Bitcoin’s meteoric rise in 2016—up 125%—and its continued momentum into 2017, including a price surge past ¥20,000 ($3,000 USD at the time), reignited global interest in cryptocurrency mining. Alongside altcoins like Litecoin and Ethereum, the mining hardware powering this digital gold rush evolved rapidly. With advancements in 14nm and 16nm chip fabrication, mining rigs began surpassing the 10TH/s threshold, redefining efficiency and performance benchmarks.
In this in-depth comparison, we analyze three prominent Bitcoin mining machines: the Antminer S9 (13.5T), Ebit E9+ (9T), and AvalonMiner 741 (7.3T). These models represent key players in the ASIC mining space—Bitmain, Ebang, and Canaan Creative—each offering distinct trade-offs in power, noise, usability, and return on investment.
Core Specifications Overview
Understanding the technical foundation of each miner is essential for evaluating real-world performance.
- Antminer S9 (Bitmain): Released in June 2016, the S9 was the first miner to use 16nm ASIC chips—specifically Bitmain’s custom BM1387. With 189 chips across three算力 boards, it delivers up to 14TH/s. The model tested here operates at 13.5TH/s with a power draw of around 1583W. Bitmain also operates Antpool, one of the largest Bitcoin mining pools globally.
- Ebit E9+ (Ebang): An evolution of the E9, the E9+ integrates more 14nm WD1227 chips to achieve 9TH/s. It features dual high-speed fans and improved structural design but retains a rugged industrial aesthetic. Its official power efficiency rating is competitive, though real-world tests reveal otherwise.
- AvalonMiner 741 (Canaan): Known for early innovation in ASIC mining, Canaan takes a minimalist approach. The Avalon 741 lacks onboard control circuitry, requiring external controllers like a Raspberry Pi. With two算力 boards and a single fan, it targets lower-power setups but underperforms relative to its peers.
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Build Quality & Design: Engineering for Efficiency
Physical design impacts cooling, scalability, and long-term reliability.
The Antminer S9 stands out with a dual-fan configuration and three算力 boards mounted on precision rails designed for stacking. Each BM1387 chip has its own heatsink—an uncommon luxury in mass-produced miners. This attention to thermal management reflects enterprise-grade engineering. Ports include microSD slot, reset button, RJ45 Ethernet, and status LEDs, enhancing serviceability.
In contrast, the Ebit E9+ feels utilitarian. While internal wiring is neat, assembly quality is inconsistent—thermal pads appear manually torn, and excess thermal paste accumulates on heatsinks. These details suggest cost-cutting measures that could affect dust resistance and heat dissipation over time. The dual-fan setup improves airflow but contributes significantly to noise.
The Avalon 741 adopts a clean, compact form factor with hidden cabling and side-mounted算力 boards. However, its single-fan design limits airflow under full load. Despite requiring an external controller, its minimalistic layout appeals to DIY enthusiasts who prioritize modularity over plug-and-play convenience.
Among the three, the S9 clearly leads in build sophistication—justifying its reputation as the go-to choice for large-scale mining farms.
Setup & Usability: Plug-In Simplicity vs Technical Hurdles
Ease of deployment matters for both hobbyists and commercial operators.
Both the Antminer S9 and Ebit E9+ support DHCP and can be configured directly via web interface after connecting to a network. Simply plug in power (using multiple 6-pin PCIe connectors) and access the device through your router’s IP list.
- The S9’s interface is comprehensive, supporting manual frequency adjustment—a rare feature allowing fine-tuned control over performance and power consumption. Firmware updates are frequent and well-documented on Bitmain’s official forums.
- The E9+ offers a user-friendly dashboard with pre-filled pool settings but lacks customization options. Frequency and fan speed are locked, limiting optimization potential.
The Avalon 741 presents a steeper learning curve. Users must flash firmware onto an external Raspberry Pi or controller and connect it directly to a PC to enable DHCP. While the UI is visually polished and offers granular settings in "Expert Mode," the setup process deters casual users.
Language remains a barrier—all interfaces are English-only, with no official Chinese localization despite originating from Chinese manufacturers.
