Bitcoin News Today: Block Launches Modular Bitcoin Mining Rig to Cut Costs and Extend Hardware Lifespan

Block Inc. has introduced the Proto Rig, a modular Bitcoin mining system designed to extend hardware lifespan, reduce costs, and improve operational efficiency. The rig allows for individual component replacement—such as hashboards—without the need to replace entire units, shifting the industry away from the traditional 3–5 year lifecycle of mining equipment. The new system is engineered to last up to a decade [1].

The Proto Rig delivers 1.5 times the power density per rack foot compared to legacy systems, enhancing mining efficiency while reducing downtime. According to Thomas Templeton, Hardware Lead at Block, the design aims to simplify repairs, optimize power usage, and promote the decentralization of mining operations. These improvements are expected to cut maintenance costs by 15–20% per upgrade cycle [1].

To support the new hardware, Block also launched Proto Fleet, an open-source fleet management platform. The software enables real-time monitoring, diagnostics, power scaling, and streamlined maintenance, helping both small and large-scale miners optimize uptime and reduce troubleshooting time. Proto Fleet is available at no cost, reinforcing Block’s goal of making Bitcoin mining more accessible and resilient [1].

This initiative builds on Block’s broader involvement in Bitcoin infrastructure, including prior sales of mining chips to Core Scientific. The company now offers a full ecosystem spanning Square, Cash App, Bitkey, and Spiral. By integrating hardware and software solutions, Block aims to address rising competition and thinning profit margins in the mining sector [1].

The launch reflects a broader shift toward modularity in technology, with parallels to historical trends in IT infrastructure. Experts suggest that such innovations could lead to more sustainable and adaptable mining practices, potentially strengthening the Bitcoin network’s resilience. The move is seen as a step toward long-term infrastructure solutions in an industry that has traditionally relied on rapid hardware cycles [1].