Hardware – Earlybirds Invest https://earlybirdsinvest.com Latest Crypto News Mon, 01 Sep 2025 22:40:23 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.7 https://i0.wp.com/earlybirdsinvest.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/cropped-New-Project-2024-12-17T235703.455.png?fit=32%2C32&ssl=1 Hardware – Earlybirds Invest https://earlybirdsinvest.com 32 32 240146708 OpenSats Grant Fuels Bitcoin-Safe Safe Multi-Sig Wallet Fire Hardware Focus https://earlybirdsinvest.com/opensats-grant-fuels-bitcoin-safe-safe-multi-sig-wallet-fire-hardware-focus/ https://earlybirdsinvest.com/opensats-grant-fuels-bitcoin-safe-safe-multi-sig-wallet-fire-hardware-focus/#respond Mon, 01 Sep 2025 22:40:22 +0000 https://earlybirdsinvest.com/opensats-grant-fuels-bitcoin-safe-safe-multi-sig-wallet-fire-hardware-focus/

Bitcoin-Safe, an open source Bitcoin savings wallet, is now available for families, individuals and businesses looking for safe, long-term Bitcoin storage. It focuses on multi-sig security and distinguishes itself from other desktop wallets such as Electrum and Sparrow, as it requires a hardware wallet for mainnet operations. Supported by the one-year OpenSats Grant awarded in March 2025, Bitcoin-Safe is the latest version 1.5.0 released on September 1, 2025, combining robust security with a redesigned user interface.

Development and OpenSat Support

Developed by Andreas Griffin for over two and a half years, Bitcoin-Safe aims to simplify multi-sig setups and reduce reliance on Electrum servers. “I started with this wallet two and a half years ago, and I had two goals to make multisig easier and not have to resort to Electrum servers,” Griffin told Bitcoin Magazine. OpenSats Grant, which will be held from March 2025 to March 2026, supports these efforts. The open source code for wallets built into the Bitcoin Dev Kit (BDK) is auditable on GitHub, and installable clients are available for free at Bitcoin-safe.org/download.

Multisig, hardware wallet security, coin control

Bitcoin-Safe enforces hardware wallets for the mainnet and prohibits software seeds from mitigating security risks. “There’s no way around hardware wallets to save money,” Griffin said, highlighting compatibility with major hardware devices via QR, USB or SD cards. This allows Bitcoin Safe to allow software seeds, prioritize security for significant savings, and minimize “footguns.” This is a feature that users can easily hurt.

The Wallet Multisig Setup Wizard generates PDFs with wallet descriptors, such as send and receive tests for validation. “After this wizard is finished, you can make sure it’s set up correctly,” Griffin said. This ensures reliable configuration and allows for multisig access without compromising security.

Using the NOSTR protocol, Bitcoin-Safe synchronizes transactions and addresses the entire end-to-end encrypted device label. “We create protocols on top of Nostr to link these computers and synchronize labels seamlessly,” Griffin said. Multisig participants can share partially signed Bitcoin Transactions (PSBTs) with a single click, and the relay stores encrypted messages for asynchronous access.

The Coin category separates funds such as KYC exchange withdrawals and private coins to prevent unintended transaction connections. “You should not link it by mistake as you need to select the source of the fund,” Griffin supported the privacy of users.

User Interface and Experience

Version 1.5.0 introduces a new interface developed with @Design-R. “The designers who participated in the project are really very helpful,” Griffin said. Features include a sidebar for managing multiple wallets, an updated transaction view for sending and signing PSBTs, and a Mempool visualization showing block and fee data.

The wallet will add keyboard shortcuts, tooltips and clear error messages. Bug fixes improve functionality and ensure accessibility for beginners and advanced users.

Bitcoin-Safe supports real-time conversion of 123 Fiat currencies integrated into the interface. It also converts Bitcoin to gold or silver values ​​in ounces and grams. Real-time Mempool alerts notify users of transaction propagation. “This is an opt-in feature for existing users and opt-out of new installations,” Griffin said, noting in a customizable network setting.

Users can unlock multiple wallets with a single encryption password. “If multiple wallets share the same encryption password, users must enter it only once,” explained Griffin. Nostr’s Chat & Sync feature enables remote PSBT adjustments for multi-sig participants.

Community and Accessibility

Bitcoin-Safe supports languages ​​such as English, Chinese, and Spanish, as well as translation via Weblate. Users can test with TBTC, report bugs, or donate via Lightning or Onchain. Engagement is done through chorus.community and x accounts (@bitcoinsafe, @bitcoinsafecn) and documentation is available at bitcoin-safe.org.

Future Development: Compact Block Filter

Bitcoin-Safe plans to replace the Electrum server in 2025 with integrated compact block filters. “My plan is to replace (Electrum Servers) with a compact block filter and retrieve blockchain data directly from the Bitcoin core node,” Griffin said, aiming to enhance privacy and server independence.

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OpenAI ventures into hardware with $6.4B deal for legendary designer Jony Ive’s startup io https://earlybirdsinvest.com/openai-ventures-into-hardware-with-6-4b-deal-for-legendary-designer-jony-ives-startup-io/ https://earlybirdsinvest.com/openai-ventures-into-hardware-with-6-4b-deal-for-legendary-designer-jony-ives-startup-io/#respond Thu, 22 May 2025 08:17:05 +0000 https://earlybirdsinvest.com/openai-ventures-into-hardware-with-6-4b-deal-for-legendary-designer-jony-ives-startup-io/

OpenAI announced on May 21 that it will acquire Jony Ive’s artificial intelligence hardware startup io in an all-equity transaction valued at approximately $6.4 billion, according to a report by CNBC.