Thermal Performance & Noise Levels
Operating conditions were standardized:
- Room size: ~20m²
- Ambient temperature: 29–30°C
- Power supply: Bitmain APW3+ (1600W, 93.5% efficiency)
- Test duration: 3 hours continuous operation
Noise Output (Decibels)
| Miner | 10cm | 50cm | 100cm |
|---|---|---|---|
| Antminer S9 | 82–83 dB | — | 71.9 dB |
| Ebit E9+ | 83.4 dB | 77.8 dB | 75.4 dB |
| Avalon 741 | 76.5 dB | 68.1 dB | 62.2 dB |
The Ebit E9+ is notably louder—its dual 6000RPM fans produce vacuum-like noise levels unsuitable for residential environments. The S9, while still loud up close, sees rapid sound decay beyond one meter, making it more tolerable in shared spaces. The Avalon 741, running at ~4500RPM, offers the quietest operation.
Heat Dissipation
All units generate substantial heat due to high TDP:
- S9: Intake ~35°C, exhaust ~59.7°C; hotspot at power input (~48.4°C)
- E9+: Intake ~41.2°C, exhaust ~57.5°C; hotspot near fan base (~43.7°C)
- Avalon 741: Intake ~48.1°C (highest), exhaust ~50.6°C; overall cooler operation due to lower power draw
Despite similar wattage to the S9, the E9+ shows less effective thermal dispersion. The S9’s staggered fan speeds appear to enhance airflow distribution.
Hashrate & Power Efficiency: The Bottom Line
Performance metrics determine profitability.
Real-World Results (10-Hour Test)
| Miner | Rated Hashrate | Avg Actual Hashrate | Avg Power Draw | Efficiency (GH/W) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Antminer S9 | 13.5 TH/s | >13.8 TH/s | 1583W | 8.72 GH/W |
| Ebit E9+ | 9.0 TH/s | ~8.9 TH/s | 1606W | ~5.54 GH/W |
| Avalon 741 | 7.3 TH/s | ~6.8 TH/s | 1291W | ~5.27 GH/W |
The S9 exceeds its rated performance, achieving over 14TH/s peak and maintaining >13.8TH/s average—making it the most powerful ASIC miner available at the time.
More striking is its energy efficiency: 8.72 GH/W, far ahead of competitors hovering near 5.4 GH/W. This efficiency gap translates directly into lower electricity costs per mined BTC.
Even more surprising, the Ebit E9+ consumes more power than the S9 despite lower hashrate—a red flag for cost-conscious miners.
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Profitability & Return on Investment
At ¥0.6/kWh (~$0.09 USD) electricity cost and BTC priced at ¥17,890:
Using Antpool’s PPS+ mode (103.41% payout ratio), 1TH/s yields ~0.00036689 BTC/day.
- S9 (13.8 TH/s): ~0.00506 BTC/day → ¥89.6/day
- E9+ (8.9 TH/s): ~32.6 BTC/year → ¥583K/year
- Avalon 741 (6.8 TH/s): ~24.9 BTC/year → ¥445K/year
Due to superior efficiency and higher output, the S9 recoups initial investment over two months faster than its rivals—even after recent price corrections.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which miner offers the best value for home use?
A: The Antminer S9 balances performance and noise best for semi-residential setups, though proper ventilation is required.
Q: Can these miners run on standard household circuits?
A: Yes, but dedicated 15–20A circuits are recommended due to sustained loads exceeding 1500W.
Q: Why does the Avalon 741 require a Raspberry Pi?
A: To reduce manufacturing costs by offloading control logic to external hardware—a trade-off for flexibility.
Q: Is firmware update support reliable across all brands?
A: Bitmain leads in documentation and update frequency; Ebang and Canaan offer limited public resources.
Q: How does ambient temperature affect mining efficiency?
A: Higher intake temps reduce ASIC lifespan and may trigger throttling; ideal room temp is below 25°C.
Q: Are newer models worth waiting for?
A: With ongoing advances in chip density and efficiency (e.g., sub-7nm designs), upcoming miners will likely surpass these—but availability and pricing remain uncertain.
Final Verdict
When comparing Bitcoin mining hardware, performance, efficiency, and long-term reliability converge in one standout model: the Antminer S9.
It dominates in:
- Raw hashrate (over-delivering on specs)
- Energy efficiency (+60% better than rivals)
- Build quality and scalability
- Software support and community resources
While the Ebit E9+ offers decent performance, its excessive noise and higher-than-rated power draw undermine its appeal. The AvalonMiner 741, though innovative in design philosophy, lags behind in core metrics and usability.
For serious miners focused on ROI and operational stability, the choice is clear.
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