Block Inc., led by Jack Dorsey, is shaking up the Bitcoin mining industry with the launch of its new modular Bitcoin miner, Proto Rig, and a comprehensive software platform, Proto Fleet. This move comes after the company doubled down on Bitcoin mining since late 2024.
The Proto Rig miner is designed for higher density and efficiency, delivering 1.5 times the power per foot compared to traditional ASIC miners. With a hashrate of up to 819 TH/s, the rig is built with nine upgradable hashboards, each providing 91 TH/s, and has a power consumption of up to 12,000 W. Its power efficiency is noted at 14.1 J/TH.
What sets Proto Rig apart is its modular design. Unlike traditional, single-purpose ASIC miners—which are expensive and often disposable due to rapid technological advancements—Proto Rig allows operators to simply swap out individual boards as new chips become available. This modularity promises to reduce waste and maintenance costs, addressing a major pain point for miners.
In addition to the hardware, Block also introduced Proto Fleet, an open-source software platform for managing mining operations. It offers power-scaling, real-time monitoring, and diagnostic tools in a single interface. The timing of this release is strategic, as trade tensions and tariffs on China-made mining rigs are pushing manufacturers like Bitmain to consider U.S.-based production.
August 2025, Cryptoniteuae
