Bitmain, a leading global manufacturer of Bitcoin application-specific integrated circuits (ASIC), has unveiled its latest air-cooled BTC miner, the Antminer T21, marking a significant development in the cryptocurrency mining industry. The company announced this milestone via Twitter on October 26, highlighting the Antminer T21’s ability to withstand ambient temperatures of up to 45 degrees Celsius.
The global launch of Bitmain’s Antminer T21 took place at the Blockchain Life 2023 Forum in Dubai, where Bitmain held a prominent role as a “diamond sponsor,” underlining the event’s significance for the industry.
Bitmain’s newest mining device is slated to begin shipping in January 2024, as confirmed by the company’s spokesperson. The Antminer T21 is designed to support the SHA256 mining algorithm, suitable for proof-of-work (PoW) cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, as well as forked coins such as Bitcoin Cash and Bitcoin SV (BSV). This mining rig boasts an impressive computing power of 190 terahashes per second and an energy efficiency ratio of 19 joules per terahash.
During the launch event, Bitmain also extended a unique offer to Antminer T21 buyers by introducing the Bitmain price protection plan. This plan is designed to safeguard miners in case of a decline in cryptocurrency prices and is available until November 25, 2023. Customers who opt for this plan will receive cash compensation if the price of BTC falls below a predefined strike price during the protected period, with payouts being made immediately upon the occurrence of the triggering event.
Bitmain’s Antminer T21 is just one of the many mining devices produced by the company. In the competitive ASIC mining industry, other firms such as Canaan, MicroBT, and Bitfury also manufacture a wide variety of mining rigs.
Canaan, a Chinese company, played a pioneering role in the ASIC mining sector by releasing one of the world’s first Bitcoin mining ASICs in January 2013. Over the past decade, Canaan has continued to innovate and recently launched its A14 series miners in September 2023, which include both liquid-cooled and air-cooled options. This highlights the industry’s commitment to improving mining efficiency and sustainability.
Despite the ongoing advancements in ASIC technology, the industry has faced challenges, including a sharp decline in the price per terahash from its peak in 2021. However, companies like Bitmain and Canaan remain at the forefront of innovation, striving to meet the evolving needs of the cryptocurrency mining community.