Obelisk SC1 Slim

Obelisk Sc1 Slim is one of Obelisk’s second-generation cryptocurrency miners. It features a custom made ASIC chip applying 28nm technology and is for mining Siacoin. It works with two algorithms Blake2B, Blake2B-Sia, which produces Siacoin, Sia Classic, and Space Cash.

Sia is a cryptocurrency software that allows any computer that runs it to ‘rent out’ unutilized to drive space to users. Dubbed the ‘Airbnb for hard drives,’ Sia is like cloud storage solutions like Google and Amazon only rather than just storing data. Its users rely on software and a distributed network of global computers.

This feature gives Sia high capabilities such as consistent periods like the Bitcoin Network (Since it’s not dependent on Internet Service Providers (ISPs) that can go down without notice).

About Obelisk Slim

The Obelisk Tech team manufactures the SC1 Slim ASIC device. Founded by several Siacoin development team members, they developed miners for their cryptocurrency, Siacoin, and Decred (and eventually developed a GRIN ASIC miner).

Bitmain and Innosilicon were faster in the release of their Antminer A3 and Innosilicon S11 Siacoin miners. When Obelisk was ready to release their products, they enacted a hard fork on their Siacoin SC blockchain and thereby invalidated other ASIC miners currently on it.

Hash Rate

The SC1 Slim has a hash rate of 550 GH/S, default chip frequency is 400 Mhz, and power consumption of 450W. This hash rate is relatively lower than its counterpart, the Obelisk SC1, which has a hash rate of 1200 Gh/s and power consumption of 800W.

The Obelisk SC1 Slim has a wall outlet power consumption (with Obelisk power supply unit, 95% efficiency, 25˚C ambient temperature) of 500W and an average temperature of 0 — 35˚C.

Specifications

The estimated wall output power efficiency (with Obelisk power supply unit, 95% efficiency, 25˚C ambient temperature) is about 0.6 J/GH, which provides a rated voltage of 12V.

The power supply input ratings are about 100-264VAC, 50/60Hz, 10A, a size of 3″ x 8″ x 14.25″, and a net weight of 4.99kg. The device’s size and weight is an added advantage as it is less bulky than most miners and easy to handle.

The Obelisk SC1 Slim works with two algorithms, which makes it unique for mining. The algorithms are the Blake 2B and the Blake 2B-Sia that produce the same hash rate.

These algorithms also have the same power consumption as 450W. 450W is very low in the industry, and it seems the manufacturers are more interested in home-based miners. Concerning the low power consumption, the electricity cost goes down. It has two fans, which help in cooling during mining.

Noise Level

This miner has a noise level of 75dB. This noise level is quite average as most miners have a noise level of 60 to 80 dB. To better understand this, 60 dB is equivalent to a normal conversation, background music, 75dB is equivalent to office noise, and 75dB is equivalent to a vacuum cleaner or an average radio.

The Obelisk SC1 Slim is used for mining in residential areas but is more suitable for mining farms.

Profitability

After Obelisk Tech implemented a hard fork on their Siacoin blockchain, it invalidated all other ASIC miners currently on it. In turn, their less profitable miners, which previously had no chance before, suddenly became highly profitable rigs.

But, as they continued to release the rest of their ASIC miners and the Siacoin price continued to decline, so did the miners’ profitability. However, the SC1 is twice as powerful and smaller than the original Obelisk SC1.

All SC1 Slim units are tested and configured before shipping but will be eligible for multiple firmware updates over time.