Mining FAQ — ASIC Miners, Bitcoin & Crypto Mining Questions | Mineshop.eu

Mineshop.eu is a leading crypto hardware manufacturer and distributor, established in 2016 and based in Dundalk, Ireland. With a global reach, it operates distribution centers in Hong Kong an.

An ASIC (Application-Specific Integrated Circuit) miner is hardware built exclusively to perform one task: running a cryptographic hash function as fast and efficiently as possible. For Bitcoin, that function is SHA-256. The miner takes a block header as input, adds a random nonce, hashes the result, and checks whether the output meets the network's difficulty target. It does this billions of times per second. Because it's designed for one job only, an ASIC is 10,000–100,000× more efficient at mining than a GPU or CPU. Leading manufacturers include Bitmain (Antminer), MicroBT (Whatsminer), and IceRiver.

Hashrate is the number of hash calculations a miner performs per second. A higher hashrate means more chances to find the next block and earn the block reward. Hashrate is measured in TH/s (terahashes), GH/s (gigahashes), or PH/s (petahashes). The entire Bitcoin network combined exceeds 800 EH/s (exahashes) as of early 2026. Your individual miner's earnings are proportional to your share of the total network hashrate — so rising network hashrate reduces individual earnings over time.

These are units of hashrate: • MH/s — Megahash = 1 million hashes/sec (used for GPU/CPU mining) • GH/s — Gigahash = 1 billion hashes/sec • TH/s — Terahash = 1 trillion hashes/sec (standard for modern Bitcoin ASICs) • PH/s — Petahash = 1 quadrillion hashes/sec (used by large mining operations) • EH/s — Exahash = 1 quintillion hashes/sec (used for total Bitcoin network) Each unit is 1,000× the one below it. A typical home ASIC miner in 2026 delivers 100–250 TH/s.

Mining difficulty is a network parameter that controls how hard it is to find a valid Bitcoin block. It adjusts every 2,016 blocks (~2 weeks) to keep average block time at 10 minutes. When more miners join the network and blocks are found faster than 10 minutes, difficulty increases — and individual miners earn less per TH/s. Difficulty has risen roughly 100× over the past 5 years as Bitcoin adoption and mining investment have grown. This is why upgrading to more efficient hardware matters: a miner that was profitable at lower difficulty may become unprofitable as difficulty climbs.

The Bitcoin halving is a programmed event that cuts the block reward in half every 210,000 blocks (~4 years). It controls Bitcoin's supply issuance and is fundamental to its deflationary model. Historical halvings: 2012 (50→25 BTC), 2016 (25→12.5 BTC), 2020 (12.5→6.25 BTC), 2024 (6.25→3.125 BTC). The next halving is expected around April 2028, when the reward will drop to 1.5625 BTC per block. Historically, each halving has been followed by a significant bull market within 12–18 months.

Pool mining: You join a pool with thousands of other miners, combining hashrate to find blocks far more frequently. Rewards are split proportionally. You earn small, consistent daily payments. This is what 99% of miners do. Solo mining: Your miner works alone. If you find a block, you keep the full reward (currently 3.125 BTC ≈ €240,000+ plus fees). But the odds are extremely low — a 200 TH/s miner at today's difficulty would statistically find a block once every ~400 years. Solo mining is effectively a lottery. Some miners use solo pools (like Solo CK Pool) which connect to the Bitcoin network directly but share the full block reward only to the finder.

Power consumption varies by model. A typical home ASIC miner uses 1,200–4,000 watts continuously. Examples: • Mini/home miners (e.g. Antminer S21 Mini): ~1,400W → ~34 kWh/day • Mid-range (e.g. Antminer S19j Pro): ~3,050W → ~73 kWh/day • High-end (e.g. Antminer S21 XP): ~3,500W → ~84 kWh/day Always ensure your home wiring and circuit breakers can handle the load. Most European household circuits are 16A (3,680W max). For miners above 3kW, a dedicated 32A circuit is recommended. A qualified electrician should assess your setup.

Yes — with the right hardware and electricity rate. Profitability depends on three factors: hashrate, efficiency (J/TH), and your electricity cost (€/kWh). At €0.10/kWh, most current-gen ASICs (Antminer S21, Whatsminer M60S) are profitable. At €0.20/kWh, only the most efficient top-tier miners break even. At €0.30/kWh+, home mining is typically unprofitable at current Bitcoin prices. If your electricity is cheap (solar, off-peak tariffs), home mining can generate meaningful returns. Use asicminersprofitability.com to calculate current ROI for specific models.

