Earlier this month, computing giant Intel announced the launch of its new Intel® Blockscale™ ASIC (application-specific integrated circuit) chip, bringing an effective new solution for those using proof-of-work consensus networks.
Intel has stated that the new Blockscale ASIC chip will be suitable for SHA-256 hashing, providing a much-needed energy-efficient solution that will deliver the power required, without compromising on the sustainability needs of the industry.
“Energy efficiency regardless of a customer’s operating environment”
As the application and use of blockchain grow, so does the need for a powerful, sustainable mechanism. Intel has been one of the companies at the forefront of innovations in this area, with the Blockscale ASIC chip being the latest release of powerful solutions that benefit companies and help them achieve more energy-conscious ways of working.
“Momentum around blockchain continues to build,” says Balaji Kanigicherla, Intel vice president and general manager of Custom Compute in the Accelerated Computing Systems and Graphics Group, “It is the enabler of decentralized and distributed computing, making way for innovative business models. To power this new era of computing, Intel is delivering solutions that can offer an optimal balance of hashing throughput and energy efficiency regardless of a customer’s operating environment. Intel’s decades of R&D in cryptography, hashing techniques and ultra-low voltage circuits make it possible for blockchain applications to scale their computing power without compromising on sustainability.”
“Intel is committed to advancing blockchain technology in a responsible way, and we’re proud to collaborate with and provide solutions to companies that are creating a more sustainable cryptocurrency ecosystem globally,” said Jose Rios, general manager of Blockchain and Business Solutions in the Accelerated Computing Systems and Graphics Group at Intel. “The Intel Blockscale ASIC is going to play a major role in helping bitcoin mining companies achieve both sustainability and hash rate scaling objectives in the years ahead.”
The topic of sustainability is one that’s being heavily discussed in the world of crypto. The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission is also looking at how it can regulate this area, with a proposal that all publicly traded companies report information on emissions generated and risks to climate change, which would include mining companies. For companies like Mawson, the focus on sustainability is a welcome one, helping businesses meet their own sustainability objectives and commitments.
What are the Intel Blockscale ASIC’s features?
Some of the Intel Blockscale ASIC chip’s main features include a dedicated Secure Hash Algorithm-256 (SHA-256) ASIC processor, a hash operating rate of up to 580 GH/s, and up to 26 J/TH power efficiency. It will also have in-chip temperature- and voltage-sensing capabilities. These features will lead to lower energy expulsion to lead the way for further sustainable developments for blockchain applications.
According to Intel, Blockscale ASIC will ship to customers in the third quarter of 2022.
