New Details, Including Pricing, On SFARDS New Super Powered Dual Mining Chip

SFARD took shape through the 2014 merger of Wiibox and Gridseed, both companies pursuing dual-mining technology that lets a single device work on both Bitcoin and Litecoin networks. Gridseed had built the GC3355, a predecessor that tackled the same problem. The chip could mine both SHA256 and Scrypt algorithms at once. Bitcoin's difficulty curve climbed faster than the hardware could keep pace, and the device generated dangerous amounts of heat. Scrypt mining on the GC3355 consumed minimal power—a trait miners valued.

The SF3301 addresses those shortcomings. According to the company's data sheet, the chip reaches 0.31 J/GH for SHA256 mining and 1.79 J/MH for Scrypt mining under normal operating conditions. A mining consultant who reviewed the design told us the specifications surpass every other chip on the market. BitFury announced a 28nm chip earlier this year with better paper specs at 0.2 J/GH, but the company hasn't released it to customers and the device can't dual-mine.

SFARD is shipping the SF3301 now in small quantities. The company plans to begin with USB mining sticks aimed at newcomers, then move to larger rigs using 16 and 24 chips for professional miners. A spokesperson told us the official launch is "nearly" ready, with no firm date set. Developers who want to build their own miners can purchase development boards and start work.

Bitcoin mining has become a race against rising difficulty and shrinking block rewards. A chip that mines both algorithms with efficiency numbers at this level could reshape competitive mining. The real test comes when full miners using the SF3301 hit the market. Until then, the specs remain strong on paper—the market will decide if the hardware performs as promised.