The acquisition, OpenAI’s largest to date, marks a decisive step into hardware for the company best known for its generative AI models. The deal incorporates io directly into OpenAI.

Meanwhile, Ive, a former Apple design chief, will retain independence for his design firm, LoveFrom.

Ive is credited with designing the iPhone, iPad, and other key Apple products. He will assume design and creative responsibilities across OpenAI and io. 

Integration into AI and product teams

In a joint statement, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and Ive said the io team will relocate to San Francisco to work closely with OpenAI’s research and product teams.

The io startup, founded a year ago by Ive and former Apple colleagues Scott Cannon, Tang Tan, and Evans Hankey, was previously operated as part of LoveFrom.

OpenAI currently owns a 23% stake in io, contributing $1.4 billion to the deal’s valuation. The remaining $5 billion will be transferred in equity. 

The transaction will bring io’s device-focused team in-house, adding industrial design capacity to OpenAI’s portfolio. In a statement shared on X, Altman described Ive as “the greatest designer in the world.”

The deal comes weeks after OpenAI agreed to acquire Windsurf, an AI coding assistant, for $3 billion.

Hardware investments

Alongside its in-house efforts, OpenAI has invested in Physical Intelligence, a San Francisco-based robotics startup that raised $400 million in 2024 at a valuation of $2.4 billion.

That round included participation from Amazon founder Jeff Bezos. Physical Intelligence is building general-purpose AI to operate in physical environments, suggesting OpenAI’s broader intent to pair software with tactile systems.

The acquisition of io reinforces that direction. While OpenAI did not disclose specific products, the blog post referenced devices that “inspire, empower, and enable,” and emphasized IO’s mission to translate AI capabilities into consumer-oriented form factors.

OpenAI’s purchase of io highlights its strategy to build out physical interfaces for its models, as the competitive field in generative AI continues to widen with entries from Google, Anthropic, and xAI.

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BYDFi Partners With Ledger to Launch a Limited-Edition Hardware Wallet, Debuts at TOKEN2049 Dubai https://earlybirdsinvest.com/bydfi-partners-with-ledger-to-launch-a-limited-edition-hardware-wallet-debuts-at-token2049-dubai/ https://earlybirdsinvest.com/bydfi-partners-with-ledger-to-launch-a-limited-edition-hardware-wallet-debuts-at-token2049-dubai/#respond Mon, 05 May 2025 09:49:32 +0000 https://earlybirdsinvest.com/bydfi-partners-with-ledger-to-launch-a-limited-edition-hardware-wallet-debuts-at-token2049-dubai/

Dubai, April 30, 2025As an official sponsor of TOKEN2049 Dubai, global crypto exchange BYDFi has teamed up with industry-leading hardware wallet provider Ledger to release a limited-edition co-branded Ledger Nano X.

The exclusive wallets made their debut at the TOKEN2049 event, where attendees had the chance to receive them for free through on-site interactive activities.

This special edition wallet retains the advanced security features of the original Ledger Nano X, while incorporating custom BYDFi design elements, including visual branding and customized packaging.

Symbolizing a deep collaboration on user asset protection and Web3 innovation, the wallet is equipped with a secure element chip, supports the offline storage of a wide range of digital assets, and defends against common forms of cyberattack—offering users an enhanced standard of self-custody.

Secure by Design: Ledger x BYDFi Hardware Wallet Makes Its Official Launch

The launch drew large crowds to the BYDFi booth at TOKEN2049, where many attendees successfully received the limited edition wallet by completing live interactions. Designed for secure self-custody, the Ledger x BYDFi wallet gives users full control over their private keys and assets, reducing reliance on centralized platforms and elevating personal asset sovereignty.

Michael, Co-founder of BYDFi, commented at the event:

TOKEN2049 coincides with BYDFi’s fifth anniversary, making this a milestone moment for us. This collaboration with Ledger reflects our continued commitment to asset security. The limited edition wallet is designed especially for high-net-worth individuals who demand institutional-grade protection for their digital assets.

Expanding Horizons: BYDFi’s Vision for Global Growth and Market Leadership

In addition to the co-branded wallet, BYDFi showcased its on-chain trading solution, MoonX, at the event. As a flagship product of BYDFi’s “CEX + DEX” dual-engine strategy, MoonX merges the transparency of on-chain execution with the high-speed performance of centralized systems—delivering an ultra-smooth, seamless trading experience tailored to the rising demands of DeFi users.

The launch of MoonX not only expands the boundaries of BYDFi’s trading ecosystem, but also promotes greater diversity in trading methods and empowers users with more choice and flexibility.

Looking ahead, BYDFi will continue to strengthen collaborations with global partners and infrastructure providers, accelerating the deployment of innovative products and further solidifying its global service capabilities.

BYDFi’s CEX + DEX dual-engine strategy.

This is a third party-distributed Press Release, BitDegree is not responsible for any content or related materials, the advertising, promotion, accuracy, quality, products or services on this page. Before making any decisions or taking any actions, readers are advised to do their own research, first. BitDegree is not liable nor responsible for any direct or indirect loss or damage related directly or indirectly to the use of any products, services or content in the Press Release.

