So, this news came out a few days ago but it might still be useful for some folks here.
Bitmain is slashing prices on a bunch of its ASICs, likely due to the recent dip in bitcoin prices and the growing pressure in the mining industry. I've seen some promo campaigns and internal price lists that back this up. They've got some S19 and S21 machines going for as low as $3-$4 per terahash, with shipments set to go out until 2026.
Seems like a decent time to grab some mining gear.
Large mining companies are already buying this equipment with huge discounts and payment plans. This may be relevant for smaller miners, but the current profitability situation isn't ideal. However, popular models have been sold out on the seller's website.
The price of ASICs usually depends on the price of Bitcoin, and that's the whole secret of this market. ASIC prices are lower now than they were in early 2025.
But you're right that you need to learn to calculate electricity costs and profit. Don't forget about the additional expenses that may be needed for ventilation and security.
That I personally would attribute to FOMO. Most of them may see mining less profitable when bitcoin drops in price but I personally don't fancy the logic. Mining is based off SATs rewards plus solo miners barely run into profit especially in countries where electricity tariff is on the rise.
Regardless of you could stack a couple SATs before a pump it's basically gonna make more sense than rushing to buy chips when it's a bull run. I want to believe the only thing keeping solo miners sometimes is the hopes of one day hitting the block reward.
I read that large companies purchase equipment under contract, and their price is independent of the price of Bitcoin. This entire market is designed solely for small miners, who are constantly taking risks. If a small miner has cheap electricity, they will make a profit.
Cheap hardware is only half the equation. If you're not already set up with cheap power, the ASIC discount doesn't save you.
The big operations buying these in bulk have locked in electricity rates that most solo miners can't touch. They can run at thin margins and wait for BTC to pump. Average person buying one S21 for their garage is competing against that while paying residential electricity rates.
Not saying don't do it, but run the numbers with realistic assumptions and not base your math on things like "what if BTC hits 150k next year".
The lower Bitcoin goes the cheaper all these Asic miners becomes, the best time to buy them is when there is no green market and everything seems boring, Let's say Bitcoin goes down to 50,000 again, many asic miners will be extremely cheaper, that would be a good time to buy especially when you are getting more than one or two.
Still nothing guarantees that Bitcoin will go lower, because what if Bitcoin pumps to 140,000 tomorrow or next month? These Asic miners will go up too, I feel the best way to go about this is to keep money aside in case Bitcoin keeps going down, if you plan to buy two miners you can buy one now and hold the money for the second one.
I live in a country where half of the mining is in the shadow segment,that is, without taxes and registrations, and Russia is the second-largest mining country. A lot of equipment is smuggled in, and a warranty for it can only be obtained in China. Most miners sign contracts with unauthorized services, which are much faster than authorized services.
Every extra day of downtime is a loss. It's more profitable to pay for repairs than to wait 45 days or more for an ASIC to be repaired for free.