How to choose your ASIC according to your budget and profile
How to choose your ASIC according to your budget, profile and objectives (Bitcoin & altcoins)
Choosing an ASIC isn't just about looking at the hashrate. The right choice depends on your budget, power consumption, strategy (starting out, investing, mining), and the type of cryptocurrency you plan to mine. Here's an updated 2025 guide based on available models: AvalonMiner Mini 3, AvalonMiner Q 90T, Antminer S21+ / S21 Pro / S21 XP Hydro — as well as altcoin options like the KS7.
1. Define your profile
Beginner
If you want to try mining with a limited budget and a simple setup, the AvalonMiner Mini 3 is a very good choice: low power consumption, simple maintenance.
Individual investor
For a good compromise between yield and cost, choose the AvalonMiner Q 90T or the Antminer S21+ 235T — good hashrates, decent efficiency.
Semi-professional profile / hosting
For regular use or a small park, the Antminer S21 Pro offers an excellent balance of power, stability, and efficiency.
Farm / maximum yield
If you are aiming for a farm or maximum yield over the long term, the Antminer S21 XP Hydro appears to be one of the best choices: efficient cooling, high hashrate, optimal energy efficiency.
2. Essential criteria before buying
- Energy efficiency — a key criterion for profitability, especially if the kWh is not very good.
- Actual hashrate & stability — necessary for consistent performance, stable firmware, few errors.
- Consumption & infrastructure — electrical installation, ventilation or cooling depending on the model.
- Noise/cooling — especially if mining at home.
- Cost per kWh / Hosting conditions — direct impact on profitability.
- Maintenance & longevity — robust equipment, available parts, support.
3. Recommendations by budget (Bitcoin mining)
Budget €1,000–€2,000: getting started
- AvalonMiner Mini 3 — ideal for testing mining without a large investment.
Budget €2,000–€4,000: good compromise between return and cost
Budget €4,000 – €10,000: regular/semi-professional use
Budget €10,000 and over: farm / maximum yield
4. Altcoins & multi-algorithmy (diversification)
If you are looking to diversify your income streams or mine cryptocurrencies other than Bitcoin, some machines allow you to do so:
- Bitmain KS7 — performs well for Kaspa or other compatible coins, useful for diversification.
This strategy can limit the risk associated with Bitcoin fluctuations, while offering a potential stream of additional income. However, it requires careful cost management (electricity, maintenance, coin volatility).
5. Which ASIC is your priority?
| Objective | Recommended model |
|---|---|
| Testing without significant capital | AvalonMiner Mini 3 |
| Good return on investment | Avalon Q 90T , S21+ 235T |
| Regular/semi-professional use | S21 Pro |
| Farm / maximum yield | S21 XP Hydro |
| Altcoin diversification | KS7 (and other altcoin miners if available) |
Conclusion
The right ASIC isn't necessarily the most expensive. It's the one that fits your budget, your energy consumption (kWh), your objective, and your strategy. For beginners, consider the AvalonMiner Mini 3, for a good compromise the Avalon Q 90T or S21+ 235T, for high performance the S21 Pro or S21 XP Hydro, and for diversification, KS7 (or other altcoins). With this guide, you can build a suitable and profitable ASIC array tailored to your needs.