Bitmain Launches Antminer S17+ and T17+ Models

Bitmain expanded its hardware lineup in late 2019 by announcing new models in the Antminer 17 series, including the S17+ and T17+, which featured improvements in power efficiency and hashrate [1]. These releases followed the earlier launch of the S17e and T17e models, which reportedly sold out quickly due to high market demand [2]. The company introduced these machines as part of its efforts to maintain leadership in cryptocurrency mining technology [1].

Key takeaways

• Bitmain announced the S17+ and T17+ models at the World Digital Mining Summit in October 2019 [1].
• The S17+ offers a hash rate of 73 TH/s, while the T17+ offers 64 TH/s [1].
• Earlier models, the S17e and T17e, launched in September 2019 and sold out immediately according to the company [2].
• The S17 series is approximately three times more efficient than the S9 models launched in 2017 [2].

Technical Specifications and Design Improvements

Jihan Wu, Co-founder of Bitmain, unveiled the S17+ and T17+ at the World Digital Mining Summit in Frankfurt, highlighting their role in the future of rig design [1]. The S17+ delivers a hash rate of 73 TH/s with a power efficiency of 40 J/TH + 10%, while the T17+ provides 64 TH/s at 50 J/TH + 10% [1]. Both models utilize dual tube heat dissipation technology, which reduces the space between the air inlet and outlet by 50% to improve cooling and lower fan noise [1]. Additionally, they feature an Exposed Die package solution and an all-in-one design intended for easy implementation in various mining farm sizes [1].

Market Demand and Sales Performance

Prior to the October announcement, Bitmain released the S17e and T17e models on September 9, 2019 [2]. The S17e offers a hash rate of 64 TH/s and efficiency of 45 J/TH, while the T17e offers 53 TH/s at 55 J/TH [2]. The company stated that the first batch of these miners, expected for delivery in early November 2019, sold out immediately upon sale [2]. To address potential logistical issues, Bitmain introduced a compensation strategy using coupons for customers if shipments were delayed beyond the specified date [2]. This activity occurred as the Bitcoin hash rate approached 100 EH/s, with Bitmain reportedly ordering 30,000 7nm wafers from TSMC to increase production capacity [2].

Why it matters

The release of the Antminer 17 series represented a significant technological leap, offering roughly three times the efficiency of the previous S9 generation [2]. As the Bitcoin network's hash rate surged toward 100 EH/s, the deployment of these efficient machines was expected to further increase the network's total computing power, potentially by 33 EH/s based on Bitmain's wafer orders [2]. The rapid sell-out of initial batches indicated strong demand from mining farms and resellers during the market rally of 2019 [2].