[CLOSED] BOUNTY: BFL SC die size (20BTC) and process node (20BTC)

[eldentyrell]

Edit 7-Nov-2012: BFL_Josh has posted both figures, so this bounty is now closed.

I will offer a 20BTC bounty to anybody who posts a measurement of the size of the die used in BFL's "SC" devices.  I'm assuming they all use the same chip.  It's really easy to get the die measurement from a broken device -- just grind off the plastic/ceramic top using a dremel and pull out a ruler.  I will be happy to escrow the bounty with a well-known forum member if you can present credible evidence that you're serious about this -- that way you can be sure you'll get paid before you totally wreck your already-broken device.

I need this figure in order to compute the η-factor for their product.

I will also offer a 20BTC bounty for knowledge of which process node BFL is using.  However, I caution in advance that it's not as easy to be 100% certain about that -- you can't just measure it with a ruler -- so claiming this bounty will be more difficult and will involve more verification (which might not even be possible) than the raw die-size bounty.  Please post here if you have any questions about what would be sufficient to claim this bounty; I don't want any hard feelings.

I have offered bounties like this in the past and have a history of paying promptly.

Both of these bounties become null and void if BFL releases the figures themselves.

[1713855584]

1713855584

[1713855584]

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[Epicblood]

so you expect someone to get the die size from pics alone as the SC isn't out yet?

[eldentyrell]

so you expect someone to get the die size from pics alone as the SC isn't out yet?

Obviously I am not expecting this bounty to be claimed in the next few weeks.

Also, from past experience with bounties like this, the sort of information I'm looking for tends to bubble to the surface in ways I never expected.  So it can't hurt to post the bounty early.

[crazyates]

With a "lifetime warranty", why would someone chop up a unit just to give you your information, rather than sending it back to BFL for a new one?

Also, if you're giving out 20BTC for a bounty, why not rather just spend the 15BTC for a Jalapeno directly from them?

[eldentyrell]

With a "lifetime warranty", why would someone chop up a unit just to give you your information,

Probably because they broke it.

Warranties don't cover abuse.  For example: got it wet, left it in an enclosed space without a fan where it overheated, wrong power supply, etc.  Yes, these things are rare, but I only need one person to damage one device out of BFL's entire customer base.  And I'm sure that poor soul will be glad to get their money back (and then some).

Also, as I mentioned earlier, there are always possibilities I couldn't imagine.  Somebody mailed ngzhang a broken BFL-Altera device out of the blue, which is how we got the IDCODE off of the device back when they were so expensive people were afraid to go near them with a soldering iron.  Could happen again.

Alternatively -- and less likely -- maybe somebody else is curious too and has the tools to do this without destroying the chip.  Those are QFN packages which means you can remove the lid and put it back on, though it's not easy.

Also, if you're giving out 20BTC for a bounty, why not rather just spend the 15BTC for a Jalapeno directly from them?

Probably the same reason why you aren't arbitraging the situation to pocket an easy 5 BTC.  

[Epicblood]

I could order a jalapeno, but I wont because I don't have the cash. Seeing as you are offering a bounty, you do, so why don't you?

[crazyates]

I could order a jalapeno, but I wont because I don't have the cash. Seeing as you are offering a bounty, you do, so why don't you?

He already answered that.

[Epicblood]

I could order a jalapeno, but I wont because I don't have the cash. Seeing as you are offering a bounty, you do, so why don't you?

He already answered that.

no, he said "probably for the same reason you aren't"  (paraphrasing)
The reason I am not is because I don't have the money, but here he is offering a bounty for more than the price of a jalapeno, therefore he has to have the money to buy one, unless he is intending to scam. Or am I missing something?

[Zeek_W]

I think he is hinting on an insider leaking info to him

[BFL]

I will offer a 20BTC bounty to anybody who posts a measurement of the size of the die used in BFL's "SC" devices.  I'm assuming they all use the same chip.  It's really easy to get the die measurement from a broken device -- just grind off the plastic/ceramic top using a dremel and pull out a ruler.  I will be happy to escrow the bounty with a well-known forum member if you can present credible evidence that you're serious about this -- that way you can be sure you'll get paid before you totally wreck your already-broken device.

