Jack Dorsey’s Block is about to shake up the Bitcoin mining world. On August 14, 2025, the company’s Proto Mining team will launch a cutting-edge 3-nanometer (3nm) Bitcoin mining chip, designed to make mining more efficient, accessible, and decentralized. As someone who’s been fascinated by the evolution of crypto mining, I’m thrilled to see a major player like Block, formerly Square, take on this challenge. This isn’t just about new hardware—it’s a bold step toward reshaping the Bitcoin ecosystem. Let’s explore what this launch means, how it fits into Block’s vision, and how you can get your hands on one of these chips.
A Leap in Mining Technology
The new 3nm chip is a big deal. Bitcoin mining is a power-hungry process, and efficiency is everything. Block’s chip uses advanced 3-nanometer technology, making it one of the most sophisticated mining processors available. Compared to older 5nm or 7nm chips, this smaller node size means better performance per watt, which translates to lower energy costs and higher mining output. For miners, this could be the edge needed to stay profitable, especially after the 2024 Bitcoin halving slashed block rewards.
Block’s Proto team has been working on this for months, collaborating with a leading semiconductor foundry to finalize production. The chip is part of a broader mining platform co-designed with Core Scientific, one of North America’s largest Bitcoin miners, which has already pre-ordered chips to boost its capacity by 15 exahashes per second (EH/s)—a 60% jump. This deal alone shows the chip’s potential to compete with industry giants like Bitmain.
Democratizing Bitcoin Mining
What sets Block apart is its mission to decentralize mining. Today, a handful of Chinese companies—Bitmain, MicroBT, and Canaan—dominate the $3-6 billion mining hardware market. Block’s chip, built in the U.S., aims to challenge that grip. By making the chip’s design open-source, Block is inviting developers and miners to tweak and improve it, fostering a more inclusive ecosystem. As Jack Dorsey said, “This is a completely open-source initiative… allowing us to get a lot of feedback from the community.”
This approach could level the playing field. Small-scale miners, often priced out by expensive, proprietary hardware, might find Block’s chips a game-changer. The open-source model also reduces reliance on foreign manufacturers, addressing security concerns raised by U.S. officials about Chinese-made equipment. With American miners controlling 37% of global Bitcoin hashrate, Block’s timing couldn’t be better.link
Block’s Bigger Bitcoin Vision
This chip isn’t a one-off project—it’s part of Block’s broader push to make Bitcoin a cornerstone of global finance. Through Cash App, 8 million users already buy and sell Bitcoin, and Square is rolling out BTC payments for merchants, with thousands signed up. Block’s 8,692 BTC reserves, worth over $1 billion at current prices ($118,000 as of August 10, 2025), show its long-term bet on the cryptocurrency. The company even converts 10% of its Bitcoin-related profits back into BTC each month.1, 2
The Proto chip fits into this ecosystem by making mining more accessible and efficient, supporting Block’s goal of turning Bitcoin into a mainstream payment tool. As CFO Amrita Ahuja told CNBC, “Bitcoin can be the open protocol that powers the internet,” moving money faster across borders. This vision—combining hardware, payments, and software—makes Block a unique player in the crypto space.link
How to Buy the Proto Mining Chip
So, how do you get one of these chips? Block hasn’t released full details on retail availability, but here’s what we know so far:
- Core Scientific Deal: The first batch is going to Core Scientific, with deliveries starting in late 2025. Large-scale miners like Core Scientific have priority, but Block aims to serve smaller players too.
- Open-Source Access: Block’s Mining Development Kit (MDK), currently in beta, will let developers and miners build custom solutions using the chip. You’ll likely need technical expertise to integrate it into a mining rig.
- Direct Purchase: Block hasn’t confirmed direct sales to individuals, but posts on X suggest a commercial rollout is planned. Check Block’s official site (block.xyz) or Proto’s page for updates on pre-orders or distribution.
- Cost Considerations: Pricing isn’t public yet, but expect a premium for 3nm tech. Core Scientific’s $21.3 million prepayment for 15 EH/s suggests high costs for bulk orders. Smaller miners might access chips through resellers or partners like ePIC Blockchain Technologies.
To stay in the loop, follow Block’s investor relations page or Jack Dorsey’s X account (
@jack) for announcements. If you’re a small miner, joining Block’s open-source community or forums like Stacker News could provide insights on availability.
Challenges on the Horizon
This launch isn’t without risks. The mining hardware market is brutally competitive, and Bitmain’s plan to open a U.S. factory in 2026 could steal Block’s thunder. Plus, Block reported a $93.4 million loss on its Bitcoin holdings in Q1 2025, showing the financial strain of its crypto bets. If the chip underperforms or fails to attract buyers, it could dent Block’s ambitions.
There’s also the question of adoption. While open-source sounds great, building a mining rig around a new chip requires technical know-how, which could limit its reach. And with Bitcoin’s price volatility—currently at $118,000 but prone to swings—miners will need to see clear cost benefits to justify the investment.
A New Era for Bitcoin Mining?
Block’s 3nm chip could be a turning point. By prioritizing efficiency, decentralization, and U.S. manufacturing, it’s challenging the status quo in a market ripe for disruption. If successful, it could lower barriers for new miners, reduce reliance on Chinese hardware, and strengthen Bitcoin’s network resilience. For Block, it’s a chance to cement its role as a Bitcoin innovator, building on Cash App, Bitkey, and Square’s growing crypto footprint.
As a crypto enthusiast, I’m rooting for this to succeed. The idea of a more decentralized mining landscape, powered by cutting-edge tech, is exciting. But it’s early days, and the proof will be in the hashrate. Whether you’re a miner eyeing the chip or just curious about Bitcoin’s future, next week’s launch is one to watch.
Sources
- CoinCentral: Jack Dorsey’s Block to Introduce Bitcoin Mining Hardware Soon
- CryptoBriefing: Jack Dorsey’s Block Set to Release New Bitcoin Mining Chips Next Week
- Brave New Coin: Proto Mining Launches American-Made Bitcoin Chips
- BusinessWire: Block’s New Bitcoin Mining Chip to Be Part of an Ongoing Project With Core Scientific
- X Post: @OffRecNow on Block’s chip launch
- X Post: @stacker_news on Block’s mining chips