BYDFi Partners With Ledger to Launch a Limited-Edition Hardware Wallet, Debuts at TOKEN2049 Dubai

Founded in 2020, BYDFi has been recognized by Forbes as one of the world’s top 10 crypto exchanges, officially listed on CoinMarketCap and CoinGecko, and holds MSB licenses in multiple jurisdictions. It is also a member of South Korea’s CODE VASP Alliance.

Today, BYDFi serves users in 190+ countries, with a global user base exceeding 1,000,000. The platform supports spot, perpetual, and on-chain trading, enabling access to over 600 cryptocurrencies and 500,000+ memecoin pairs. BYDFi is committed to delivering a world-class crypto trading experience. BUIDL Your Dream Finance.

About Ledger Nano X

The Ledger Nano X is a hardware wallet certified by independent security labs. It features a tamper-proof secure element chip that safely stores users’ private keys. Any unauthorized access attempts trigger a self-destruct mechanism, ensuring maximum protection.

Additional features include PIN protection, a 24-word recovery phrase, encrypted Bluetooth connectivity, and hidden wallets accessible via separate PINs—delivering comprehensive security for crypto asset holders.

For more information, visit the official Ledger website.


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BYDFi Partners with Ledger to Launch Limited Edition Hardware Wallet, Debuts at TOKEN2049 Dubai https://earlybirdsinvest.com/bydfi-partners-with-ledger-to-launch-limited-edition-hardware-wallet-debuts-at-token2049-dubai/ https://earlybirdsinvest.com/bydfi-partners-with-ledger-to-launch-limited-edition-hardware-wallet-debuts-at-token2049-dubai/#respond Wed, 30 Apr 2025 11:26:26 +0000 https://earlybirdsinvest.com/bydfi-partners-with-ledger-to-launch-limited-edition-hardware-wallet-debuts-at-token2049-dubai/

April 30th, 2025 – Victoria, Seychelles


The exclusive wallets made their debut at the TOKEN2049 event, where attendees had the chance to receive them for free through on-site interactive activities.

This special edition wallet retains the advanced security features of the original Ledger Nano X, while incorporating custom BYDFi design elements, including visual branding and customized packaging. Symbolizing a deep collaboration on user asset protection and Web3 innovation, the wallet is equipped with a secure element chip, supports the offline storage of a wide range of digital assets, and defends against common forms of cyberattack—offering users an enhanced standard of self-custody.

Secure by Design: Ledger x BYDFi Hardware Wallet Makes Its Official Launch

The launch drew large crowds to the BYDFi booth at TOKEN2049, where many attendees successfully received the limited edition wallet by completing live interactions. Designed for secure self-custody, the Ledger x BYDFi wallet gives users full control over their private keys and assets, reducing reliance on centralized platforms and elevating personal asset sovereignty.

Michael, Co-founder of BYDFi, commented at the event:

“TOKEN2049 coincides with BYDFi’s fifth anniversary, making this a milestone moment for us. This collaboration with Ledger reflects our continued commitment to asset security. The limited edition wallet is designed especially for high-net-worth individuals who demand institutional-grade protection for their digital assets.”

Expanding Horizons: BYDFi’s Vision for Global Growth and Market Leadership

In addition to the co-branded wallet, BYDFi showcased its on-chain trading solution, MoonX, at the event. As a flagship product of BYDFi’s “CEX + DEX” dual-engine strategy, MoonX merges the transparency of on-chain execution with the high-speed performance of centralized systems—delivering an ultra-smooth, seamless trading experience tailored to the rising demands of DeFi users.

The launch of MoonX not only expands the boundaries of BYDFi’s trading ecosystem, but also promotes greater diversity in trading methods and empowers users with more choice and flexibility.

Looking ahead, BYDFi will continue to strengthen collaborations with global partners and infrastructure providers, accelerating the deployment of innovative products and further solidifying its global service capabilities.

About Ledger Nano X

The Ledger Nano X is a hardware wallet certified by independent security labs. It features a tamper-proof secure element chip that safely stores users’ private keys. Any unauthorized access attempts trigger a self-destruct mechanism, ensuring maximum protection. Additional features include PIN protection, a 24-word recovery phrase, encrypted Bluetooth connectivity, and hidden wallets accessible via separate PINs—delivering comprehensive security for crypto asset holders.

 More info: https://www.ledger.com

About BYDFi

Founded in 2020, BYDFi has been recognized by Forbes as one of the world’s top 10 crypto exchanges, is officially listed on CoinMarketCap and CoinGecko, and holds MSB licenses in multiple jurisdictions. It is also a member of South Korea’s CODE VASP Alliance.

Today, BYDFi serves users in 190+ countries, with a global user base exceeding 1,000,000. The platform supports spot, perpetual, and on-chain trading, enabling access to over 600 cryptocurrencies and 500,000+ memecoin pairs. BYDFi is committed to delivering a world-class crypto trading experience. BUIDL Your Dream Finance.

