iPollo V1 vs. Bitmain E3: Performance comparison for ETH mining
iPollo V1 vs. Bitmain E3: Performance Comparison for ETH Mining
The cryptocurrency mining landscape is constantly evolving, with new hardware pushing the boundaries of efficiency and profitability. For miners focused on Ethash-based cryptocurrencies like Ethereum (ETH), Ethereum Classic (ETC), and others, choosing the right ASIC miner is crucial to maximizing returns.
In this comparison, we analyze two prominent mining rigs—the iPollo V1 and the Bitmain E3—to determine which offers better performance, efficiency, and long-term viability for ETH mining operations.
Introduction to the iPollo V1 and Bitmain E3
iPollo V1 Overview
The iPollo V1 is a high-performance ASIC miner designed specifically for Ethash-based cryptocurrencies. With a hashrate of 3600 MH/s (±10%), it competes with some of the most powerful mining rigs in the market. Key features include:
- Memory: 6GB (5.8GB available) for stable mining across multiple Ethash coins.
- Power Consumption: 3100W (±10%), balancing performance with energy efficiency.
- Cooling & Durability: Advanced thermal management for operation between 10-25°C, ensuring longevity.
- Compact Design: Measures 314 x 194 x 290mm and weighs 13kg, making it suitable for various mining setups.
The iPollo V1 is engineered for enterprise-grade reliability, offering 180-day warranty coverage and strong after-sales support.
Bitmain E3 Overview
The Bitmain E3 was one of the first ASIC miners designed for Ethash, initially released in 2018. While it was groundbreaking at the time, its specs are now outdated compared to newer models:
- Hashrate: 190 MH/s (±10%)—significantly lower than modern alternatives.
- Power Consumption: 800W (±10%), making it more power-efficient per unit but far less productive.
- Memory: 4GB, which has become a limitation as Ethereum’s DAG file size increased over time.
- Cooling: Air-cooled, requiring proper ventilation to avoid overheating.
Given its age, the Bitmain E3 is no longer profitable for ETH mining due to its low hashrate and memory constraints.
Performance Comparison: Hashrate & Efficiency
1. Hashrate & Mining Output
- iPollo V1: 3600 MH/s (±10%)
- Bitmain E3: 190 MH/s (±10%)
The iPollo V1 outperforms the E3 by a 19x margin, making it a far more profitable choice for large-scale mining operations.
Profitability Example (Based on Current ETH Prices & Difficulty):
- iPollo V1: Estimated daily revenue ≈ $30–$50 (depending on electricity costs).
- Bitmain E3: Estimated daily revenue ≈ $1–$2 (barely profitable after electricity costs).
2. Power Efficiency & Operational Costs
- iPollo V1: 3100W (±10%)
- Bitmain E3: 800W (±10%)
While the E3 consumes less power, its low hashrate makes it inefficient compared to modern miners.
Power Efficiency (J/MH):
- iPollo V1: ≈ 0.86 J/MH
- Bitmain E3: ≈ 4.21 J/MH
The iPollo V1 is 5x more power-efficient, translating to lower electricity costs per MH/s.
3. Memory & Future-Proofing
- iPollo V1: 6GB (5.8GB usable)—ensures compatibility with current and upcoming Ethash coins.
- Bitmain E3: 4GB—rendered obsolete as Ethereum’s DAG file exceeded 4GB in late 2020.
The Bitmain E3 can no longer mine Ethereum, while the iPollo V1 remains viable for ETHF, ETC, and other Ethash-based coins.
Key Advantages of the iPollo V1 Over the Bitmain E3
1. Enterprise-Grade Reliability
- Built with high-quality components and advanced cooling.
- 180-day warranty + strong after-sales support (vs. Bitmain E3’s outdated and unsupported status).
2. Higher Profitability & ROI
- 19x higher hashrate means faster ROI (Return on Investment).
- Better power efficiency reduces long-term electricity costs.
3. Future-Proof Mining
- 6GB memory ensures compatibility with evolving blockchain requirements.
- Supports multiple Ethash coins, allowing miners to switch based on profitability.
4. Global Availability & Support
- iPollo V1 is widely available through trusted distributors (DHL/UPS/DDP shipping).
- Bitmain E3 is discontinued, making repairs and replacements difficult.
5. User-Friendly & Scalable
- Plug-and-play setup with intuitive software.
- Modular design simplifies maintenance and part replacements.
Who Should Choose the iPollo V1?
1. Large-Scale Mining Farms
- The 3600 MH/s hashrate makes it ideal for high-output operations.
- Lower energy costs per MH/s improve profit margins.
2. Miners Transitioning from GPU to ASIC
- More efficient than GPU rigs while delivering higher performance.
- Easier to maintain compared to multi-GPU setups.
3. Investors Seeking Long-Term Viability
- 6GB memory ensures it remains usable for years.
- Multi-coin support allows flexibility in mining strategies.
Final Verdict: iPollo V1 is the Clear Winner
The Bitmain E3 was once a pioneer in ETH mining, but its low hashrate and outdated 4GB memory make it obsolete today. In contrast, the iPollo V1 delivers superior performance, efficiency, and long-term viability, making it the best choice for serious miners.
Key Takeaways:
✅ 3600 MH/s vs. 190 MH/s – iPollo V1 is 19x faster. ✅ 0.86 J/MH vs. 4.21 J/MH – iPollo V1 is 5x more efficient. ✅ 6GB memory vs. 4GB – iPollo V1 is future-proof. ✅ Still profitable vs. obsolete – The E3 can no longer mine ETH effectively.
For miners looking to maximize profits in ETH, ETC, and other Ethash coins, the iPollo V1 is the best investment in today’s competitive mining landscape.
Would you choose the iPollo V1 for your mining operation? Let us know in the comments!