The ASICMiner BlockErupter USB Sapphire Miner
Specs:
- Algorithm: SHA256 (Coins Mined: Bitcoin, BitcoinCash, Peercoin, etc.)
- Hashrate: 330 MH/s
- Chip: 130nm ASICMiner chip
- Power use: 2.55 watts advertised (Personally, I've been getting under 2.5 watts each)
The Review:
ASICMiner's Sapphire USB Miner is one of the first ASIC miners, introduced nearly 7 years ago back in 2013! This pioneering device used a 130nm ASICMiner chip, and mined as a rate of just 330MH/s. For reference, today's modern rigs such as Bitmain's Antminer S17+ can exceed 70TH/s, or 70000000 MH/s, making these little miners utterly obsolete if you're trying to turn a profit. Today, even if you don't pay for electricity, a single ASICMiner BlockErupter will make you under 2 cents a year!
While these cute little miners are no longer profitable, they run on minimal electricity and make no noise as a result of lacking a fan. They also have a blinky little green light. However, in my experience, without a fan, these miners get extremely hot, and can break down as a result. Hence, for those cryptocurrency enthusiasts who wish to try running one of these devices, remember to purchase some USB fans!
The Sapphire miners have not been produced for about half a decade at this point, but they're still relatively common, being sold online on sites like ebay for anywhere between $50.00 and $80.00 US dollars. They're honestly more of a novelty item these days, and for anyone who wants to turn any profit in cryptocurrency, this miner is definitely not a choice. These are mainly for collectors who want a piece of cryptocurrency history and those who want to learn how mining works. They also make a unique little gift for friends and family!
Disclaimer:
I am not in any way affiliated with ASICMiner, Bitmain, or any other crypto/crypto-related company. I personally have over two dozen of these ASICMiner Sapphire USB Miners. Today, most of these miners are functioning, and some are running at about 330MH/s alongside several on a powered external USB hub. I also have several small USB fans to circulating the air around the miners. Because of the inefficiencies of the miners, heat, and my lack of hubs, most are no longer used. The ones that are still being used are running on a solo pool.
Remember, investments in cryptocurrencies are like any other investment: Invest only what you can afford to lose. No investment is a guarantee.
