The bitcoin mining landscape is undergoing a transformative shift as Block Inc., the fintech company led by Jack Dorsey, joins forces with Core Scientific, a leading infrastructure provider in the digital asset space, to co-develop a next-generation modular mining platform powered by cutting-edge 3-nanometer (nm) bitcoin mining ASICs. This strategic collaboration aims to deliver approximately 15 exahashes per second (EH/s) of mining capacity, marking a significant step toward decentralizing mining hardware and enhancing operational efficiency across large-scale data centers.
A New Era in Bitcoin Mining Hardware
At the heart of this initiative is Block’s Proto team, which has been working in stealth mode on custom silicon for bitcoin mining. In April 2024, Block announced its first foray into the mining hardware space with the development of 3-nm bitcoin ASICs—among the most advanced chips ever designed for proof-of-work consensus. These chips are now being integrated into a modular mining platform developed in collaboration with ePIC Blockchain, a specialist in mining system architecture and former contributor to Intel’s bitcoin ASIC projects.
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This new platform is engineered to reduce infrastructure complexity while maximizing space utilization and energy efficiency—key concerns for operators managing massive mining farms. By simplifying deployment and maintenance, the solution targets improved uptime, lower operational costs, and greater scalability for miners worldwide.
Strategic Partnership with Core Scientific
Core Scientific, one of North America’s largest blockchain infrastructure companies, will be the first customer to deploy these advanced ASIC systems. The partnership isn’t just about supply and demand—it's a shared vision to diversify the global mining ecosystem, currently dominated by a few major players like Bitmain.
Russell Cann, Chief Development Officer at Core Scientific, emphasized that the collaboration supports their long-term growth strategy while also broadening access to high-performance mining technology across the industry.
“This partnership not only supports our infrastructure expansion but provides all mining companies with more miner options,” said Cann. “It’s a step toward a more open and competitive hardware market.”
With Block handling chip design and ePIC Blockchain contributing system integration expertise, Core Scientific gains early access to highly efficient, purpose-built mining rigs tailored for modern data center environments.
Driving Decentralization Through Innovation
One of the most compelling aspects of this project is its alignment with bitcoin’s core principle: decentralization. For years, critics have pointed to the concentration of mining power in regions controlled by a handful of manufacturers—primarily based in Asia—as a systemic risk to network security.
By entering the space with open intentions and partnering with U.S.-based firms, Block is helping catalyze a shift toward geographic and technological diversification in mining hardware production. The use of 3-nm process technology not only promises superior computational power but also improved energy efficiency—an essential factor as environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards become more influential in capital allocation decisions.
Competitive Landscape Heats Up
The announcement comes amid rising competition in the bitcoin ASIC market. As demand for efficient, scalable mining solutions grows, new entrants and established players alike are racing to innovate.
- Bitdeer, founded by mining industry veteran Jihan Wu, recently unveiled its SEAL chip roadmap, signaling aggressive plans to capture market share.
- Auradine, backed by Marathon Digital Holdings, raised $80 million in Series B funding in April 2024 following the launch of its next-gen miners boasting an impressive 15 joules per terahash (J/TH) efficiency.
- Zetagig, a U.S.-based fabless chip designer supported by co-founders of Genesis Digital Assets, entered the scene in March 2024 with its Z1 bitcoin ASIC, adding further momentum to domestic innovation.
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These developments reflect a broader trend: the globalization and democratization of mining hardware development. With multiple players now investing in R&D outside traditional hubs, the era of single-vendor dominance may be nearing its end.
Core Keywords Driving Industry Transformation
This transformation is being fueled by several key technological and strategic themes:
- Bitcoin ASICs
- 3-nanometer chips
- Mining decentralization
- Modular mining platforms
- Energy-efficient miners
- Core Scientific
- Block Inc.
- Cryptocurrency infrastructure
These keywords not only define the current state of the market but also point to future directions where performance, sustainability, and accessibility converge.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What are 3-nanometer bitcoin mining ASICs?
A: 3-nm ASICs are application-specific integrated circuits built using a 3-nanometer semiconductor manufacturing process. They offer higher processing power and better energy efficiency compared to older chip designs, making them ideal for competitive bitcoin mining operations.
Q: How does this partnership benefit the broader mining community?
A: By introducing an alternative source of high-performance mining hardware outside of dominant Asian manufacturers, Block and Core Scientific help increase competition, lower barriers to entry, and promote geographic diversity in mining operations.
Q: What does 15 EH/s mean in practical terms?
A: 15 exahashes per second (EH/s) represents a massive amount of computational power—enough to account for roughly 1–2% of the current total bitcoin network hash rate. This level of capacity can significantly influence mining pool dynamics and profitability.
Q: Is Block planning to sell miners directly to consumers?
A: Currently, Block has not announced retail availability. The initial focus is on deploying large-scale systems through partners like Core Scientific. Future consumer offerings remain speculative.
Q: Why is ePIC Blockchain involved in this project?
A: ePIC brings deep expertise in mining system architecture and thermal management—critical components when designing reliable, high-density modular platforms. Their experience with Intel’s ASIC efforts makes them a strategic fit.
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Looking Ahead: The Future of Mining Hardware
As bitcoin adoption continues to grow, so too does the need for resilient, efficient, and decentralized mining infrastructure. Projects like Block’s modular platform represent more than just technological advancement—they symbolize a cultural shift toward open-source collaboration, transparency, and distributed control.
With over 800 megawatts of hosting capacity and extensive experience in high-performance computing, Core Scientific is well-positioned to scale this technology rapidly. Meanwhile, Block’s commitment to building foundational tools for the bitcoin ecosystem reinforces its long-term vision beyond payments and wallets.
In an industry where hardware often dictates power dynamics, this collaboration could pave the way for a more balanced and secure network—one chip at a time.