#crypto mining

I'm at DEFCON! TODAY (Aug 9), I'm emceeing the EFF POKER TOURNAMENT (noon at the Horseshoe Poker Room), and appearing on the BRICKED AND ABANDONED panel (5PM, LVCC - L1 - HW1–11–01). TOMORROW (Aug 10), I'm giving a keynote called "DISENSHITTIFY OR DIE! How hackers can seize the means of computation and build a new, good internet that is hardened against our asshole bosses' insatiable horniness for enshittification" (noon, LVCC - L1 - HW1–11–01).

Water is wet, and a Bitcoin thing turned out to be a scam. Why am I writing about a Bitcoin scam? Two reasons:

I. It's also a climate scam; and

II. The journalists who uncovered it have a unique business-model.

Here's the scam. Terawulf is a publicly traded company that purports to do "green" Bitcoin mining. Now, cryptocurrency mining is one of the most gratuitously climate-wrecking activities we have. Mining Bitcoin is an environmental crime on par with opening a brunch place that only serves Spotted Owl omelets.

Despite Terawulf's claim to be carbon-neutral, it is not. It plugs into the NY power grid and sucks up farcical quantities of energy produced from fossil fuel sources. The company doesn't buy even buy carbon credits (carbon credits are a scam, but buying carbon credits would at least make its crimes nonfraudulent):

https://pluralistic.net/2023/10/31/carbon-upsets/#big-tradeoff

Terawulf is a scam from top to bottom. Its NY state permit application promises not to pursue cryptocurrency mining, a thing it was actively trumpeting its plan to do even as it filed that application.

The company has its roots in the very dirtiest kinds of Bitcoin mining. Its top execs (including CEO Paul Prager) were involved with Beowulf Energy LLC, a company that convinced struggling coal plant operators to keep operating in order to fuel Bitcoin mining rigs. There's evidence that top execs at Terawulf, the "carbon neutral" Bitcoin mining op, are also running Beowulf, the coal Bitcoin mining op.

This is a very profitable scam. Prager owns a "small village" in Maryland, with more that 20 structures, including a private gas station for his Ferrari collection (he also has a five bedroom place on Fifth Ave). More than a third of Terawulf's earnings were funneled to Beowulf. Terawulf also leases its facilities from a company that Prager owns 99.9% of, and Terawulf has *showered * that company in its stock.

So here we are, a typical Bitcoin story: scammers lying like hell, wrecking the planet, and getting indecently rich. The guy's even spending his money like an asshole. So far, so normal.

But what's interesting about this story is where it came from: Hunterbrook Media, an investigative news outlet that's funded by a short seller – an investment firm that makes bets that companies' share prices are likely to decline. They stand to make a ton of money if the journalists they hire find fraud in the companies they investigate:

https://hntrbrk.com/terawulf/

It's an amazing source of class disunity among the investment class:

https://pluralistic.net/2024/04/08/money-talks/#bullshit-walks

As the icing on the cake, Prager and Terawulf are pivoting to AI training. Because of course they are.

If you'd like an essay-formatted version of this post to read or share, here's a link to it on pluralistic.net, my surveillance-free, ad-free, tracker-free blog:

The cryptocurrency mining industry continues to evolve, and with increasing mining difficulty and competition, the demand for high-performance mining hardware is at an all-time high. Today, more people search for a reliable ASIC miner for sale to maximize profits and reduce operational costs. But what exactly makes ASIC miners so popular, and how do you choose the right one? This detailed guide covers everything you need to know.

What Is an ASIC Miner?

An ASIC miner (Application-Specific Integrated Circuit) is a specialized machine designed to mine a specific cryptocurrency algorithm. Unlike GPUs and CPUs, which can perform various tasks, ASIC miners focus solely on mining, which makes them significantly more powerful and efficient.

Why ASIC Miners Are Better Than GPUs

Higher Hash Rate: ASIC miners produce exponential hashing power compared to GPU rigs.

Energy Efficiency: They consume less electricity per hash, increasing profitability.

Longer Lifespan: With stable use and proper cooling, ASIC miners can run for years.

Because of their unmatched performance, miners seek an ASIC miner for sale as the most cost-effective investment in the long term.

