There was a time when anyone could mine Bitcoins using their video card. However, with the addition of new miners and mining farms to the bitcoin network, the possibility of mining this cryptocoin with a simple PC is impossible. No GPU could provide the necessary hashrate to be profitable.
This is why Bitmain, a China-based company developed and launched a set of ASICs that are accessible to the casual miner and have a reasonable ROI, allowing ordinary people to start mining Bitcoin again.
The company is well known for ASIC mining models such as the R4 and S7. As the difficulty rate increases, Bitmain launches new miners to keep up with demand. Its latest S9 is the first-class ASIC miner that uses 16nm technology to deliver superior performance.
The S9 generated a lot of stir since it first appeared in June 2016. However, the criptocoins are volatile, and in this article I intend to review if it is still profitable to mine bitcoins with the S9. Let us begin to explore by Bitmain Antminer S9 Review.
Performance Review
When it launched, the Antminer S9 was a game-changer, offering unmatched hash power for its size and cost. Even today, it remains usable for SHA-256 mining, especially with modified firmware like Braiins OS or Hive OS, which can improve efficiency and extend its lifespan.
However, in 2025, the S9 is significantly outpaced by newer models like the S19 XP or Antminer L7, which offer 5–6x the hash rate with better power efficiency. Still, the S9 finds a niche in regions with free or ultra-cheap electricity, or for those using solar-powered rigs.
Upon its release, the Antminer S9 was a game-changer, delivering a hashrate of 14 TH/s, which allowed miners to process transactions and earn rewards at an unprecedented rate. Its energy efficiency of approximately 100 J/TH was among the best available, minimizing electricity costs relative to its output. In 2019, reviews suggested it could generate around 0.5 Bitcoins per month, equating to roughly $330 at the time, though this did not account for electricity or pool fees.
However, the Bitcoin network’s increasing difficulty and halving events have significantly reduced the S9’s profitability. By 2025, with electricity costs at $0.15/kWh, the S9’s monthly electric bill could reach $148.50, and its daily mining output is negligible, often resulting in a net loss (ASIC Miner Value). Compared to modern miners like the Antminer S19 XP Hydro (255 TH/s, 20 J/TH), the S9’s performance is outdated, making it unsuitable for commercial mining operations.
Another point that Bitmain is taking into account is the speed with which the miners discard the hardware due to the loss of profitability. Bitcoins mining hardware is rapidly becoming obsolescence, so Bitmain wants to make its future Bitcoin mining equipment with a lower obsolescence rate.
The Antminer S9 almost the same size and very popular like the Antminer S7 and follows the same form factor. However, it has more than three times the power and double the efficiency of the S7.
Specifications
Antminer S9 Technical Specifications at a Glance
The Antminer S9 was designed to mine Bitcoin using the SHA-256 algorithm, and its specifications were cutting-edge at the time of its release. Below is a detailed breakdown of its key features:
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Model | Bitmain Antminer S9 (original) |
| Hashrate | 14 TH/s |
| Power Consumption | ~1372 W |
| Efficiency | ~100 J/TH (varies with firmware) |
| Mining Algorithm | SHA-256 |
| Dimensions | 350mm(L) x 135mm(W) x 158mm(H) |
| Weight | 4.2 kg (without PSU) |
| Power Supply | APW3++ (not included in some models) |
| Connectivity | Ethernet |
| Noise Level | Up to 79 dB (reducible with modifications) |
These specifications made the S9 a powerhouse in its era, offering a significant leap over previous models. Variants like the Antminer S9i (14.5 TH/s, 98.2 J/TH) and S9j (14.5 TH/s) introduced slight improvements, while the S9 Hydro (18 TH/s) featured a water-cooling system for better efficiency and lower noise. Aftermarket firmwares like Braiins OS+ could further optimize performance, reducing efficiency to as low as 76 J/TH at 850W.
Prices
There are several lots and reviews of the S9 available in the market with slight differences in price and features. In the official page of Bitmain the S9 has an approximate cost of 1300 dollars, however due to the high demand and limited production of units, these usually exhaust in a short time. Bitmain website are officially responsible for directly marketed, so it will play to be alert to the announcement of new units. The price on sites like Amazon and Ebay can easily exceed $ 2995.