I need this figure in order to compute the η-factor for their product.

I will also offer a 20BTC bounty for knowledge of which process node BFL is using.  However, I caution in advance that it's not as easy to be 100% certain about that -- you can't just measure it with a ruler -- so claiming this bounty will be more difficult and will involve more verification (which might not even be possible) than the raw die-size bounty.  Please post here if you have any questions about what would be sufficient to claim this bounty; I don't want any hard feelings.

I have offered bounties like this in the past and have a history of paying promptly.

Both of these bounties become null and void if BFL releases the figures themselves.

Hi Elden, the node and method are detailed in the upcoming issue of bitcoin magazine.   (Issue #4).

[kwoody]

Probably 90nm. Seems to be the most cost effective.

[BFL]

Probably 90nm. Seems to be the most cost effective.

Prepare for the improbable. 

[crazyates]

Probably 90nm. Seems to be the most cost effective.

Prepare for the improbable. 

14nm? That'd be pretty improbable.

[BFL]

Probably 90nm. Seems to be the most cost effective.

Prepare for the improbable. 

14nm? That'd be pretty improbable.

Wouldn't that be nice...

[mrb]

Probably 90nm. Seems to be the most cost effective.

Prepare for the improbable.  

I believe my prediction of 65nm will be shown to be right

[niko]

I will offer a 20BTC bounty to anybody who posts a measurement of the size of the die used in BFL's "SC" devices.  I'm assuming they all use the same chip.  It's really easy to get the die measurement from a broken device -- just grind off the plastic/ceramic top using a dremel and pull out a ruler.  I will be happy to escrow the bounty with a well-known forum member if you can present credible evidence that you're serious about this -- that way you can be sure you'll get paid before you totally wreck your already-broken device.

I need this figure in order to compute the η-factor for their product.

I will also offer a 20BTC bounty for knowledge of which process node BFL is using.  However, I caution in advance that it's not as easy to be 100% certain about that -- you can't just measure it with a ruler -- so claiming this bounty will be more difficult and will involve more verification (which might not even be possible) than the raw die-size bounty.  Please post here if you have any questions about what would be sufficient to claim this bounty; I don't want any hard feelings.

I have offered bounties like this in the past and have a history of paying promptly.

Both of these bounties become null and void if BFL releases the figures themselves.

Hi Elden, the node and method are detailed in the upcoming issue of bitcoin magazine.   (Issue #4).

It'd be funny if BFL won this bounty.

[crazyates]

I will offer a 20BTC bounty to anybody who posts a measurement of the size of the die used in BFL's "SC" devices.  I'm assuming they all use the same chip.  It's really easy to get the die measurement from a broken device -- just grind off the plastic/ceramic top using a dremel and pull out a ruler.  I will be happy to escrow the bounty with a well-known forum member if you can present credible evidence that you're serious about this -- that way you can be sure you'll get paid before you totally wreck your already-broken device.

I need this figure in order to compute the η-factor for their product.

I will also offer a 20BTC bounty for knowledge of which process node BFL is using.  However, I caution in advance that it's not as easy to be 100% certain about that -- you can't just measure it with a ruler -- so claiming this bounty will be more difficult and will involve more verification (which might not even be possible) than the raw die-size bounty.  Please post here if you have any questions about what would be sufficient to claim this bounty; I don't want any hard feelings.

I have offered bounties like this in the past and have a history of paying promptly.

Both of these bounties become null and void if BFL releases the figures themselves.

Hi Elden, the node and method are detailed in the upcoming issue of bitcoin magazine.   (Issue #4).

It'd be funny if BFL won this bounty.

LOL Josh mails him a Jalapeno.

[kwoody]

Probably 90nm. Seems to be the most cost effective.

Prepare for the improbable. 

sorry dude, i invested with your competitor(who is using 90nm apparently)... will be interested to see what you've got 'under the hood' either way.

[BFL]

Probably 90nm. Seems to be the most cost effective.

Prepare for the improbable. 

sorry dude, i invested with your competitor(who is using 90nm apparently)... will be interested to see what you've got 'under the hood' either way.

May the force be with you.

[Cablez]

Maybe 45nm? That could be why Josh sees these as penultimate without room for much improvement.