Efficiency (Joules per Terahash) measures how much electricity a miner consumes per unit of mining output. It's the single most important spec for long-term profitability. A miner doing 200 TH/s at 20 J/TH uses 4,000W; one doing 200 TH/s at 15 J/TH uses only 3,000W — same revenue, 25% lower electricity bill. In 2026, top-tier miners achieve 15–18 J/TH; mainstream home miners 20–25 J/TH. As Bitcoin price and difficulty fluctuate, more efficient miners remain profitable longer. Always compare J/TH, not just raw TH/s, when buying hardware.

For beginners, look for miners that balance noise, power draw, and profitability. Top picks in 2026: • Mini miners (under 1,500W, <55 dB): ideal for home offices — low noise, standard plug • Antminer S21 series: excellent efficiency (18–20 J/TH), widely supported firmware • Whatsminer M60S: reliable, good pool support, hydro-cooled variants available • IceRiver KS-series: if you want to mine Kaspa rather than Bitcoin For a personalised recommendation based on your electricity rate and budget, contact our team — we've been selling mining hardware since 2016.

Bitmain Antminer: World's largest ASIC manufacturer. Widest hardware range, most third-party firmware support (Braiins OS, vnish), largest community. SHA-256 Bitcoin miners and Scrypt (Litecoin) models. MicroBT Whatsminer: Bitmain's main competitor. Strong build quality, competitive efficiency. M60/M66 series are top-tier SHA-256 miners. Popular in large mining operations. IceRiver: Specialises in Kaspa (KAS) and other altcoin algorithms. Excellent choice if you want to mine KAS rather than BTC. Compact, quieter models available.

Industrial ASIC miners are loud: 65–80 dB (comparable to a vacuum cleaner running continuously). This makes them unsuitable for bedrooms or living areas without soundproofing. Options for home use: • Mini/home miners: 40–55 dB — acceptable in a garage, basement, or dedicated room • Soundproofed enclosures: DIY or commercial boxes can reduce noise by 20–30 dB • Immersion cooling: submerging the miner in dielectric fluid eliminates fan noise entirely If noise is a concern, filter by noise level when browsing our hardware or ask for low-noise recommendations.

Immersion cooling submerges ASIC miners in non-conductive dielectric fluid (mineral oil or engineered fluid like Engineered Fluid 3M Novec). Benefits: near-silent operation, 20–30% more hashrate through stable overclocking, 50%+ longer hardware lifespan, no dust problems, and lower ambient temperature. Drawbacks: higher setup cost, messier hardware handling, harder to service. For a single home miner, air cooling is sufficient. Immersion becomes worth considering at 5+ units or when noise/heat are serious constraints.

With proper care, an ASIC miner typically operates reliably for 3–5 years. Key factors: operating temperature (keep chips below 85°C), clean air supply (dusty environments accelerate wear), stable power supply (voltage spikes damage boards), and regular fan cleaning. Immersion-cooled miners often last 6–8+ years. The biggest risk is economic obsolescence — newer, more efficient models may make your hardware unprofitable before it physically fails.

It depends on the algorithm your ASIC is built for: • SHA-256 ASICs: Bitcoin (BTC), Bitcoin Cash (BCH), Bitcoin SV (BSV) • Scrypt ASICs: Litecoin (LTC) + Dogecoin (DOGE) merge-mined simultaneously • Ethash ASICs: Ethereum Classic (ETC), Ubiq • kHeavyHash ASICs: Kaspa (KAS) • Blake3 ASICs: Alephium (ALPH) An ASIC cannot switch between algorithms — a SHA-256 Bitcoin miner cannot mine Kaspa. Buy hardware matched to the coin you want to mine.

A mining pool is a group of miners who combine hashrate to find blocks more consistently and share rewards proportionally. For Bitcoin, recommended pools in 2026: • Foundry USA — largest Bitcoin pool, 0% fee (FPPS payout) • AntPool — Bitmain-operated, 0–2.5% fee, large and reliable • F2Pool — long-running, multi-coin, 2.5% fee • Braiins Pool — first pool ever (formerly Slush Pool), 2% fee, Stratum V2 support • ViaBTC — 2% fee, good for smaller miners Choose based on payout method (PPS, FPPS, PPLNS), fee, minimum payout, and server location (lower latency = fewer stale shares).

