The Rockminer U10 USB Miner

Specs:

• Algorithm: SHA256 (Coins Mined: Bitcoin, BitcoinCash, Peercoin, etc.)
• Hashrate: 11 - 15GH/s 
• Chip: 2 x 28nm Bitmain BM1384 chips
• Power use: About 5 watts

The Review:

For those familiar with the Gekkoscience 2PAC Bitcoin USB miner, this miner may seem really familiar... Because it's essentially a clone. The Rockminer U10 is also a small USB miner that basically anyone with a computer is able to set up and use. The miner can be used on computers or even run on a Raspberry Pi (Though I have never tried this with the Rockminer). This miner features very low power draw and a large heatsink but no fan, hence making no noise but becoming considerably hot after a running for even a short period.

While costing next to nothing to run, I definitely would not recommend this device to anyone who wants to make a profit from mining or cryptocurrency in general. If you were to run this device without paying for electricity, you would only make just over one-and-a-half cents per week! As of now, this miner is almost off the market due to low production. Nevertheless, it's a great way to learn about mining if you do happen to get your hands on one.

If you want to maximize hashrate and efficiency, it is highly recommended you invest in an external powered USB 3 hub alongside a fan, as the miner can get extremely hot. However... At 11GH/s, the Rockminer U10 has nowhere near the computing power of a modern miner such as the Bitmain Antminer S17+, which boasts an impressive 70TH/s (In other words, 70,000 GH/s). 

If you want to learn about cryptocurrency mining, this little USB miner is always an option. But if you want to invest or make some profit in crypto, you're probably better off either straight up buying crypto or purchasing a more modern miner. And of course, if you do not support Rockminer's copying of a pre-existing miner, you can always purchase an original GekkoScience 2PAC miner for $43.50 US at the time of writing this post, making it an affordable stepping stone into the world of cryptocurrency mining! 

Disclaimer:

I am not in any way affiliated with Rockminer, Bitmain, Gekkoscience, or any other crypto/crypto-related company. I personally have two of these Rockminer U10 miners purchased in 2018. Today, these miners are no longer actively running, but are still functional. 

Remember, investments in cryptocurrencies are like any other investment: Invest only what you can afford to lose. No investment is a guarantee.