The company introduces a modular mining system and open source management software.
Proto, a division of Block, Inc. led by Jack Dorsey, has announced the launch of two new products for the bitcoin mining sector: Proto Rig, a modular mining system, and Proto Fleet, free and open source management software. The presentation took place at Core Scientific‘s facility in Dalton, Georgia, where some Proto Rig devices are already operational.
Proto Rig differentiates itself from traditional mining hardware through a modular design that focuses on durability and repairability. Unlike classic miners, this system allows operators to replace individual hashboards without having to change the entire unit, the company stated.
According to Block, this feature could extend hardware lifespan from 3-5 years to 10 years, with an estimated cost reduction of 15-20% for each upgrade cycle. The system is designed to allow on-site repairs without the use of specialized tools, the company declared.
Thomas Templeton, Block’s hardware lead, explained:
“Machines break often, are hard to repair, expensive and time-consuming to upgrade, and don’t make the most efficient use of power or space. With Proto Rig, we set out to change all of that–and contribute to hardware decentralization in the process.”
From a performance standpoint, Proto Rig offers energy efficiency of 14.1 J/TH and a hashrate of 819 TH/s.
Proto Fleet: management software
Alongside the hardware, Proto presented Proto Fleet, a free software platform for managing mining operations. The software integrates monitoring, diagnostic, and maintenance functions into a single interface. Proto Rig and Proto Fleet will offer Stratum V2 support from launch.
Proto Fleet is distributed as open source software, making it accessible to operators of any size in the sector.