NiceHash is a hashrate marketplace where you rent your mining power to buyers who want to mine specific coins. Instead of mining Bitcoin directly, you point your ASIC at NiceHash, which pays you in Bitcoin regardless of what it does with your hashrate. Advantages: easy setup, automatic profitability switching, no need to choose a pool. Disadvantages: typically 5–15% lower earnings than direct pool mining, NiceHash controls your hashrate, and payments are held in their custodial wallet. Best for beginners who want simplicity over maximum profit.

Basic ROI formula: Daily revenue = (Your TH/s ÷ Network TH/s) × Daily BTC issuance × BTC price Daily cost = (Power in kW) × 24 × electricity rate (€/kWh) Daily profit = Daily revenue − Daily cost ROI days = Hardware cost ÷ Daily profit Important: network hashrate and BTC price change daily, so ROI estimates have wide uncertainty. Always model multiple scenarios (BTC +/− 50%, difficulty +30%). Use asicminersprofitability.com for automated calculations with live data.

Undervolting means running ASIC chips at a lower voltage than the factory default. The chips still perform at near-stock hashrate but consume less electricity — improving efficiency (J/TH) and reducing heat. A well-tuned undervolt can reduce power consumption by 10–20% with less than 2–3% hashrate loss, significantly improving profitability at high electricity rates. Undervolting requires compatible third-party firmware (Braiins OS, vnish) and careful chip-by-chip tuning. Factory warranty may be voided — check your manufacturer's policy first.

The product lineup at Mineshop.eu includes a comprehensive range of mining hardware and accessories, such as GPU miners, CPU miners, FPGA miners, ASIC miners, immersion cooling systems, and essential electrical components for mining rigs.

Mineshop.eu accepts a variety of payment options, including credit and debit cards, bank transfers, and cryptocurrencies (Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, DAI, Litecoin, Ethereum, USDC) via Coinbase Commerce.

To pay with cryptocurrency, follow the instructions provided through the Coinbase Commerce link at checkout, ensuring you use the correct network specified to complete your transaction successfully.

Yes, there is a limit for credit and debit card payments, which is capped at 5000 euros. For purchases exceeding this amount, you may consider using bank transfers or cryptocurrency payments.

Standard KYC procedures for credit card payments include providing a photo of the card with the middle eight numbers covered, a utility bill for the delivery address, and a copy of personal identification.

Due to high demand, payment and proof of payment must be provided within 24 hours of placing an order to secure the purchase.

When paying for an ASIC miner via bank transfer, it’s crucial to transfer the payment proof to [email protected] immediately after the transaction. Due to high demand and limited stock, prompt submission of payment proof is essential to secure your order.

In high-demand periods, it’s possible for stock to sell out quickly, potentially leading to situations where multiple customers might find themselves short of stock. If this occurs, Mineshop.eu guarantees a full refund or will work towards a resolution in the customer’s favor, such as offering an alternative model or extending the delivery time.

For bulk orders, Mineshop.eu advises customers to contact them directly for special pricing. You can reach out to [email protected] with your bulk order inquiry to receive tailored assistance and potentially advantageous offers.

Cryptocurrency payments made through Coinbase Commerce are secure and provide an alternative payment method for those who prefer using digital currencies. Coinbase Commerce is a reputable platform that ensures safe and seamless transactions.

If you require any help with your payment or have questions regarding your order, you’re encouraged to contact Mineshop.eu directly. Customer support can be reached via the email address [email protected], where you can expect to receive guidance and support for your inquiry.

Transaction fees may vary depending on the payment method chosen. It’s advisable to check the terms associated with each payment method on Mineshop.eu or consult with your bank or payment provider to understand any additional charges that may apply.

Due to the volatile market conditions affecting ASIC miner pricing and mining profitability, Mineshop.eu does not offer order cancellations for ASIC miners once an order has been placed. The nature of the mining hardware market can lead to drastic changes in value over short periods, including just a few hours or days, making it challenging to accommodate cancellations.

