Features of FPGA mining

To integrate programmable matrices into mining, manufacturers had to remove unnecessary parts. Power consumption was reduced, and simple computer fans were used for cooling. Although FPGA-based hardware was more efficient in terms of performance, it was too expensive.

The next stage in the history of crypto-mining was the emergence of ASIC miners. They turned out to be more affordable, simpler and at the same time were not inferior in performance. Their disadvantage was the inability to change the algorithm of work – the boards are programmed to mine one cryptocurrency for the entire life cycle.

Comparison with CPUs, GPUs and ASICs

FPGA boards are used as a replacement for computer processors and video cards – it helps to reduce energy costs and improve performance. For CPUs and GPUs, the challenge is using a lot of memory for hashing. For programmable chips, all that is needed is a seating area with a power connection and a fan. FPGA mining uses less power and the hash rate of a single board can be higher than 10 graphics cards.

Processor or graphics card parameters can be customized through the hardware interface. FPGA, although universal and suitable for many tasks, come on sale empty (without software). The user has to write the algorithm himself. This requires knowledge of Verilog or VHDL.

Because of the complexity of setting up programmable matrices and their high price, miners choose old ways or special purpose integrated circuits (ASIC). With the latter option, FPGA boards have different circuit technologies.

When an ASIC leaves the production floor, it is set up to work according to a specific algorithm that can no longer be changed. In programmable chips, it is allowed to change the configuration an unlimited number of times throughout its lifetime.

What issues should be addressed

In contrast to the high cost and complexity of customization, miners with programmable chips have flexibility. In case of switching to mining a more promising coin, the equipment can be repurposed, which can not be said about ASICs, produced already ready to mine specific coins.

Where to buy FPGA for mining

On sale there are chips from different manufacturers:

• Xilinx. The company has been operating since 1984, and for 2023 it is part of AMD Corporation. Chips for mining are represented by the brands Virtex and Spartan.
• Altera. The manufacturer of software devices began operating in 1984 in the United States. In 2015, it was bought out by Intel Corporation. It is known for Stratix and Cyclone products.
• Alpha Data. A European company founded in Edinburgh in 1993. The manufacturer’s chips are used to equip airplanes of Boeing and a number of other well-known corporations. A line of Virtex chips is produced for cryptocurrency mining.
• Achronix Semiconductor. The American organization has been on the semiconductor market since 2004. Programmable chips are represented by the brand Achronix.

In total, the main manufacturers are about 20, but most of the FPGA miner market belongs to Xilinx and Altera. It is difficult to find a ready-to-work miner in the Russian Federation. Previously they could be purchased on eBay, but with the introduction of Western sanctions the site stopped sending parcels to Russia.

If you order boards inside the country, you should try to find online stores that have them. The prices are quite high.

For example, the Xilinx VU9P model with pre-installed software for bitcoin mining is sold for 1 million rubles. However, you need to find the rest of the components as well. The final price of the complete assembly may be twice as much.

As always, Chinese manufacturers help in this regard. Popular Blackminer FPGA miners on the website of Hash Altcoin Technologies at the end of May 2022 were sold at prices ranging from $165 (mini model) to $1539. Delivery time in Russia is about a week after online payment.

How to build an FPGA miner yourself

You can buy ready-made equipment, and even with a pre-installed algorithm. However, if you buy it piece by piece, the end result will be cheaper. To assemble a small, mobile miner you will need the following parts:

• FPGA chip with seating (chip).
• Bitstream (firmware, program).
• Case.
• RAM.
• Motherboard.
• Immersion liquid for cooling (composition in which there is no electrical conductivity).

Everything is assembled according to the manufacturer’s instructions. It is better to order components in one place, having consulted with the manager of the online store. Sometimes the task is made easier by the fact that together with the chip, the seller sends a flash drive with several versions of bitstreams for different cryptocurrencies. However, more often the program has to be found in open sources or ordered from professionals. Some sellers offer firmware for an additional fee.

Pros and cons of FPGA

The main problem when buying programmable chips for cryptocurrency mining is their high price. The most productive ASIC is cheaper than a branded miner with a variable algorithm. You can save money by ordering components from Chinese manufacturers, but then there will be no guarantee of quality.

When considering FPGA for mining as a replacement for video cards or ASICs, you should consider the advantages and disadvantages.

Summary

Interest in miners on FPGA chips has been driven by their versatility, low power consumption and speed. However, they have become a transition to ASIC integrated circuits, which are much cheaper with high performance.

The minus of the latter is their limitations: if the algorithm becomes irrelevant, the device can be thrown away.

In 2023, there is interest in programmable circuits, but there are few offers on the market. If it comes to American or European chips, the price will be unaffordable for the average cryptominer. Cheap analogs can be purchased in Chinese online stores.

FGPA miners are also discouraged by the complexity of the initial setup. Some manufacturers send software for specific purposes along with the components. Sometimes miners for an additional fee programmed at the request of the customer.

Frequently Asked Questions