Jack Dorsey's Block Introduces Proto Rig Bitcoin Mining System and Proto Fleet Software

Key findings

• Block presents its Proto Rig as a reliable, easily repairable and upgradable alternative to today's “disposable” mining devices.
• Proto Fleet will be available for free use and deployment on both on-premises servers and in the cloud.

Under the leadership of Jack Dorsey, Block announced Proto Rig, a unique modular Bitcoin mining system designed to overcome operational challenges in the industry, and Proto Fleet, an open-source platform for managing and optimizing mining operations at both small and industrial scales.

“The Proto Rig is a completely new system for mining,” said Thomas Templeton, Block’s head of hardware, during a livestream from Core Scientific’s Dalton, Georgia, facility.

“This is not just a new machine or chip, but a true paradigm shift. Moving from disposable equipment to one that is durable, repairable and upgradable. The setup is designed for durability, ease of repair, on-site upgradeability and maximum efficiency of your equipment,” he added.

According to Templeton, the Proto Rig is made from high-quality materials and is aimed at quick, tool-free repairs that can be completed in seconds, significantly reducing costs associated with downtime.

The Proto Rig's modular design allows operators to upgrade individual hash boards without disassembling the entire device. The system is compatible with existing infrastructure, allowing miners to use their current configurations without significant modifications.

The product delivers 1.5 times the power per rack foot of traditional mining devices. Templeton noted that this approach could double the lifespan of the equipment from three to five years to 10 years, while reducing upgrade costs by about 20% per cycle.

Along with Proto Rig, Block is launching Proto Fleet, a free, open-source fleet management software that integrates power scaling, diagnostics, monitoring, and maintenance into a single platform. The software is designed for miners with any size fleet.

With the Proto Rig and Proto Fleet, Block aims to make mining hardware and tools more accessible, furthering its mission to decentralize Bitcoin mining and strengthen the resilience of the network.

“It's efficient in every aspect, from the chip to the time to repair, from upgrades to uptime, from setup to software, and with each upgrade cycle it gets cheaper and more powerful,” Templeton said.

“We believe this is the best way to get the most out of your investment, and our setup is a significant step forward for mining, which is good for Bitcoin, and therefore good for all of us,” he said.

Source: cryptonews.net