Ethereum: End of the way to extract Asic?
The growth and collapse of technology are often defined by their limitations. In the cryptocurrency world, a significant example is the transition from the extraction of an integrated circuit (ASIC) to more efficient alternatives. ASIC Miners have dominated in space for years, but are still the most effective way to extract cryptocurrencies like Ethereum? Let’s go deeper into the history of extraction and examine what makes Asics mark before considering alternative options.
Increased Asic Mining
It all started in 2014, when the first Bitcoin Fork of the Sha-236 Sha-256 consensus algorithm. This led to an increase in demand for specialized equipment that could effectively process these complex mathematical equations. Along with network development, more powerful mining equipment is also required.
The introduction of Graphic Processing Units (GPU) in 2013 meant an inflection point. Their ability to perform many calculations at the same time meant that they were suitable for cryptocurrency extraction. However, its energy consumption and heat production proved to be a challenge. As the GPU network developed, they began to show their limitations.
Mining GPU: STEP UP?
GPUs were initially favored due to their advantages in terms of performance. However, as the network develops, the energy consumption of individual graphic processors. This has led to an increase in the cost of spreading electricity and heat. In addition, GPUs have a relatively short shelf life before they need to be replaced or updated.
In response to these challenges, the mining community turned to more efficient alternatives. The introduction of field target programs (FPGA) in 2015 provided a potential solution. FPGA is a programmable integrated circuit that can be configured again for specific tasks, including cryptocurrency mining.
Mining FPGA: A more efficient alternative?
The FPGA was initially seen as the next step of Asics. They offer several advantages compared to the traditional GPU:
* Energy Efficiency : FPGA consumes much less power than GPU, which makes them ideal for high performance computing applications such as cryptocurrency mining.
* Update : FPGA can be easily reprogrammed to perform various tasks, extend their lives and reduce electronic waste.
* Flexibility : FPGA can deal with a wide range of calculations, from simple abbreviations to complex algorithms.
However, the FPGA reception was slower than expected. Despite its potential benefits, many mining operations still depend on ASIC due to lower costs and greater WAT efficiency.
Future optimizations
What future optimizations can occur after FPGA mining? Although the FPGA has been promising, there are still serious challenges to be overcome:
* EQUIPMENT PROGRESS : New technologies, such as the Integrated Circuit -Specific Application (ASIC) 2.0, will provide even more efficient and profitable options.
* Software Optimization : Software improvements for Asics and FPGA will allow better performance and reduction of power consumption.
* Scale and Scalability : The growing complexity of cryptocurrencies, such as Ethereum, requires more scalable solutions than dealing with growing demand.
In short, although ASIC mining has been able to make innovation in the cryptocurrency space, it is time to consider alternative options. As technology advances, we can expect even more efficient and profitable alternatives. For now, FPGs offer a promising solution, but their acceptance will depend on several factors, including progress in hardware and software optimization.
End of the road?
Although ASIC mining still has significant market share, it should be considered that its limitations are becoming increasingly visible.