Block’s new Proto Rig offers a 10-year infrastructure model with tool-free modular upgrades, paired with Proto Fleet—a free, open-source mining fleet management platform—to democratize and decentralize Bitcoin mining operations.
Highlights
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Durable Modular Design: The Proto Rig allows miners to upgrade individual hashboards without replacing the entire unit, transforming the hardware lifecycle from the standard 3–5 years to a robust 10-year infrastructure model, reducing upgrade costs by 15–20% each cycle.
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Efficiency & Uptime Boost: Proto Rig delivers 1.5× more power per rack-foot than traditional mining hardware and features tool-free, in-place repairs that take mere seconds—dramatically reducing downtime.
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Open-Source Mining Software: Paired with Proto Rig, Proto Fleet is a free, open-source fleet management tool combining power scaling, diagnostics, monitoring, and maintenance into one streamlined platform—designed to increase operational efficiency and lower entry barriers.
Summary
Block, Inc. has launched Proto Rig, a modular and durable Bitcoin mining system built to last up to 10 years, alongside Proto Fleet, an open-source fleet management platform. This marks a significant shift away from the conventional disposable rig model toward sustainable infrastructure designed for longevity and efficiency.
During the unveiling at Core Scientific’s mining facility in Dalton, Georgia, Block emphasized the novel modular architecture—allowing miners to replace only hashboards instead of entire rigs—substantially reducing upgrade costs and maintenance time. The result is a hardware model that’s both cost-effective and resilient.
Proto Fleet complements this hardware innovation by offering comprehensive mining fleet tools—power scaling, diagnostics, real-time monitoring, and seamless maintenance—all wrapped into a user-friendly and open platform accessible to mining operators of any scale.
Block’s Proto initiative reflects its broader vision to decentralize Bitcoin mining, democratize access to mining hardware and software, and elevate the resiliency and inclusivity of the Bitcoin network.
