Intel Wins Patent For Energy-Efficient PoW Mining

- Advertisement -

November 30, 2018 6:46 PM

Intel says it can reduce energy consumption for bitcoin mining by “about 15 percent.”

On November 27, the United States Patent and Trademark Office awarded a patent to microprocessor producer Intel for a processor that can conduct “energy-efficient high performance bitcoin mining.”

Specifically targeting the SHA-256 algorithm used in bitcoin mining, the patent argues that the proposed processor solves the energy consumption problem presented by current mining machines’ reliance on hardware accelerators, such as application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs). ASICs typically process hash operations, such as the production and manipulation of nonces, in redundant multiple stages.

The patent claims that this redundancy could be curtailed through proper chip design. It explains:

“Dedicated Bitcoin mining ASICs are used to implement multiple SHA-256 engines that may deliver a performance of thousands of hashes per second while consuming power of greater than 200 W. Embodiments of the present disclosure employ micro-architectural optimizations including selective hardwiring certain parameters in Bitcoin mining computation. The hardwiring of these parameters eliminate the need for recursive rounds of computations of these parameters and reduce the overall circuit area and power consumption by about 15%.”

A nonce is a random number only used once and is a key component of cryptography. As successful hashes must meet certain requirements to be approved, and as the data to be encrypted cannot change, a new nonce must be produced per each attempt – hence, the repetition and the power drain.

- Advertisement -

The patent also suggests that by changing how the nonce and the final hash are compared for validity, power consumption can be further lowered. 

Frederick Reese is a politics and cryptocurrency reporter based in New York. He is also a former teacher, an early adopter of bitcoin and Litecoin, and an enthusiast of all things geeky and nerdy.

Like what you read? Follow us on X @Bitnewsbot to receive the latest PoW mining, proof of work mining or other Ethereum technology news.

- Advertisement -



Previous Articles:

- Advertisement -

Latest News

Sui Rebounds to $2.65 After LGHL Plans Major Token Acquisition

Sui (SUI) traded at $2.65, down 2.03% in the past 24 hours.The token rebounded...

Russia Delays Digital Ruble Launch to September 2026 After Pushback

The Bank of Russia has proposed delaying its digital ruble rollout to September 1,...

DOT Miners Attracts Investors With Regulated Passive Crypto Income

DOT Miners offers a cloud mining platform enabling users to earn steady Passive income...

Cloudbet Expands Crypto Crash Game Portfolio With Galaxsys

Willemstad, Curaçao – June 26, 2025 – Cloudbet has added the full suite of...

Coinbase to Launch US-Regulated Bitcoin, Ether Perpetual Futures

Coinbase will launch U.S.-regulated perpetual-style futures for Bitcoin and Ether on July 21.The move...

Must Read

What Are Anonymous Debit Cards And How Do They Work?

You've heard about anonymous debit cards, but what are they really? Anonymous Debit Cards are cards that let you make purchases without revealing your...