  • Website: https://www.bydfi.com
  • Support Email: cs@bydfi.com
  • Business Partnerships: bd@bydfi.com
  • Media Inquiries: media@bydfi.com

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Contact

Senior Marketing Director
Chloe
BYDFi Fintech LTD
chloe@bydfi.com

This content is sponsored and should be regarded as promotional material. Opinions and statements expressed herein are those of the author and do not reflect the opinions of The Daily Hodl. The Daily Hodl is not a subsidiary of or owned by any ICOs, blockchain startups or companies that advertise on our platform. Investors should do their due diligence before making any high-risk investments in any ICOs, blockchain startups or cryptocurrencies. Please be advised that your investments are at your own risk, and any losses you may incur are your responsibility.

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Ledger Bids Farewell to Nano S With 20% Off Its Latest Hardware Wallets https://earlybirdsinvest.com/ledger-bids-farewell-to-nano-s-with-20-off-its-latest-hardware-wallets/ https://earlybirdsinvest.com/ledger-bids-farewell-to-nano-s-with-20-off-its-latest-hardware-wallets/#respond Sun, 27 Apr 2025 22:15:59 +0000 https://earlybirdsinvest.com/ledger-bids-farewell-to-nano-s-with-20-off-its-latest-hardware-wallets/

If you’re one of the OGs who’s been using a Ledger Nano S wallet since back in the day, you deserve a medal. Or at least a discount. Lucky for you, Ledger agrees.

To thank long-time users (and quietly nudge them toward better security), Ledger launched an exclusive upgrade program.

That means 20% off a shiny new device, whether you’re eyeing the sleek Ledger Flex or the curved-touchscreen-toting Ledger Stax.

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The Nano S Had a Good Run, But It’s Time to Move On

Released in 2016, the Nano S has been a trusty vault for years. But let’s face it, it’s showing its age.

The memory is limited (320 KB compared to 1.5-2 MB on other Ledger devices). It doesn’t support the latest features (like Ledger Sync, NFT management, Ledger Recover, and so on). Besides, you can only connect it to your PC using a micro USB cable, which is quite old school.

So, compared to Ledger’s newer models, it’s basically a flip phone in a smartphone world.

Ledger Stax VS Ledger Flex

The newest models, Ledger Flex and Stax, are both built for what crypto life looks like today (and where it’s heading).

The first-ever secure E-Ink touchscreens. Faster transactions. Bluetooth and NFC. But most importantly, support for all the newest features. Plus, it’s all wrapped up in a slick design that actually feels good to use.

If you love the flash-drive-like style, though, you can also upgrade to Nano X or Nano S Plus.

Ledger Nano X VS Ledger Nano S Plus

They give you the same experience you had with Nano S, just with more memory and support for the newest features.

So, What’s the Catch?

There isn’t one, really. If you own a Ledger Nano S, you qualify. You’ll just need to verify ownership (don’t worry, it’s simple) and make sure you still have your 24-word Secret Recovery Phrase on hand.

Here’s the whole upgrade process step-by-step:

STEP 1:

Head to the official Ledger upgrade page.

STEP 2:

Unlock the deal by connecting your Ledger Nano S wallet.

STEP 3:

Pick a new Ledger wallet (whichever model you like) and purchase it. The discount will apply automatically.

STEP 4:

Restore access to your crypto by using your Secret Recovery Phrase on a new Ledger wallet.

Steps to upgrading your Ledger Nano S to a new Ledger device.

Just note that the discount applies to one product only, and it can’t be combined with other offers.

What Happens to the Old Device?

You’ve got options. You can wipe it clean and store it as a backup, or just reset it to factory settings and let it retire with dignity. Either way, make sure your Recovery Phrase is secure, and you’ll be able to transfer everything safely to your new device.

Why You Should Care (Even If You’re Just HODLing)

Even if you’re not actively trading every day, your crypto deserves modern security. Devices wear down. Features evolve. Threats get smarter. Upgrading isn’t just about bells and whistles; it’s about staying protected and future-ready.

Plus, the sleek look and feel of new touchscreen wallets like Flex and Stax is surely a bonus for those seeking an aesthetically pleasing device.

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What is Bitcoin Mining Hardware (ASIC)? https://earlybirdsinvest.com/what-is-bitcoin-mining-hardware-asic/ https://earlybirdsinvest.com/what-is-bitcoin-mining-hardware-asic/#respond Mon, 10 Feb 2025 15:38:19 +0000 https://earlybirdsinvest.com/what-is-bitcoin-mining-hardware-asic/

Bitcoin mining is a process in which transactions enter the blockchain network. The process is highly energy-intensive in nature since it requires considerable energy. For bitcoin mining to take place, several mining tools and software are required. This is when the role of Bitcoin mining hardware comes into the picture. Bitcoin mining hardware acts as the foundation that facilitates the Bitcoin mining process. Today, Application-Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) is the top bitcoin mining hardware that is dominating the bitcoin mining landscape. As the level of competition in bitcoin mining is intensifying, the popularity of ASIC has reached new heights. In order to understand the reasons for such a trend, you must have a solid understanding of ASIC and its contribution to Bitcoin mining. So, let us dive into the world of Bitcoin mining hardware ASIC immediately.

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A Glimpse into Application-Specific Integrated Circuit

Have you been wondering – ‘What is ASIC in Bitcoin mining?’ The answer to the question is pretty straightforward. ASIC stands for ‘Application-Specific Integrated Circuit’, and it primarily involves specially designed circuits that can perform diverse functions. However, in the context of cryptocurrency, ASICs are specifically built for mining purposes.

