Intel patented a Bitcoin mining hardware accelerator

Posted on Sunday, April 01 2018 @ 23:21 CEST by Thomas De Maesschalck

It almost sounds like an April Fools' Day joke, but apparently Intel filed a patent for a Bitcoin mining hardware accelerator. The patent application was filed on September 23, 2016 and we have no idea whether this is something Intel is (still?) actively working on.

The application calls for a Bitcoin Mining Hardware Accelerator With Optimized Message Digest and Message Scheduler Datapath that could potentially reduce Bitcoin electricity usage by up to 35 percent.

In the filing, it appears it's Intel's intent to create a chip that could augment the existing Bitcoin mining process by increasing energy efficiency. As they themselves put it, "Because the software and hardware utilized in Bitcoin mining uses brute force to repeatedly and endlessly perform SHA-256 functions, the process of Bitcoin mining can be very power-intensive and utilize large amounts of hardware space. The embodiments described herein optimize Bitcoin mining operations by reducing the space utilized and power consumed by Bitcoin mining hardware."

Via: TechPowerUp

About the Author

Thomas De Maesschalck

Thomas has been messing with computer since early childhood and firmly believes the Internet is the best thing since sliced bread. Enjoys playing with new tech, is fascinated by science, and passionate about financial markets. When not behind a computer, he can be found with running shoes on or lifting heavy weights in the weight room.

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