Antminer S9 Firmware Update Bitmain Release Overt AsicBoost 🤠

[jabby]

Bitmain just release a new firmware for the BM1387 chips running on the antminer s9. They are now using Asicboost.


I linked the article below as well as copied it for you guys to read.

For those who don't want to read here is the YouTube Vid Link:
https://youtu.be/6SGj-ktAid8


"Firmware to Activate “Overt AsicBoost” in BM1387-based Antminer Models
OCTOBER 22, 2018 / ADMIN / 0 COMMENTS
We’re very pleased to share that last night our developers released the firmware for the Antminer S9 to enable what is popularly called the “overt AsicBoost” functionality. We will also release in one week the firmware to activate this functionality in other BM1387-based models namely the Antminer R4, S9i, S9j, T9 and T9+. This step will increase future effectiveness of several Antminer models and provides the framework for a strong long-term network.

 Initially, we decided against activating this mathematical function in mining hardware produced by us, largely because of the legal uncertainty surrounding the use of AsicBoost. As an organization, we didn’t want to violate patent laws or act in any way that was untoward. Instead, we continued to focus our efforts on R&D and building the industry’s most efficient mining chips. It’s worth noting, as outlined in a April 2017 blog post, our ASIC chip BM1387 has the capability built into the chip technology.  

In March 2018, we noticed new manufacturers of hardware advertising the use of “AsicBoost” and soon after that we noticed blocks being mined on the blockchain using AsicBoost. To give users of our mining pools the option to mine using AsicBoost we added support for it on both BTC.COM and Antpool.

 Now we are pleased to give Antminer users whose miners have the capability to support this function a choice to avail this advantage without any negative impact on the Bitcoin protocol. This variant of the “overt AsicBoost” simply uses version bits different from those that other manufacturers have been using. It is equally transparent because it can be seen in the blockheader of boosted blocks.

With regard to patent rights, we continue to respect third parties’ IP right and take actions accordingly. Based on legal opinions from various jurisdictions, we believe that there isn’t and may never be a patent right over AsicBoost. Thus, all miners should be entitled to make their own choice on whether to use AsicBoost technology without anybody having an exclusive right over it.  

Bitmain is committed to creating the industry standard for the most efficient and effective miners on the market. After testing AsicBoost on the Bitmain testnet, we found that the functionality does improve mining efficiency.

One of Bitmain’s top priorities and guiding principles is to provide our customers with the best mining technology in the industry and after extensive internal conversations, we have decided to activate this functionality to achieve two main objectives

Future Effectiveness: We recognize that cryptocurrency mining technology is rapidly evolving, innovating, and improving, and hardware depreciates rapidly. By activating AsicBoost, our customers’ hardware will increase in effectiveness while the future hardware we make continues to be the industry gold standard.
Stronger Network: We have been very transparent that we have activated AsicBoost in the miners on our testnet and have found that it improves efficiency in mining operations. Utilizing this technology will be very beneficial for the mining. AsicBoost has the potential to reduce the J/TH cost and increase the total hashrate of the network. By activating this upgrade widely, we are making the Bitcoin network stronger than ever before.
 The new firmware can be downloaded at https://service.bitmain.com/support/download


https://blog.bitmain.com/en/new-firmware-activate-overt-asicboost-bm1387-antminer-models/?utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=asicboost-activation-firmware





I feel like they have been using this on their machines since they were released and now just giving us the firmware.



Bitmain just released the new Antminer s9 overt AsicBoost firmware. This New Asicboost is supposed to increase your J/TH. Bitmains new firmware for asicboost on the Antminer S9 is used to flash the BM1387 chips to they are capable of using their asicboot. I can’t download the new firmware to flash the antminer s9 with the asicboost as of yet so this is the best news I can bring to you at the moment. As soon as I can flash my Antminer s9 with asicboost I will and bring you guys the latest video!

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[vincl]

someone knows how i know if i have a C5 board or not? i wanted to test on an old S9 with 11-12TH/s but its not working. Miner wont boot..no error led but. no hashing..

[percy_tc]

Has anyone tried this? whats sthe difference?

[DefiantMiner]

Just tried the firmware on one of the S9 units with meters installed (didn't note the batch).  The flash process went OK, but the unit showed no increase in hash, used 40w more power and 100% shares rejected by pool (I refuse to use antpool).

I'll have to do some more testing/research when I get some time.  For now, it's a dud on my end.