An important thing to keep in mind is that the designing of ASIC is done in a unique way so that it will serve a single purpose. They may resemble electronic boards that have processing units as well as circuits. However, when it comes to functionality, ASIC operates as a system that can conduct particular tasks and operations. The role of ASIC in the bitcoin mining realm has been revolutionary, to say the least. 

Chief Features of ASIC

ASIC bitcoin mining hardware has certain features that make it unique. In order to understand how they perform bitcoin mining operations, it is a must to gain an insight into their chief attributes. Some of the main features of Application-Specific Integrated Circuit include:

  • Custom Designing – ASIC is basically an integrated circuit that can be tailored for a specific purpose. Thus, in the cryptocurrency context, ASIC mining hardware is specifically designed to engage in bitcoin mining operations.
  • Top-quality Performance – What makes ASIC stand out when it comes to bitcoin mining is that it delivers top-notch performance. The design of ASIC bitcoin mining hardware ensures high efficiency and reliability, thereby boosting its overall performance.
  • High Hashing Power – In comparison to other Bitcoin mining hardware, such as Graphics Processing Units, ASIC has superior hashing power. As a result, its role in Bitcoin mining is much better.
  • High Energy Efficiency – The bitcoin mining process consumes a considerable level of energy. However, the complexity of the problem diminishes significantly while using ASIC. This is because an ASIC bitcoin mining machine is energy efficient. As ASIC is dedicated to perform just one function, the energy requirement is considerably lower.

The core features of ASIC play a catalytic role and enhance its functionality as a bitcoin mining hardware. Bitcoin miners have been investing in the tool so that the bitcoin mining process can be carried out in an efficient and streamlined manner.

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How does an ASIC Function?

The custom designing aspect of ASIC plays an instrumental role to influence how it functions in bitcoin mining. For the purpose of mining bitcoins, ASIC mining hardware entirely focuses on the generation of hashes. The design of the chips of ASIC supports the computation of one or a number of hashing algorithms.

If you are wondering how bitcoin mining hardware ASIC functions, the answer is quite simple. The chips are positioned on integrated circuit boards, and their programming is done to ensure the generation of hashes. The two chief things that you need to bear in mind to comprehend how an ASIC works include hashing and cooling.

Hashing

Hashing is the chief cryptographic function that ASIC bitcoin mining hardware has to perform. Since bitcoins utilize the SHA-256 hashing algorithm, the designing of ASIC supports the execution of the particular algorithm. ASIC may have to carry out a large number of hash calculations in a single second to perform bitcoin mining smoothly.

Cooling

Cooling is another vital dimension when it comes to ASIC. Due to the intense computational work processes of ASIC, a significant level of heat is produced. It is important to remember that high generation of heat has the potential to reduce the level of efficiency of the Bitcoin mining hardware. For curbing immense heat, active colling, such as large fans, heat sinks, etc., are ideal choices. These techniques work quite well and help to cool down these systems and ensure that there is no compromise in their efficiency or performance because of the high workload. 

Advantages of ASIC

The use of Bitcoin mining hardware ASIC is undoubtedly extremely popular in the cryptocurrency community. If you want to uncover the reason for its high popularity, you need to familiarize yourself with the advantages of ASIC. Some of the main advantages that arise in bitcoin mining by using ASIC are:

  • High computational capability – The computational capability of ASIC is top-notch, to say the least. Thus, ASIC produces optimum performance that creates value with regard to bitcoin mining.
  • Higher profitability – By using ASIC for bitcoin mining purposes, miners can generate higher levels of profits. The lower consumption of power can give rise to financial rewards for them.
  • Reduced environmental footprint – As an ASIC bitcoin mining machine requires less energy than other general tools, it is a smart choice from the environmental perspective. Bitcoin miners can invest in ASIC so that they can engage in bitcoin mining in a sustainable manner. 

Disadvantages of ASIC

Although ASIC bitcoin mining hardware has several advantages, it also has certain disadvantages. In order to get a holistic insight into AIC and its capabilities in bitcoin mining it is essential to take into account the disadvantages. Some of the main disadvantages that may arise while using ASIC for bitcoin mining purposes include: 

  • Limited flexibility – One of the chief downsides of ASIC revolves around the lack of flexibility. After the designing of an ASIC, its functionality remains static, and hence, it cannot be changed or modified in any way. 
  • Expensive – As ASIC is a custom-designed tool, they are quite expensive. Bitcoin miners who have substantial funds may be able to afford these tools or bitcoin mining activities. However, due to their costly nature, they may be inaccessible for many miners. The upfront cost can give rise to serious financial constraints for most bitcoin miners. 
  • Possibility of redundancy in case of algorithm change – The bitcoin mining hardware ASIC is designed to perform the execution of the SHA – 256 hashing algorithm. In case this algorithm changes in the future, ASIC may become obsolete. Thus, the erosion of its functionality may take place.

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Things to Consider While Using ASIC

Investing in ASIC is a major decision for each and every bitcoin miner. Before spending a substantial chunk of funds in ASIC mining hardware there are certain things that you must keep in mind. Some of the main factors include: 

Location of the Rig

As ASIC mining hardware is known to be loud, it is essential to consider where they will be located. Due to the noise issue and the high generation of heat bitcoin miners cannot keep ASIC in their homes. 

