bitcoin is good for all of us,” he said.
