Bitmain announced the launch of Antminer S9 Hydro, a water-cooled version of its popular S9. Just like the regular S9, this Antminer is designed to work on the SHA-256 algorithm that allows users to mine Bitcoin as well as Bitcoin Cash and other smaller cap coins. The new launch came to offer a reliable, efficient and secure mining device that is less noisy and consumes less energy, a welcome feature given the bear market.

How and Why Antminer S9 Hydro is different?

Here are some of the features that the S9 Hydro offers:

Integrated water-cooling system, which reduces heat while operating.

Hash rate of 18 Th/s with power consumption of 1728W/hour.

Heat reduction also results in noise reduction for operators.

The S9 Hydro has a first of its kind water cooling system, and it is the eighth new product by Bitmain in 2018. Bitmain added an external water source to cycle water via the unit, reducing the excess heat and noise. It is assumed that using this system, mining farms can reduce approximately 12 percent of their power consumption, while increasing the return on new rigs. As compared to air-cooled miners, S9 Hydro introduction will trim down noise up to 20dB. The S9 Hydro also makes it easier for miners to manage dust which often accumulates within the machines. Moreover, it also reduces the short circuit or corrosion incidence within the system.

S9 Hydro Hash Rate

According to a press release the “Antminer S9 Hydro has a rated hash rate of 18Ths and a wall power consumption of about 1728W.” According to experts, “For the first time, Antminer S9 Hydro is adopting the most innovative water-cooling design available for heat dissipation. Thanks to the customized and high-precision water cooling module, S9 Hydro can support the direct introduction of an outdoor water source that meets the water quality requirements and quickly cools down the computing boards and other components inside the miner.”

Bitmain Seeks to Remain on Top of the Mining Product Industry

The release of the S9 Hydro comes as reports about Bitmain’s losses on BCH surfaced. More competitors have also joined the fray, bringing more competition to the industry. Alliance states that “Bitmain’s uninterrupted cash flow, unfortunately, is now in question as competitors may catch up in technologies.” According to reports, due to market dominance, Bitmain’s operating cashflow is trending lower, but the launch is expected to have a positive effect.

Nevertheless, reports suggest that in 2017 Bitmain had the best mining rig and was able to fund the working capital with customer deposits and hence happily saw its operating cash flow surge to $1.3 billion USD. As markets plummeted, customer deposits dwindled & Bitmain was forced to draw from its operating cash flow in Q1 2018. Going forward, the competitiveness of Bitmain’s chips is in question, as Bitmain failed in a 10nm chip & possibly other projects too. Rivals now may have caught up in terms of technological advancement and Bitmain’s inventory ($1.2 billion USD as of Q1 2018) may face major a write-down risk.

Will the S9 Hydro Boost Bitmain Back up?

The S9 Hydro holds a great amount of potential which may possibly help Bitmain reclaim crypto mining market. The report says Bitmain mining is preparing for an IPO listing on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, scheduled for either Q4 2018 or Q1 2019. Its IPO will have twice the size of Coinbase’s IPO and is looking to exceed Facebook’s by approximately $2 billion USD. The S9 Hydro could be the right product at the right time, if it sells well. However, beating the bear market on a new product with an inventory write-down looming, while launching an IPO after reports of losses on BCH holdings, is a tall order for the company.