Consumption of Power

A serious consideration revolves around power consumption. Although ASIC hardware is gradually becoming more energy-efficient today, it still requires a huge amount of power. While investing in ASIC bitcoin mining hardware, you must seriously consider upgrading the power level. 

Return on Investment

One has to bear significant upfront costs if they plan on buying ASIC bitcoin mining hardware. You must carefully compute the return on investment. If you think the cost is justified, you can definitely consider making the investment. However, if the return on investment is low, investing in ASIC may not be a wise decision. 

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Final Words

In the cryptocurrency environment, bitcoin mining hardware ASIC has captured the attention of the entire cryptocurrency community. Its top efficiency and performance in terms of bitcoin mining have been quite revolutionary and transformational. The name of ASIC definitely props up while discussing the top bitcoin mining hardware. If you wish to invest in ASIC, it is fundamental for you to focus on its advantages and disadvantages. Moreover, you need to take into account the chief considerations that have been identified so that you can make a rational and pragmatic decision regarding investing in ASIC for bitcoin mining purposes. 

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*Disclaimer: The article should not be taken as, and is not intended to provide any investment advice. Claims made in this article do not constitute investment advice and should not be taken as such. 101 Blockchains shall not be responsible for any loss sustained by any person who relies on this article. Do your own research!

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Best Hardware for Chia Plotting – July 2021 – 30 Minutes per Plot?! https://earlybirdsinvest.com/best-hardware-for-chia-plotting-july-2021-30-minutes-per-plot/ https://earlybirdsinvest.com/best-hardware-for-chia-plotting-july-2021-30-minutes-per-plot/#respond Fri, 07 Feb 2025 08:16:49 +0000 https://earlybirdsinvest.com/best-hardware-for-chia-plotting-july-2021-30-minutes-per-plot/

There are a lot of misconceptions about Chia plotting and farming. If you’d like to start farming Chia but don’t have the time to dig through forums and guides, you’ve come to the right place. Hopefully, this guide will help you avoid the trial and error I had to go through.

Today, we’ll be talking about Chia plotting, and specifically, which hardware to use to get the best return on investment. In this guide, I will explore both budget and high-end setups. Choose which one suits you the best.

Why Using Separate Hardware for Chia Plotting?

Most Chia guides will tell you to simply grab a hard drive, launch the Chia plotter and call it a day. While this approach works, it’s far from being efficient.

Why should you care about efficiency, though? According to official sources, we reached a total of one million active plots. That’s a lot of competition, and if you want to earn any profit of Chia farming, you have to get a good rig for the least money possible. It’s all about knowing which corners to cut, and which ones to not.

Plotting and farming are two different processes that put load on different parts of your Chia hardware:

  • Plotting is very CPU- and RAM-intensive, especially if you want to do parallel plotting (and you DO want to do it so you don’t lag behind). It also is very taxing on the drive you are using – we have discussed this in my Chia review but in brief, plotting on a consumer-grade SSD is a very bad idea.
  • Farming, on the other hand, is a passive process that can be done on virtually any low-end PC with any kind of modern HDD or SSD.

Optimal Chia Plotting Rig Setup

Based on my own experience, as well as on what the community says, the best setup is to have one PC dedicated to Chia plotting, and another one (or more) for Chia farming. This way, you get good plotting speed while avoiding over-investing on several high-end PCs. However, it’s still possible to combine both plotting and farming on the same PC, as long as you have the proper storage setup, below you will find the best cases i could found to store lots of HDDs depending of how much you would like to invest.

Now, most people I know use the SWAR plotter, and try to run as many plots in parallel as possible. The average speed for most people seems to be 8 plots every 7-12 hours. I personally now use the MadMAx43v3r Chia Plotter instead that does serial plotting. With it, I can achieve speeds between to 25 and 30 minutes per plot. This guide will show you the hardware I’m using for that.

For plotting, you’d ideally want to have a:

  • CPU with 16 to 32 threads and cores,
  • At least 32GB of RAM,
  • At least two m.2 NVME SSD with both good writing speed (MLC NAND) and endurance (High TBW or Terabytes Write value)

Here is my plotting PC. I already had it built for another project (LINK#1, LINK#2)

Below, you will notice that the only two things that change between the budget and high-end versions are the CPU and RAM specifications. The PSU, motherboard and system SSD are the exact same for both lists, which means that there is always the option to upgrade your rig afterwards if you start with the budget version.

What also varies besides the CPU and RAM is the amount and type of plotting SSDs to use in the rig. I will be detailing which model and capacity to pick, too.

Best Chia Plotting Hardware

Part 1/3: Choosing the hardware
Optimal BUDGET Chia Plotting Hardware

This setup is both affordable and upgradeable. It’s a good way to getting started in Chia plotting without over investing.

As a rule of thumb, more threads let your rig work on more plots in parallel for the SWAR plotter. Since we will be running the madMAx43v3r plotter instead, the AMD Ryzen 3700X lets us run one instance of it at a time for an average of 50 minutes per plot.

For the SWAR plotter, you’d need to have at least 3400MB of RAM per plot. For the madMAx43v3r plotter, you’ll be calculating your RAM based on the amount of threads used rather than based on the amount of active plots. 32GB RAM is more than enough for 16 active threads.