The S9 is far from cheap. However, the lower your electricity costs, the greater the likelihood that the miner will pay for himself within a reasonable time.
Of course, much depends on the difficulty and the price of Bitcoin.
As smaller manufacturing processes become an industry-wide standard and with other manufacturers launching competitive hardware, the price of S9 is expected to fall within a few months.
The advantage of the 16 nanometers
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The ongoing miniaturization of semiconductors allows for increasing computing power and electrical efficiency, but the process can’t continue forever with current technology.
Many have noted that Moore’s law is no longer valid as the pace of advancement of computing speed has slowed to the physical limitations of silicon semiconductor technology.
The 16 nm manufacturing process used in the manufacture of S9 is a major improvement over the 28 nm design common to other modern mining devices.
The Bitmain BM1387 world’s most efficient bitcoin chip in the consumer market that using 16nm FinFET technology in a chip with a record of 0.098 J / GHs. Each Antminer S9 employs up to 189 chips of this type to deliver greater hashrate and efficiency than any other bitcoin miner available on the market.
The cycle of launching a new generation of bitcoin mining hardware every few months has slowed down, being currently limited to 16 and 14nm manufacturing processes. Although a 10nm process is on the horizon for 2017, further increases beyond that remain theoretical. In addition, the design and manufacture of new Bitcoin mining hardware with a 10nm process will take at least one to two years. Due to these factors it is very likely that the S9 will remain as the best ASIC team to mine bitcoins for quite a while.
Pros and Cons
The Antminer S9 has several strengths and weaknesses that define its place in today’s market:
Pros:
- Historical Performance: Delivered a high hashrate (14 TH/s) for its time, making it a leader in 2016-2018.
- Affordable Now: Used units are available for $50-300, making it accessible for hobbyists (D-Central).
- Reliable Brand: Manufactured by Bitmain, a trusted name in mining hardware.
- Alternative Uses: High heat output makes it an effective space heater for homes or greenhouses.
- Customizable: Supports aftermarket firmwares and fan modifications for improved efficiency and reduced noise.
Cons:
- Unprofitable for Mining: High network difficulty and low Bitcoin output make it unviable for profit in 2025.
- High Power Consumption: Consumes ~1372 W, leading to significant electricity costs.
- Noisy Operation: Produces up to 79 dB, comparable to a vacuum cleaner, though quieter fans can help.
- No Wi-Fi: Requires Ethernet, limiting setup flexibility.
- Outdated Technology: Lags behind modern miners in hashrate and efficiency.
User Experiences and Reviews
During its peak, the Antminer S9 was lauded for its reliability and ease of setup. Miners appreciated its plug-and-play functionality, requiring only a connection to a mining pool to start earning rewards. Many reported stable performance over long periods, with minimal maintenance needed. However, as Bitcoin’s network difficulty grew, profitability declined, prompting some users to sell their units or repurpose them. A 2024 X post on the BitcoinMining community highlighted mixed sentiments, with some users suggesting bronzing S9s for resale due to their obsolescence (Reddit BitcoinMining).
Recent reviews, such as one from Blockdyor, gave the S9i a score of 68/100, praising its low cost and heating potential but noting its inefficiencies for mining. Enthusiasts have also modified S9 units with quieter fans (e.g., Noctua NF-A6x25) or ventilation hoses to make them more suitable for home use, particularly as space heaters.
Alternatives and Upgrades
For those interested in Bitcoin mining in 2025, several modern alternatives outperform the S9:
| Model | Hashrate | Efficiency | Power Consumption | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Antminer S19 XP Hydro | 255 TH/s | 20 J/TH | ~5300 W | High-performance, ideal for large-scale mining |
| MicroBT Whatsminer M50S | 120 TH/s | 23 J/TH | ~3500 W | Efficient and powerful, suitable for professionals |
| Canaan Avalon Nano 3 | 4 TH/s | ~30 J/TH | 120-130 W | Affordable for hobbyists, Wi-Fi enabled (Blockdyor) |
| Bitaxe | 0.5 TH/s | 24 J/TH | 12 W | Open-source, low-power, educational tool |
These options cater to different needs, from large-scale operations to small-scale hobbyist setups. For those considering the S9 for its low cost, the Canaan Avalon Nano 3 offers a more efficient entry point for beginners.
