Three Next-Generation Bitcoin Mining Rigs Launch as BTC Price Surges Past $19,000

TL;DR

• Microbt releases the Whatsminer M30S++ capable of 112 TH/s, making it one of the most powerful mining rigs on the market
• Canaan unveils the Avalonminer 1246 (A1246) with 90 TH/s, featuring the new A12 chip architecture
• Strongu enters the market with the Hornbill H8 Pro at 84 TH/s, adding competitive pressure in the ASIC space
• Bitcoin mining profitability surges as BTC trades above $19,100, with top rigs earning around $10 per day
• Supply shortages persist across manufacturers as demand for next-gen miners outpaces production capacity

The bitcoin mining hardware industry enters a fierce competitive cycle as three major manufacturers roll out next-generation ASIC miners during the final quarter of 2020. With bitcoin trading at approximately $19,191 on December 7, mining profitability reaches levels not seen since the pre-halving era, fueling unprecedented demand for high-efficiency equipment.

Microbt Claims the Hashrate Crown With Whatsminer M30S++

Microbt unveils the Whatsminer M30S++, a machine the company dubs the “hash king,” capable of processing up to 112 terahash per second (TH/s). The new device represents a significant jump from the previous M30S+ model, which maxed out at 100 TH/s using 8nm Samsung chips. The M30S++ leverages upgraded Samsung 12nm semiconductors and consumes 3,472W of power, offering miners a compelling efficiency ratio at current bitcoin prices.

The Whatsminer M30S++ sells for $3,900 per unit on Microbt’s official store. Notably, the company recently reduced its delivery timeline from a 120-day wait to just two weeks after full payment, signaling improved production capacity. At electricity rates below $0.06 per kWh and current BTC prices, the M30S++ generates substantial daily returns for mining operations.

The device itself is considerably smaller than competing models from Bitmain and Canaan, giving it an advantage in data center density — a critical factor for large-scale mining farms managing thousands of units in constrained spaces.

Canaan Responds With Avalonminer 1246

Canaan, one of the earliest bitcoin mining rig manufacturers, releases the Avalonminer 1246 (A1246) with a hashrate of 90 TH/s and power consumption of approximately 3,420W. The machine features Canaan’s proprietary A12 chip, believed to be built on a 12nm process. A third-party test report by Cybtc.com verified that the A1246 consistently delivers on its 90 TH/s claim, with the hash rate quickly reaching 90.05 TH/s under normal operating conditions.

Pricing for the A1246 requires a direct consultation with Canaan, though secondary market listings show units selling between $2,369 and $2,725 per miner. The Avalonminer 1246 is physically larger than the Whatsminer M30S++, featuring four 12038 cooling fans, making it comparable in size to Bitmain’s flagship S19 Pro.

Strongu Rounds Out the Field With Hornbill H8 Pro

Strongu, a smaller but increasingly competitive player in the ASIC market, launches the Hornbill H8 Pro with 84 TH/s hashrate and 3,360W power consumption. While not matching the raw hashrate of Microbt or Bitmain offerings, the Hornbill H8 Pro provides an accessible entry point for miners seeking next-generation performance without the premium price tag of top-tier models.

Bitmain S19 Pro Remains the Benchmark

The Bitmain Antminer S19 Pro, released in May 2020, continues to serve as the industry benchmark at 110 TH/s. At current market conditions with electricity rates at $0.06 per kWh, the S19 Pro generates approximately $10 in daily profit per unit. The competitive pressure from Microbt’s 112 TH/s M30S++ now challenges Bitmain’s dominance, pushing the entire industry toward greater efficiency and output.

Mining Rig Shortage Deepens Amid Price Rally

The surge in bitcoin’s price — up over 150% in 2020 and approaching its all-time high near $19,918 — creates a cascading effect on mining hardware availability. Multiple manufacturers report being sold out of next-generation devices, with wait times stretching months for some models. Mining farm operators scramble to secure equipment before the next difficulty adjustment erodes profit margins, creating a secondary market where ASIC prices carry significant premiums.

Why This Matters

The simultaneous release of three competitive ASIC models signals a maturing mining hardware industry that responds rapidly to market conditions. As bitcoin approaches $20,000, the economics of mining shift dramatically — rigs that were marginally profitable at $10,000 BTC become highly lucrative, driving both hardware demand and network hashrate upward. The increasing hashrate strengthens Bitcoin’s security guarantees while concentrating mining operations among those with access to the latest, most efficient hardware. This hardware arms race ultimately determines which miners survive the next bear market and which are forced to capitulate when margins compress.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Mining profitability calculations depend on multiple variables including electricity costs, hardware efficiency, network difficulty, and bitcoin price. Readers should conduct their own research before making any mining investment decisions.