The ASRock X570 is a great all-around motherboard that works for both plotting and farming. Here are the reasons I picked it over any other. The ASRock X570 has:

    1. 8 sata III ports that will allow us to connect 8 farming HDDs later on.
    2. 8 USB 3.2 ports to connect external HDDs as well
    3. 2 PCIe 16x lanes that let us install two m.2 nvme adapters, and add more plotting SSDs. This is crucial in case you’d like to upgrade your CPU and RAM later down the road.
    4. 2 m.2 NVME ports

For the money, you are getting a gold certified PSU that has great quality and efficiency. The gold rating is especially important when you have the rig running 24/7. Another important feature is that this model comes with 6 SATA power connectors, as well as three MOLEX that can be connected to two extra SSD’s with the right adapters.

This humble consumer-grade 250GB SSD is meant to run the system and host the plotting software. When it comes to plotter SSDs, there are plenty of options, and I detail them below.

 

Optimal MID-HIGH End Chia Plotting Hardware

This is arguably the best setup you can get at home. What’s nice is that it’s still a consumer-grade PC, meaning you can later use it for purposes other than mining Chia.

The AMD Ryzen 3950X lets a rig run up to 8 plots in parallel with the SWAR plotter, or two instances of the madMAx43v3r plotter at a time to achieve around 30 minutes per plot goal.

Part 2/3: Choosing the SSD for plotting
Best SSD’s for Chia Plotting

The drives you will be using for Chia plotting will depend on what kind of CPU do you go for. Obviously, you want the SSD speed to match that of the CPU to avoid any bottlenecking.

This model maintains its writing speed thorough the entire plotting process thanks to its MLC NAND. Because of this, it is the fastest drive on this list. It also features an over the top 1200 TBW, which should be enough to create at least 900 plots. Use this drive for the second temporary folder (as detailed below).

This model is about cheaper 30% than the previous one. It features 600 TBW, and a slightly slower writing speed, though it still ranks among one of the fastest SSDs for Chia plotting.

This model still features the same 600 TBW, and write speeds that hover around 1400 MB/s when plotting. This gives you plenty of headroom without breaking the bank.

The slowest of the list, the SN750 is also the cheapest. Coming at 600 TBW, it is probably the best budget option for Chia plotting you can find.

Last but not least, this Sabrent SSD is a quality drive with solid 1,400 TBW endurance, as well as great performance. It’s also the most expensive drive on this list. You might have heard people complain about it but I personally had no issues with these drives so far.

Sabrent Plotripper

The Plotripper is an upcoming model announced by Sabrent designed specifically for Chia plotting. Its selling points are insane TBW capacity, as well as allegedly reasonable pricing. We still have to wait to see the real numbers, though.

That was the selection of the drives I personally find the best for plotting. If you want to get something else, here are the main key aspects to consider:

  • The form factor – For optimal results, you’d want an M.2 NVMe. This grants you the fastest write speeds, and reduces the chance of the drive speed being the bottleneck. You can additionally use a PCIe adapter for your NVMe drives.
  • Lifespan – Measured in TBW (Terabytes Written), the lifespan of a SSD can vary dramatically depending on the model. As expected, consumer-grade models weren’t designed for intense operations like Chia plotting.
  • NAND Type – This is a pretty lengthy topic but to sum it up for you, drives with Multi-Level Cell (MLC) NAND are good, whereas drives with Quad-Level Cell (QLC) are bad. This might seem counter-intuitive at first since QLC drives have a higher advertised read/write speed however, they generally lose about 80% of their speed after 200-300 seconds of intense file transfer, whereas the performance of a MLC remains consistent. This graph illustrates this topic pretty well.

1 TB vs 2 TB SSD’s for Chia Plotting

You probably noticed that my list includes only 1TB SSD drives, even though 2TB seems to be the popular choice nowadays. I’m basing this recommendation off my own tests. Here’s what I found out:

The madMAx43v3r plotter uses two different temporary directories while plotting, and a final directory where the completed plot is stored. I will go over the specifics in my Plotting guide but for now I will say that you really want to split the three directories on three separate drives to achieve the best performance:

  • The first directory needs about ~220 GiB of free space and handles about 25% of the all the writes (about 400GB).
  • The second directory needs about ~110 GiB of free space and handles about 75% of all the writes (About 1200GB). Ideally, you’d want to have a RAM drive there. If not, set that directory to your drive with the best TBW, and the fastest write speed.
  • The third and final directory is your farming HDD. Ideally, it’s your slower but massive hard disk drive. It can be an USB drive too.

As you can see, you can get away with one expensive, and one less expensive SSD for your plotting drives. You also don’t have to waste money on 2TB SSD’s since the plotter won’t use the extra space anyway.

Now, a common counterargument is that 2TB drives have higher TBW than 1TB ones. While true, let’s not forget that the real TBW of SSD drives is often higher than the one advertised. A good example is my WD_Black SN750 1Tb drive that has 77% of its advertised TBW value used but is still sitting at 54% health.

Besides, it’s better to buy one high-end 1TB SSD with high TBW (such as the Samsung 970 PRO 1TB) than a mid-end 2TB drive. With the high end-drive, not only you get the same TBW, you also get better and more stable write speed.