I should note that ASICBoost is not compliant with the BIP310 standard, thus incompatible (for now) with pools other than the Bitmain owned/controlled pools.  So, until the other pools adopt compatibility, all this does is make the Bitmain...not Bitcoin...network stronger.

[r01k]

I don't see any new firmware for the models mentioned, but for the S9: Antminer-S9-LPM-20181022.tar.gz

I guess this is the Asicboost one?

[not.you]

I feel like they have been using this on their machines since they were released and now just giving us the firmware.

Well they certainly did not build the capability into the chip by accident.

[MoparMiningLLC]

I have installed it on several of my S9's - I do not notice any increased hash rate and I do not have a way to measure the electric consumption other than waiting for my electric bill to see if it drops lol

Is there something specific you have to do to activate asicboost? Or is it automatic after flashing the firmware?


EDIT: I forgot to mention, I do see on the "Miner Configuration" tab a check box selection for "Low Power Mode" - is this what turns the AB on/off?

and is this supposed to lower hashrate along with lowering power consumption? or is it to increase hashrate while lowering power consumption? or to increase both?

[r01k]

My S9 13.5TH/s shows under overview after updating:

Hardware Version   26.0.1.3
Kernel Version   Linux 3.14.0-xilinx-ge8a2f71-dirty #82 SMP PREEMPT Tue May 16 19:49:53 CST 2017
File System Version   Sun Oct 22 18:20:42 UTC 2018
Logic Version   LPM
BMminer Version   2.0.0

Miner Configuration has a Low Power Mode box checked. I guess this is the AsicBoost mode enabled. The pool shows about 8% higher hashrate compared to a similar miner without AB firmware. Tomorrow will measure power consumption.

[onegiantcock]

Slushpool says don't upgrade (yet) https://www.ccn.com/slush-pool-dont-upgrade-your-bitcoin-miners-to-bitmains-asicboost-patch/

[efudd]

LOL at their noise about honoring patent laws and such. Hey Bitmain, where's the source code to the Z9 series?

Jason

[comby]

Anyone knows the difference between "Low Power Mode" on or off at the total hashrate ? what reaches more?

[MoparMiningLLC]

Slushpool says don't upgrade (yet) https://www.ccn.com/slush-pool-dont-upgrade-your-bitcoin-miners-to-bitmains-asicboost-patch/

I have seen people post that they upgraded and were running just fine on Slushpool

Anyone knows the difference between "Low Power Mode" on or off at the total hashrate ? what reaches more?

with "low power mode"  selected, my S9's are getting a lower hash rate - I do not have a way to measure the power consumption though.

[ThePunisher49X]

So is this suppose to lower everybodys hashrate so to bring difficulty down

Some people are saying this bricks their antminer. So if you don't have the firmware saved before upgrading it this could be the case.

[MoparMiningLLC]

So is this suppose to lower everybodys hashrate so to bring difficulty down

Some people are saying this bricks their antminer. So if you don't have the firmware saved before upgrading it this could be the case.

for the ones having issues, they may not have the compatible version of S9 - there are ones with specific C5 control boards that are not compatible.

They can always reinstall the prior version by downloading and updating to the old one.

[DefiantMiner]

Slushpool says don't upgrade (yet) https://www.ccn.com/slush-pool-dont-upgrade-your-bitcoin-miners-to-bitmains-asicboost-patch/

UPDATE:  Bitmain released a revised version of the firmware today...it works with Slushpool and others now.

[MoparMiningLLC]

UPDATE:  Bitmain released a revised version of the firmware today...it works with Slushpool and others now.

where do you see this revised version? I only see the one released yesterday.

[DefiantMiner]

UPDATE:  Bitmain released a revised version of the firmware today...it works with Slushpool and others now.

where do you see this revised version? I only see the one released yesterday.

Same place the other https://service.bitmain.com/support/download, look under S9:
Antminer-S9-LPM-20181023.tar.gz

...the first one released was 20181022

[MoparMiningLLC]

UPDATE:  Bitmain released a revised version of the firmware today...it works with Slushpool and others now.

where do you see this revised version? I only see the one released yesterday.

Same place the other https://service.bitmain.com/support/download, look under S9:
Antminer-S9-LPM-20181023.tar.gz

...the first one released was 20181022

ahh lol I didnt catch the date, just saw the one file - thought they would have added not replaced - thanks!

[DefiantMiner]

Got all the S9s up on the 20181023 (2nd LPM release) firmware.  Happy to report 12.5-13% drop in power use, perhaps a fractional hash rate drop.  I have noticed the measured power usage is more stable as well...doesn't vary as much as previous.

