Jack Dorsey’s Block unveils Bitcoin mining system Proto Rig and Proto Fleet software

Key Takeaways

Block positions its Proto Rig as a durable, repairable, and upgradeable alternative to today’s “disposable” mining machines.
Proto Fleet will be free to use and available for deployment either on-premises or in the cloud.

Jack Dorsey-led Block has unveiled Proto Rig, a first-of-its-kind modular Bitcoin mining system aimed at tackling the industry’s operational hurdles, and Proto Fleet, an open-source software platform for managing and optimizing mining operations, whether small or industrial-scale.

“Proto Rig is an entirely new mining system,” said Thomas Templeton, Block’s hardware lead, in a livestream event held at Core Scientific’s facility in Dalton, Georgia.

“It’s not just a new machine or a new chip but a true paradigm shift. A shift away from disposable single-use hardware to hardware that is durable, repairable, and upgradeable. Rig is built to last, repair easily, upgrade in place, and make the most use of your facility,” he noted.

Proto Rig is built with high-quality components and a focus on quick, tool-free repairs that can be completed in seconds, considerably reducing downtime-related costs, Templeton said.

Proto Rig’s modular design allows operators to upgrade individual hashboards without dismantling the entire unit. The system works with existing infrastructure, enabling miners to use their current setups without extensive modifications.

The product delivers 1.5 times the power per rack-foot compared to traditional mining hardware. Templeton said the approach could double the useful lifespan of hardware from three to five years to a decade, while cutting upgrade costs by around 20% per cycle.

Alongside Proto Rig, Block is releasing Proto Fleet, free, open-source fleet management software that consolidates power scaling, diagnostics, monitoring, and maintenance into a single platform. The software is designed for miners of all fleet sizes.

With its Proto Rig and Proto Fleet, Block aims to democratize access to mining hardware and tools, advancing Block’s mission to decentralize Bitcoin mining and enhance network resilience.

“It’s efficient in every way from chip to repair time, upgrades to uptime, setup to software, and it gets cheaper and more powerful with every upgrade cycle,” Templeton emphasized.

“We believe this is the best way to get the most out of your investment, and our facility rig is a huge step forward for mining, which is good for Bitcoin, and what’s good for Bitcoin is good for all of us,” he said.