Part 3/3: Choosing The Best Chia Plotting & Farming Case
Mid-End CASE: Fractal Define 5

I personally find Fractal Design Define R5 case perfect. It’s big enough to fit everything in it: it features 8x slots for 3.5 HHDs, and you can install up to 6 fans on it. It already comes with two. If you want to add more, I would recommend these: Fractal Design Dynamic X2 GP-14 Computer Fan – Silent Fan – High Airflow

High-End CASE: Fractal Define 7 XL

If you are taking Chia farming very seriously, the Fractal Define 7 XL might be a better choice for you. For the money, you get room for up to 20 (!!) 3.5 HDDs. You simply can’t beat this for the money. Just don’t forget to install enough additional fans to keep the whole system cool.

NOTE: I have selected this two specific cases because once you finish plotting you can turn your plotting pc to a farming pc as well, so any of these cases are perfect to get started even if you choose to create a mid budget or high end plotting pc. I personaly got the Define 7 XL 🙂

Best Chia Plotting Hardware – Accessories and Parts

Since the motherboard has only 8 SATA ports that means you can store 8 3.5 HDDs only, just perfect for Fractal Define 5, as for the Fractal Define 7 XL we will need few more parts and accessories in order to fill up the case with 12 more 3.5 HDDs. Here is the list:

The LSI SAS/SATA controller can hold up to 8 HDDs. The Syba controller can also have up to 8 HDDs connected and unlike the LSI it comes with 2x SAS/SATA cables needed for HDD connections.

2 pairs are needed in case you go with the LSI MegaRAID SAS/SATA controller board.

If you go with the Fractal Define 5 most probably you will not need just one SATA splitter (if using PSU recommende by me), but if you go for Fractal Define 7 XL you will need 4x splitters for sure.

8x cables in total is what you need no matter which case you choose betweed Define 5 and 7.

How to Plot and Farm Chia

Now that you have your plotting rig ready, it’s time to get started with the actual plotting. Below, you will find my Farming Rig Setup guide, as well as my full Plotting Guide:

Please share your feedback in the comments below. Thanks!

Disclaimer: This is not financial advise, I am not a financial advisor, this is for educational purposes only. If you want to invest in cryptocurrency please do your own research and invest at your own risk, 1stMiningRig is never liable for any decisions you make. 1stMiningRig may receive donations or sponsorships in association with certain content creation. 1stMiningRig may receive compensation when affiliate/referral links are used.

Thank you for reading. As always, your comments, suggestions and questions are welcome.

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Drumroll Please: Introducing Zashi-Keystone Hardware Wallet Integration for Shielded ZEC https://earlybirdsinvest.com/drumroll-please-introducing-zashi-keystone-hardware-wallet-integration-for-shielded-zec/ https://earlybirdsinvest.com/drumroll-please-introducing-zashi-keystone-hardware-wallet-integration-for-shielded-zec/#respond Fri, 07 Feb 2025 03:47:17 +0000 https://earlybirdsinvest.com/drumroll-please-introducing-zashi-keystone-hardware-wallet-integration-for-shielded-zec/

We are so proud to announce the launch of the Zashi-Keystone integration, a major breakthrough for the Zcash community that has been years in the making. This integration marks a significant evolution in Zcash usability by enabling cold storage of shielded ZEC.

The Wait 

“It’s been a long and challenging road,” says our CEO Josh Swihart. “Due to the computation needed to create zero-knowledge proofs, we had to overcome a number of technical hurdles in order to support shielded ZEC on a hardware wallet. This is cryptography, hardware, and software all coming together with a beautiful user experience for the first time.”

 A robust front end capable of handling the complexities of shielded ZEC transactions was critical to integrating with a hardware wallet like Keystone. “Zashi wasn’t just another wallet; it became the necessary front-end that made the Keystone integration feasible. This wouldn’t be possible without ECC’s core team’s deep knowledge of the Zcash protocol.”

Working Together 

The Zcash community has faced setbacks with other hardware wallet platforms when development promises weren’t met, which resulted in stalled funds and frustration. Keystone emerged as a collaborative partner willing to push boundaries and innovate alongside us. Their exceptional commitment and capabilities didn’t go unnoticed. The community embraced Keystone, and they received a ZCG grant to fuel their work. 

The non-stop exchange of ideas and solutions between the ECC and Keystone teams is notable. Keystone’s proactive approach and dedication to addressing complex technical issues made it a seamless collaboration. “Keystone proved to be an invaluable partner in developing the Zashi integration, displaying remarkable agility and commitment to innovation,” says Josh. “Their collaborative spirit and technical capability allowed us to overcome significant challenges, turning ambitious concepts into practical solutions for storing shielded ZEC.” 

How to Use Zashi-Keystone 

Connecting Keystone hardware wallet to Zashi:

Signing outgoing Zashi transactions with Keystone:

Best Practices

We do not recommend importing an old seed phrase into Keystone. Instead, create a new Keystone wallet and simply send your funds to the new Keystone address. Sharing a seed phrase between wallets reduces the security of your funds. It can also result in long scanning times and funds appearing to be unavailable.

Order Your Keystone

In celebration of this milestone, Keystone is offering a 5% discount to our community. Use the promo code “Zashi” when ordering your Keystone wallet.

Looking Forward

With the successful launch of the Zashi-Keystone integration, we continue to pave the way for future advancements in Zcash technology and usability. Our commitment remains strong to providing our community with the tools they need to securely manage their assets while upholding the privacy and security standards Zashi is known for.

Happy transacting.

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