Nice to knock a few kWs off the bill...and increase profitability ~25%!

I'll track pool side specs overnight and report back.

Curious if anyone has tried it on S9i or T9 yet?   (Bitmain said those specific FMs were coming later)

[MoparMiningLLC]

Got all the S9s up on the 20181023 (2nd LPM release) firmware.  Happy to report 12.5-13% drop in power use, perhaps a fractional hash rate drop.  I have noticed the measured power usage is more stable as well...doesn't vary as much as previous.

Nice to knock a few kWs off the bill...and increase profitability ~25%!

I'll track pool side specs overnight and report back.

Curious if anyone has tried it on S9i or T9 yet?   (Bitmain said those specific FMs were coming later)

I did see someone state they tried on some s9i and it worked for a bit then a board would stop working - so they reverted back and miners are working fine.

what is the best way to measure the electricity usage? I always just use my electric bill lol

also, with LPM selected, is the hash rate supposed to drop or increase? last time I tried mine all dropped by half a TH/s without knowing if the power drop is sufficient to cover the lost hash rate, I am unsure as to whether to leave it checked or not.

[DefiantMiner]

I did see someone state they tried on some s9i and it worked for a bit then a board would stop working - so they reverted back and miners are working fine.

what is the best way to measure the electricity usage? I always just use my electric bill lol

also, with LPM selected, is the hash rate supposed to drop or increase? last time I tried mine all dropped by half a TH/s without knowing if the power drop is sufficient to cover the lost hash rate, I am unsure as to whether to leave it checked or not.

Pickup a couple wall plug "watt meters" on eBay and use them to measure the wattage you miner uses in real-time.

I use these since they work both 240v and 120v:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Digital-Power-Saving-Energy-Monitor-Watt-Amp-Volt-KWh-Meter-Electricity-Analyzer/282562106503

You can even enter your kWh power rate in the meter and it will keep a running total of power cost for the unit plugged into it.   Mainly I just use it to do power surveys to quantify changes and their affect on profitability.

[MoparMiningLLC]

I did see someone state they tried on some s9i and it worked for a bit then a board would stop working - so they reverted back and miners are working fine.

what is the best way to measure the electricity usage? I always just use my electric bill lol

also, with LPM selected, is the hash rate supposed to drop or increase? last time I tried mine all dropped by half a TH/s without knowing if the power drop is sufficient to cover the lost hash rate, I am unsure as to whether to leave it checked or not.

Pickup a couple wall plug "watt meters" on eBay and use them to measure the wattage you miner uses in real-time.

I use these since they work both 240v and 120v:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Digital-Power-Saving-Energy-Monitor-Watt-Amp-Volt-KWh-Meter-Electricity-Analyzer/282562106503

You can even enter your kWh power rate in the meter and it will keep a running total of power cost for the unit plugged into it.   Mainly I just use it to do power surveys to quantify changes and their affect on profitability.

I cannot use those and have not ever seen ones for the types of plugs I use - L6-20P

[DefiantMiner]

Pickup a couple wall plug "watt meters" on eBay and use them to measure the wattage you miner uses in real-time.

I use these since they work both 240v and 120v:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Digital-Power-Saving-Energy-Monitor-Watt-Amp-Volt-KWh-Meter-Electricity-Analyzer/282562106503

You can even enter your kWh power rate in the meter and it will keep a running total of power cost for the unit plugged into it.   Mainly I just use it to do power surveys to quantify changes and their affect on profitability.

I cannot use those and have not ever seen ones for the types of plugs I use - L6-20P

On each miner?   Wow! Overkill and expensive.   You will have to build your own in-line meter out of something like this:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Digital-LCD-AC-220V-450V-230V-240V-LED-Voltmeter-Panel-Volt-Amp-Watt-Combo-Meter/192038472749

[MoparMiningLLC]

Is that real https://www.cryptominerbros.com/bitmain-releases-overt-asicboost-firmware-for-antminer-s9

i am newbie here can you anyone can guide plz..

yes bitmain released a new firmware.

[MoparMiningLLC]

On each miner?   Wow! Overkill and expensive.   You will have to build your own in-line meter out of something like this:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Digital-LCD-AC-220V-450V-230V-240V-LED-Voltmeter-Panel-Volt-Amp-Watt-Combo-Meter/192038472749

nah it was not expensive - was the cheapest cord I could find when I installed my outlets, so I installed the matching outlets.

