Choosing hardware in 2026 isn't just about chasing terahashes; it's about finding the right "acoustic profile." The market has split into two camps: micro-miners for the enthusiasts and powerful hydro-systems for those who need serious home heating.
1. The "Desktop Heaters" Category: Bitaxe Series
If you need to warm up your workspace or just want to get hands-on with the tech without the noise and dust, the Bitaxe Gamma 601 is your best bet.
- Chip: BM1370 (same as the S21).
- Hashrate: 1.0 - 1.3 TH/s.
- Power Consumption: Only 15–20 W.
- Noise: 15 dB (virtually silent).
Verdict: This is the "smart candle" of 2026. It won't heat a whole room, but it's perfect for learning and solo mining (the "lottery") while serving as a compact, stylish desk accessory.
2. The "Quiet Power" Category: Home Air-Cooled ASICs
For those ready to use a soundbox, these remain the top contenders:
- Antminer S21 Pro: The flagship with 15 J/TH efficiency. Drawing about 3.5 kW, it delivers record-breaking hashrates but requires high-quality soundproofing.
- Goldshell KA Box / AL Box: These units were designed from the ground up for home use. Operating at 35 dB (the level of a quiet refrigerator), they pull up to 600 W.
- Pro: Can be placed in a living room without any modifications.
- Con: They run on alternative algorithms (not Bitcoin), which can be less stable in terms of profitability.
3. The "Crypto Boiler" Category: Hydro and Immersion
If your goal is to completely replace a gas or electric boiler, look toward the Hydro versions.
| Model | Hashrate | Power Consumption | Water Outlet Temp |
|---|---|---|---|
| Whatsminer M63S | ~390 TH/s | ~7200 W | 50–60°C |
| Antminer S21 XP Hydro | ~470 TH/s | ~5600 W | 45–55°C |
Why this matters: In 2026, these models became the standard for country houses. You connect them directly to your "heated floor" system. An outlet temperature of 50°C is ideal for keeping a home toasty even when it's -20°C outside.
2026 Quick Selection Guide
| Your Goal | Recommended Model | Cooling Method |
|---|---|---|
| Keep your feet warm under the desk | Bitaxe Gamma 601 | Passive / Small Fan |
| Heat a single room | Goldshell KA Box | Stock Quiet Fans |
| Heat a whole house (100+ m²) | Whatsminer M63S / S21 Hydro | Water Loop (Hydro) |
| Max Profit + Total Silence | Antminer S21 Pro (tanked) | Immersion Oil |
Series Conclusion
Mining-as-heating is a path toward energy independence. We’ve covered everything from understanding the economics (Article #1) to building soundboxes (Article #2), diving into immersion (Article #3), fine-tuning software (Article #4), and finally picking your specific "boiler" (Article #5).
My main advice for 2026: Don’t be afraid to experiment. Modern hardware is much more resilient than it looks, and silent-running tech has never been more accessible. Let your hashes heat your home and your profits catch your eye.
That’s a wrap! I hope this series helps you turn noisy hardware into a cozy, profitable crypto-boiler. If you have questions about specific calculations or setups, drop them in the comments. Wishing you high uptime and low chip temps!
Crypto Heating Series 2026: Part 5 of 5 (Conclusion)