The pricing of ASIC miners is subject to significant fluctuations influenced by the volatile cryptocurrency market and mining profitability. This volatility can drastically affect hardware pricing and demand within very short timeframes. To maintain fairness and stability in such a dynamic market, Mineshop.eu has a no-cancellation policy for ASIC miner orders.

Market volatility can lead to rapid changes in the value and demand for ASIC miners, influenced by factors such as changes in cryptocurrency prices, mining difficulty, and overall mining profitability. Even minor fluctuations in these factors can have a significant impact on mining hardware pricing and availability.

Given the no-cancellation policy due to market volatility, it’s crucial to thoroughly evaluate your decision to invest in an ASIC miner. Consider factors like current market conditions, the specific cryptocurrency you intend to mine, the miner’s efficiency, potential profitability, and your long-term mining strategy.

Mineshop.eu maintains a strict no-cancellation policy for ASIC miners to address the challenges posed by market volatility. As such, no exceptions are made, underscoring the importance of careful consideration before making a purchase.

Yes, orders for hardware items other than ASIC miners can be canceled, provided that the cancellation request is made before the order is processed and shipped. It’s important to promptly communicate your intention to cancel to ensure the order can be halted in time.

Mineshop.eu offers a 14-day return policy for non-ASIC hardware items. If you are not satisfied with your purchase, you can return the item within 14 days of receipt, provided that it is in its original, unopened condition. Please see details here.

To initiate a return, you should contact Mineshop.eu’s customer service to express your intention to return the item. You will likely need to provide order details and the reason for the return. Customer service will guide you through the return process, including where to send the item back.

The returned item must be in its original, unopened condition, including all packaging, accessories, and documentation. Items that have been used, altered, or damaged may not be eligible for a return.

Upon receiving and inspecting the returned item, Mineshop.eu will process your refund. The refund will typically cover the cost of the item, but it may not include any shipping fees paid during the purchase. Be sure to review Mineshop.eu’s return policy for specific details regarding refunds.

If your order has already been shipped, you won’t be able to cancel it. However, you can still return the item under the 14-day return policy once you receive it, as long as it remains unopened and in its original condition.

Restocking fees, if applicable, will be specified in Mineshop.eu’s return policy. It’s advisable to review this policy or contact customer service for clarification on any fees associated with returning an item.

Some ASIC miners may not include power cables. It’s advisable to purchase PDU cables separately to ensure safe and reliable power supply for these high-consumption devices.

ASIC (Application-Specific Integrated Circuit) Miners are specialized hardware designed specifically for mining cryptocurrencies. Unlike general-purpose hardware, ASIC miners are optimized to compute mining algorithms with maximum efficiency.

Choosing the right ASIC Miner depends on several factors including the cryptocurrency you wish to mine, the miner’s hash rate, energy efficiency, and your budget. Researching and comparing different models is essential to find one that fits your mining goals.

ASIC Miners are designed for specific mining algorithms, making them suitable for mining certain cryptocurrencies. While some algorithms are used by multiple coins, it’s crucial to ensure compatibility before purchasing.

Setting up an ASIC Miner involves connecting it to your power supply and internet, configuring it via its web interface or connected device, and pointing it to a mining pool or your wallet address. Detailed instructions are usually provided by the manufacturer.

ASIC Miners require regular cleaning to remove dust and ensure adequate cooling. It’s also important to monitor their performance and update firmware as recommended by the manufacturer.

The power consumption of ASIC Miners varies widely depending on the model and its efficiency. It’s essential to check the specifications of your specific model for accurate information.

Depending on the power consumption of your ASIC Miner, a standard household outlet may not be sufficient, especially for high-powered models. It’s crucial to assess the electrical requirements and possibly consult an electrician.

To reduce electricity costs, consider mining during off-peak hours if your electricity provider offers lower rates, use energy-efficient mining hardware, and ensure your mining setup is optimally cooled to prevent overheating and wasted energy.

Ensure your mining setup adheres to electrical safety standards, avoid overloading circuits, use surge protectors, and regularly inspect your equipment for any signs of damage or overheating. Consulting with an electrician to ensure your setup is safe and compliant with local regulations is also advisable.

Mineshop.eu facilitates warranty claims. For certain products like ASIC miners, direct manufacturer interaction may be available to expedite the process.