I will need to look at doing an inline meter for sure. The ones you linked though - I have never seen 220v outlets that look like 110v outlets though - do you have a link to ones that match an existing 220v outlet?

[MoparMiningLLC]

Is that real https://www.cryptominerbros.com/bitmain-releases-overt-asicboost-firmware-for-antminer-s9

i am newbie here can you anyone can guide plz..

yes bitmain released a new firmware.

Any Idea how much hashrate increase after this new firmware.

all the ones I put it on dropped about half a TH/s - some are seeing slight increases - others are seeing hash rate remain the same but seeing power consumption drop.

If you read back thru the comments and on a few other threads here you will see quite a few people stating their results. They do seem to vary.

[ThePunisher49X]

Is that real https://www.cryptominerbros.com/bitmain-releases-overt-asicboost-firmware-for-antminer-s9

i am newbie here can you anyone can guide plz..

yes bitmain released a new firmware.

I do not think it was made to increase hashrate but to lower power consumption as stryfe has mentioned about his experience with using it on his machines and from what other people have said.
There is another article about it that might explain it bit more to what Bitmains intentions were with this release in firmware
https://www.coindesk.com/bitmains-latest-bitcoin-miner-update-activates-controversial-asicboost/
Any Idea how much hashrate increase after this new firmware.

[DefiantMiner]

On each miner?   Wow! Overkill and expensive.   You will have to build your own in-line meter out of something like this:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Digital-LCD-AC-220V-450V-230V-240V-LED-Voltmeter-Panel-Volt-Amp-Watt-Combo-Meter/192038472749

nah it was not expensive - was the cheapest cord I could find when I installed my outlets, so I installed the matching outlets.

I will need to look at doing an inline meter for sure. The ones you linked though - I have never seen 220v outlets that look like 110v outlets though - do you have a link to ones that match an existing 220v outlet?

There is no "official" socket/plug for 240v like those because of industry standards...otherwise it would be too easy for gen-pop to plug 120v equipment into 240v sockets and vice versa.  I just use the heavy duty 15amp versions as they can physically handle the 240v...you just have to be mindful of what you plug into those circuits.  For instance, most computer equipment (monitors, switches, power supplies, etc) can run 240 or 120 using the standard plug/cables...I can take advantage of that too.  All the mine infrastructure (except the main 30amp L6 feed connections), including a couple laptops, are all on 240v with std plugs.  

[Ameador1]

On each miner?   Wow! Overkill and expensive.   You will have to build your own in-line meter out of something like this:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Digital-LCD-AC-220V-450V-230V-240V-LED-Voltmeter-Panel-Volt-Amp-Watt-Combo-Meter/192038472749

nah it was not expensive - was the cheapest cord I could find when I installed my outlets, so I installed the matching outlets.

I will need to look at doing an inline meter for sure. The ones you linked though - I have never seen 220v outlets that look like 110v outlets though - do you have a link to ones that match an existing 220v outlet?

As DefiantMiner said, you can use "normal" 110-120 outlets - but I would recommend ones that are rated for 20amps. Then you can use regular PC power cords. S9's do not even require heavy duty power cords as at 220-240v - they are only drawing 6+ amps in that configuration. Now, I say 20 amps, because you want to figure an extra 10 per connection (plug to outlet) and you have to figure 80% of the rating for a constant load. So, a 15amp rated outlet should only have a constant load of 12amp ((15amp * .80 = 12amp) running through it. A 20amp rated outlet can have a 16amp load constant. So, if you have two S9s at 1500w each + 10% = 2*(1500*1.1) = 3300w at 240v = 13.75amp - below the 16amp constant load the 20amp outlet can handle - but over what a 15amp outlet can handle. This way, you can use the suggested power usage meters without having to wire in those inline models. This way, you can get one or two of the plug-in types to check different machines at different times. The inline would be much more of a pain to use for testing different units over time. Just my two cents! Again, just be careful not to plug regular 110-120v devices into these outlets - they will not be happy! - Also, this would require a 20amp breaker and the properly sized wiring from the breaker to the outlet as well. All must be considered. If your wiring and breaker can only handle 15amp - then don't run 2 S9-s from one outlet.