Noise & Heat Considerations
With noise levels exceeding 80 dB, the S9 is not suitable for residential areas without proper noise insulation. It also generates substantial heat, so it requires good airflow and ventilation. These issues make it more viable for outdoor setups, garages, or mining containers.
Conclusion
The Bitmain Antminer S9 remains a legendary piece of Bitcoin mining history, having revolutionized the industry with its 14 TH/s hashrate and 100 J/TH efficiency upon its 2016 debut. While it is no longer suitable for profitable Bitcoin mining in 2025 due to its high power consumption and outdated performance, it still holds value for educational purposes, as a space heater, or as a collectible. For modern miners, alternatives like the Antminer S19 XP Hydro or MicroBT Whatsminer M50S offer superior performance and profitability. Whether you’re a crypto enthusiast or a curious hobbyist, the S9’s legacy makes it a fascinating piece of technology, even if its practical mining days are behind it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Antminer S9 Still Worth It in 2025?
If you’re a hobbyist miner, have free electricity, or want to learn the ropes of ASIC mining, the Bitmain Antminer S9 can still be a budget-friendly entry point. However, for serious miners focused on high efficiency and profitability, the S9 is no longer a viable long-term solution due to its outdated hardware and power demands.
Is Antminer S9 still profitable?
The Antminer S9 can still be profitable, but it heavily depends on factors like electricity cost, Bitcoin price, and mining difficulty. As an older model with a hashrate of around 13.5 TH/s and high power consumption (~1,300W), it struggles to compete with newer, more efficient miners. In regions with low electricity rates (e.g., below $0.04 per kWh) or when using free/renewable energy, the S9 may generate small profits. Some miners also underclock or modify the S9 for efficiency. However, for most users in standard conditions, its profitability is limited or marginal today.
Is the Antminer S9 good?
The Antminer S9 was considered a very good Bitcoin miner when it launched, known for its reliability, durability, and solid performance with a hashrate of around 13.5 TH/s. It played a major role in early Bitcoin mining due to its balance of power and efficiency at the time. However, by today’s standards, it is less efficient and more power-hungry compared to newer models like the Antminer S19. While it’s still useful in setups with very low electricity costs or for educational purposes, it’s generally not ideal for high-profit mining in modern competitive environments.
How much does an Antminer S9 make per day?
A Bitmain Antminer S9 typically earns around $0.80–0.95 per day in Bitcoin revenue before electricity costs. However, with a power draw of ~1,300 W and assuming electricity rates around $0.10/kWh, daily energy costs alone are about $3, resulting in net losses of $1.8–2.5 per day . Unless you have extremely cheap or free power, the S9 is not profitable to run in today’s market.
How long does it take for an Antminer S9 to mine 1 Bitcoin?
An Antminer S9, with a hashrate of around 13.5 TH/s, would take several years to mine 1 Bitcoin on its own, due to the high global mining difficulty and competition. As of current network conditions, it could take over 3 to 5 years or more for a single S9 to mine 1 BTC—assuming constant operation and no downtime. In reality, most miners join mining pools, where they contribute hashrate and earn small portions of Bitcoin regularly, rather than waiting years for a full coin. So while technically possible, mining 1 BTC with an S9 solo is highly inefficient and impractical today.
Which bitcoin miner is most profitable?
The most profitable Bitcoin miners in 2025 are the newest hydro-cooled ASIC rigs—specifically models like the Bitmain Antminer S21E XP Hyd 3U, Antminer S21 XP+ Hyd, and Bitdeer SealMiner A2 Pro Hyd. Here’s a quick breakdown:
Bitmain Antminer S21E XP Hyd 3U
- Hashrate: 860 TH/s
- Uses hydro-cooling for top efficiency
- Shows up to $11–42/day revenue, depending on electricity rate
Bitmain Antminer S21 XP+ Hyd
- Hashrate: 500 TH/s, high energy efficiency
- Daily profits around $9–11 in U.S. facilities with low $/kWh power
Bitdeer SealMiner A2 Pro Hyd
- Hashrate: 500 TH/s, water-cooled
- Lower cost (~$4 k) versus competitors
Other strong contenders:
- WhatsMiner M63S (478 TH/s) – similar to the S21 XP in performance
- Bitmain Antminer S21 Hyd (335 TH/s) – ~$6–9/day profit
