Intel, the world’s largest semiconductor chipmaker by revenue, appears to be abandoning production of its blockchain chips after announcing the production of Bitcoin-specific integrated circuits (ASIC). On Tuesday, a spokesperson for the chipmaker explained that Intel has “put an end to the Intel Blockscale 1000 Series ASIC.”
Intel spokesperson reveals that the Blockscale 1000 Series ASIC has reached the end of its life
In February 2022, California-based technology company Intel made headlines when it announced plans to create an “energy-efficient accelerator” (ASIC technology) that would help develop blockchain technology. Later that month, at the 2022 International Solid-State Circuits Conference (ISSCC), the company unveiled the BonanzaMine BMZ1. At that time, Tom’s Hardware author Paul Alcornsaidthat Intel was also developing a second iteration of the Bonanza Mine ASIC, known as BMZ2.
In addition, in March 2022, mining companies such as Hive, Argo, Block, and Grid reportedly purchased bitcoin mining chips from Intel. On Tuesday, Tom’s Hardware reporter Alcornspoke to Intelabout the project, and it appears that Intel will discontinue production of the bitcoin accelerator, also known as the “Blockscale chip.” Alcorn further stated that “future generation has not been announced.” An Intel spokesperson stated:
In order to prioritize our investment in IDM 2.0, we have decided to end the life cycle of the Intel Blockscale 1000 Series ASICs while continuing to support Blockscale customers.
In addition, Alcorn’s report notes that “all Blockscale ASIC landing pages have been deactivated” and product pages have been “scrapped.” Intel also told reporters that customers can order chips until October 2023, but “shipments will end in April 2024.” So far, Bitmain dominates the ASIC manufacturing industry and has few competitors; in addition to Bitmain, companies such as Microbt, Canaan, and Innosilicon also operate in this space. According to reports, Bitmain uses 5nm TSMC chips, while Microbt utilizesSamsung’s 5nm ASIC technology. Additionally, Samsung isreportedlycreating 3nm ASIC chips.
What do you think this move means for the future of ASIC manufacturing? Also, do you see competitors in ASIC manufacturing coming to the industry? Share your thoughts on this topic in the comments section below.
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