If you encounter issues with your ASIC miners purchased from Mineshop.eu, the company provides technical support to help diagnose and resolve any problems you might be facing. To facilitate a quicker resolution, you are advised to open a support ticket through the contacts page on Mineshop.eu’s website. Additionally, to assist the technical team in understanding your issue better, it’s recommended to export and send the miner’s log file along with your support ticket. This information can significantly expedite the troubleshooting process, allowing the technical support team to provide more accurate and timely assistance.

The standard warranty period for ASIC Miners typically ranges from 3 to 12 months from the date of purchase, depending on the manufacturer. It’s important to check the specific warranty terms provided by the seller or manufacturer of your device.

ASIC Miner warranties generally cover defects in materials and workmanship under normal use. This does not cover damages resulting from misuse, unauthorized modifications, external causes such as accidents, or natural disasters.

To claim a warranty, you should contact the seller or manufacturer’s support team, providing details of the issue, proof of purchase, and any required documentation. They will guide you through the warranty claim process, which may include troubleshooting steps, returning the defective unit, or providing additional information.

Some manufacturers offer extended warranty options at an additional cost. Check with your ASIC Miner’s brand to see if such options are available and what they entail.

If your ASIC Miner encounters an issue after the warranty has expired, you can still contact the manufacturer’s support team for assistance. They may offer repair services or guidance on how to resolve the issue, possibly at a fee.

Yes, certain actions can void the warranty, such as unauthorized modifications or repairs, using the device in a manner not intended by the manufacturer, physical damage caused by misuse, and damage from external sources like power surges.

Support contact information is typically provided on the manufacturer’s website. This can include support tickets, email addresses, phone numbers, and sometimes live chat options.

Yes, most manufacturers and sellers provide technical support regardless of the warranty status. However, any repairs or services provided outside the warranty may incur charges.

When contacting support, have your ASIC Miner’s model, serial number, purchase information, a detailed description of the issue, exported log file if possible and any troubleshooting steps you’ve already taken ready to expedite the support process.

The resolution time for a warranty claim can vary based on the issue’s complexity, parts availability, shipping times, and the manufacturer’s policies. It’s best to ask for an estimated timeline when filing your claim.

Mineshop.eu maintains warehouses in Ireland and Hong Kong. Products listed with a 24-hour shipping time are typically dispatched from the Irish warehouse, whereas items with a 5-10 day shipping estimate are usually shipped from the Hong Kong warehouse.

Direct pickup for some orders is available at the Mineshop.eu warehouse in Dundalk, Ireland, with prior arrangement.

Mineshop.eu will keep you informed about your order status and tracking details via email.

Mineshop.eu utilizes both DHL and UPS for their shipping services, offering both express and economy options to cater to various needs and preferences. Once an order is processed and marked as completed, Mineshop ensures to send the tracking information to the customer via email. This allows customers to conveniently monitor the progress of their shipment and have a clear idea of the delivery timeline. All shipments are insured.

Yes, all products shipped by Mineshop.eu are insured, providing an extra layer of security and peace of mind for your purchases during transit.

All shipments destined for EU countries are dispatched from the Irish warehouse. This strategic approach eliminates the need for EU customers to deal with customs clearance, ensuring a smoother and faster delivery process.

Yes, customers residing outside the EU have the option to request their orders to be shipped from the Hong Kong warehouse if they prefer.

Shipments within the EU are cleared through customs in advance, with no additional charges upon delivery. This policy ensures a hassle-free delivery experience for EU customers.

Customers outside the EU might face additional charges depending on the customs regulations of their respective countries. Mineshop.eu advises customers to be aware of their local customs policies.

Mineshop.eu offers support in declaring lower values for packages, which can help reduce import costs. This service can make the overall purchase more economical for customers dealing with stringent import regulations.

Mineshop.eu offers 0% VAT for EU businesses through intra-community sales. To qualify, payments must be made from a company account, and the delivery address must be the registered address of the company. This policy supports businesses by making purchases more cost-effective. Leave VAT number in Checkout and VAT will be deducted from final price. Company validation is mandatory after purchase.

For any special shipping requirements or queries, Mineshop.eu encourages customers to contact their support team. They are ready to provide tailored assistance to ensure your shipping needs are met satisfactorily.

Mineshop.eu is reachable for support at [email protected] or via WhatsApp messaging on their website.

Mineshop.eu customer support can assist with a wide range of issues, including order inquiries, payment issues, shipping information, technical support for products, warranty claims, returns, and any other questions related to your purchase or intended purchase.