[MoparMiningLLC]

As DefiantMiner said, you can use "normal" 110-120 outlets - but I would recommend ones that are rated for 20amps. Then you can use regular PC power cords. S9's do not even require heavy duty power cords as at 220-240v - they are only drawing 6+ amps in that configuration. Now, I say 20 amps, because you want to figure an extra 10 per connection (plug to outlet) and you have to figure 80% of the rating for a constant load. So, a 15amp rated outlet should only have a constant load of 12amp ((15amp * .80 = 12amp) running through it. A 20amp rated outlet can have a 16amp load constant. So, if you have two S9s at 1500w each + 10% = 2*(1500*1.1) = 3300w at 240v = 13.75amp - below the 16amp constant load the 20amp outlet can handle - but over what a 15amp outlet can handle. This way, you can use the suggested power usage meters without having to wire in those inline models. This way, you can get one or two of the plug-in types to check different machines at different times. The inline would be much more of a pain to use for testing different units over time. Just my two cents! Again, just be careful not to plug regular 110-120v devices into these outlets - they will not be happy! - Also, this would require a 20amp breaker and the properly sized wiring from the breaker to the outlet as well. All must be considered. If your wiring and breaker can only handle 15amp - then don't run 2 S9-s from one outlet.

for me to use the 120v versions - I would have to replace all my outlets and all my power cords. My outlets/cords are L6-20P which does not match any of the meters that I have ever been able to find.

[Ameador1]

As DefiantMiner said, you can use "normal" 110-120 outlets - but I would recommend ones that are rated for 20amps. Then you can use regular PC power cords. S9's do not even require heavy duty power cords as at 220-240v - they are only drawing 6+ amps in that configuration. Now, I say 20 amps, because you want to figure an extra 10 per connection (plug to outlet) and you have to figure 80% of the rating for a constant load. So, a 15amp rated outlet should only have a constant load of 12amp ((15amp * .80 = 12amp) running through it. A 20amp rated outlet can have a 16amp load constant. So, if you have two S9s at 1500w each + 10% = 2*(1500*1.1) = 3300w at 240v = 13.75amp - below the 16amp constant load the 20amp outlet can handle - but over what a 15amp outlet can handle. This way, you can use the suggested power usage meters without having to wire in those inline models. This way, you can get one or two of the plug-in types to check different machines at different times. The inline would be much more of a pain to use for testing different units over time. Just my two cents! Again, just be careful not to plug regular 110-120v devices into these outlets - they will not be happy! - Also, this would require a 20amp breaker and the properly sized wiring from the breaker to the outlet as well. All must be considered. If your wiring and breaker can only handle 15amp - then don't run 2 S9-s from one outlet.

for me to use the 120v versions - I would have to replace all my outlets and all my power cords. My outlets/cords are L6-20P which does not match any of the meters that I have ever been able to find.

Buy or build an adapter cable. Take an extra one of your miner plugs with the L6-20P plug on it. Cut the L6-20P end off (leaving 6 or 8 inches of cord). Cut a 5-15/20R receptacle end off of an extension cord. Splice these together to make yourself an adaptor cable that you can plug the meter into and then plug it into one of your L6-20R outlets for power. Of course, make sure everything is put together right and sealed good (electrical tape, heat shrink tubing, etc...) Remove the C13 to L6-20P cable you have on a miner. Use a regular PC power cable (C13 to 5-15P or 5-20P plug) to plug into the power meter.  This way you can use the cheap, easy to move from miner to miner, power meter, and not have to change any wiring. When done testing a unit, put the original miner cord back and move on to another unit.

[MoparMiningLLC]

Buy or build an adapter cable. Take an extra one of your miner plugs with the L6-20P plug on it. Cut the L6-20P end off (leaving 6 or 8 inches of cord). Cut a 5-15/20R receptacle end off of an extension cord. Splice these together to make yourself an adaptor cable that you can plug the meter into and then plug it into one of your L6-20R outlets for power. Of course, make sure everything is put together right and sealed good (electrical tape, heat shrink tubing, etc...) Remove the C13 to L6-20P cable you have on a miner. Use a regular PC power cable (C13 to 5-15P or 5-20P plug) to plug into the power meter.  This way you can use the cheap, easy to move from miner to miner, power meter, and not have to change any wiring. When done testing a unit, put the original miner cord back and move on to another unit.

I may do that, though I would prefer to be able to measure each miner at all times. but I could see having that many as being expensive. May just have to swap out all my outlets and cords to ones that will simply work with the meters.

or install inline ones. would be nice if ASICs had one built in right at the back of the PSU.

[jabby]

What is the power draw with the firmware update?

[maxmad]

about 12%-15%