Popular ASIC Miner Models Available in 2025

When looking for an ASIC miner for sale, several reputable brands stand out for their innovation, durability, and ROI potential. The most popular include:

1. Antminer Series (Bitmain)

Bitmain leads the ASIC market with models like Antminer S21, T21, and S19 Pro+, known for high hash rates, advanced cooling systems, and impressive energy efficiency.

2. Whatsminer Series (MicroBT)

Whatsminer machines such as M60 and M50S+ are appreciated for their stability and industrial-grade design. They often offer excellent performance even in harsh conditions.

3. Goldshell and iBeLink

These brands focus on altcoin mining machines for coins like Kadena, Litecoin, and Dogecoin. If you prefer diversified mining revenue, these ASIC miners are worth considering.

Factors to Consider Before Buying an ASIC Miner

Before choosing any ASIC miner for sale, it’s important to evaluate several essential factors:

✔ Hash Rate

Hash rate determines how fast your miner solves cryptographic puzzles. Higher hash rates mean more blocks solved and higher potential earnings.

✔ Power Consumption

ASIC miners run 24/7, so electricity usage dramatically impacts profit. Always compare hash rate vs. watts consumed to determine real profitability.

✔ Mining Algorithm

Different miners support specific algorithms like SHA-256 for Bitcoin, Scrypt for Litecoin, or Blake2S for Kadena. Choose a miner based on your target coin.

✔ Price and Budget

While prices vary, always calculate your expected ROI (Return on Investment) based on current market difficulty and electricity rates.

✔ Noise and Cooling Requirements

ASICs can be loud and generate heavy heat. Ensure you have proper ventilation or consider immersion cooling for large mining farms.

Where to Find an ASIC Miner for Sale

There are three main ways to find secure and trustworthy ASIC miners:

1. Certified Crypto Hardware Retailers

These sellers provide warranty, after-sales support, and tested machines, making them the safest option.

2. Official Manufacturer Websites

Purchasing directly from Bitmain, MicroBT, or Goldshell ensures authenticity but may involve long shipping times.

3. Resale Market

While cheaper, buying from resellers requires careful verification to avoid defective or used machines. Always request a performance test before buying.

Maximizing Profits With ASIC Miners

Buying the right ASIC miner for sale is only the first step. Maximizing profits requires:

Choosing low electricity cost regions

Running machines with proper cooling

Joining reliable mining pools

Regular maintenance and dust cleaning

Monitoring market trends and difficulty changes

Small improvements in energy management and mining strategy can significantly boost ROI.

Conclusion

As cryptocurrency mining continues to grow, finding the right ASIC miner for sale has become crucial for anyone aiming to build a profitable mining setup. With advanced technology, powerful hash rates, and high energy efficiency, ASIC miners remain the most rewarding option for 2025 and beyond. By comparing specifications, evaluating electricity cost, and buying from trusted sellers, miners can secure long-term returns in a competitive market.

FAQs: ASIC Miner for Sale

Q1: Are ASIC miners worth buying in 2025? Yes. With increasing mining difficulty, ASIC miners provide the highest efficiency and profitability compared to GPUs or CPUs.

Q2: Can I use ASIC miners at home? Yes, but you need proper ventilation and noise handling. Industrial setups are preferred for large-scale mining.

Q3: How long does an ASIC miner last? With proper cooling and maintenance, ASIC miners can run effectively for 3–5 years or more.

Another great example of why getting in early matters. When I first went into business for myself and started really trying to focus on making the Bish Bucket Adventures videos and my clothing line, I quickly realized I was badly overtaxing my cheap laptop. I rationalized that if I bought a computer that could mine crypto, that it would eventually pay for itself. The first hard lesson was…

To mine 1 Bitcoin per day,

you need about 2,430,000 Th/s

which is roughly 10,385 S21 Pro miners.

You would also need 36MW of constant electricity to achieve this.

High-Efficiency Bitcoin ASIC Miners 2026 for Mining Farms

Review the top-performing Bitcoin ASIC miners for 2026. Detailed specs, energy efficiency insights, and deployment strategies for professional mining operators.