When contacting customer support, it’s helpful to provide as much relevant information as possible, such as your order number, the nature of your inquiry or issue, any relevant account information, and a detailed description of your question or problem to ensure a swift and accurate response.

The customer support hours for Mineshop.eu may vary, Closed on Irish public holidays usual opening hours 9-4pm UTC. If you send an email outside of these hours, it will be addressed as soon as possible during the next business day.

Response times can vary depending on the volume of inquiries and the complexity of your request. Mineshop.eu aims to respond as quickly as possible, typically within a few business days.

Yes, Mineshop.eu customer support can provide guidance and advice on selecting the best product for your needs based on your requirements, budget, and any other factors you specify. Please note that our business specializes in selling hardware, not investment services. We appreciate your understanding and are here to assist with any hardware inquiries you may have.

If you haven’t received a response within a reasonable timeframe, it’s appropriate to send a follow-up email to ensure your request was received and is being processed. Make sure to reference any previous correspondence for continuity.

Yes, Mineshop.eu provides technical support for the setup and use of their products. If you encounter any technical difficulties, you can reach out to their support team for assistance.

Mineshop.eu may offer various resources such as FAQs, product manuals, and troubleshooting guides on their website. These resources can be valuable for resolving common issues or questions independently.

Absolutely, Mineshop.eu customer support can provide information and assistance regarding warranty claims, return policies, and procedures for returning a product if necessary.

Periodic discounts and promotional sales are available, often accessible through coupon codes. Subscribing to the email newsletter is recommended to catch these deals.

The Mining Chest is Mineshop’s loyalty rewards programme. Earn points by mining Bitcoin at our solo pool (solo.mineshop.eu) and by purchasing products from the store. Redeem points for up to 20% off eligible hardware at checkout, plus early access to new stock.

Connect your miner to stratum+tcp://pool.mineshop.eu:3333 using your Bitcoin wallet address as the username. Points are awarded daily based on your hashrate at approximately 3.6 points per TH/s per day. A 100 TH/s miner earns around 360 points/day before multipliers. Points appear in My Account → Mining Points.

Every completed order automatically credits loyalty points to your account. Points are awarded when your order status changes to “completed” and appear as “Earned from order #XXXXX” in your history. Higher-value orders earn more points. No action needed - fully automatic.

Yes - three multiplier types stack on top of your base mining rate:

Streak Multiplier - Mine every day to build a streak. Longer streaks earn higher multipliers. Miss a day and the streak resets.

Rank Multiplier - Your position on the pool hashrate leaderboard determines a rank multiplier. Higher average hashrate = higher rank = more points per TH/s.

Elite Ranks - Two titles that reset when overtaken: Warlord (highest 7-day average hashrate, 2x bonus) and Legion Commander (most active workers in last 15 minutes, 2x bonus). All multipliers are visible at solo.mineshop.eu.

At checkout, if your cart has an eligible product and you hold at least 500 points, a “Use Mining Points” option appears. Select how many points to apply - 100 points = €1 discount. The discount is applied instantly to your order total. If an order is cancelled, your points are automatically restored.

Up to 20% off the eligible product’s price. On a €1,000 miner that’s up to €200 off (= 20,000 points). The minimum to redeem is 500 points (€5). Not all products are eligible - look for the “Points accepted” indicator on the product page or in your cart.

• Up to 20% discount on eligible hardware at checkout
• Early access to new products - customers with high balances are notified before new stock goes on general sale

Points have no expiry while your account is active. More redemption options are planned.

Yes. Create a Mineshop account and every completed order earns points automatically - no mining required. Mining earns significantly more points (especially with multipliers), but it’s entirely optional. The programme rewards both miners and shoppers.

Log in and go to My Account → Mining Points to see your current balance, full transaction history, and the euro value of your points. If you’re mining at the pool, your live hashrate, streak, and multiplier stack are visible on the solo pool dashboard.

Yes - that’s the core appeal of solo mining. Every miner at solo.mineshop.eu competes for the full Bitcoin block reward (currently 3.125 BTC, approximately €240,000+). If your miner finds a block, you keep 100% of it. SoloBlocks.io has tracked hundreds of real blocks found by home miners. Mining Chest points are earned on top - there is no trade-off.