<p>The term <code>ASIC</code> is not associated with software but hardware. It means <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Application-specific_integrated_circuit" rel="nofollow noreferrer">Application-specific integrated circuit</a> and we should call it processor. For comparison with FPGAs, see for example <a href="http://www.xilinx.com/fpga/asic.htm" rel="nofollow noreferrer">Xilinx's site</a>.</p>

<p>Typically you need some mining software like <code>cgminer</code> or <code>bfgminer</code>. With these software you should use various types of "processors" to mine with. The most typical are:</p>

<ul>
<li>CPU (which is probably CISC)</li>
<li>GPU through OpenCL (most likely, see <a href="https://bitcoin.stackexchange.com/a/9855/2814">this answer</a>)</li>
<li>ASIC unit which is designed only for computing <code>SHA-256</code> hashes</li>
</ul>

<p>So ASIC chips are not doing the optimization, just working with hashes faster than other chips.</p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2013-11-20T13:24:56.870Z
2013-11-26T08:22:48.533Z
2017-04-13T12:47:36.707Z
dmnc
<p>I have ASIC miners  SHA-256  in one and Blake ago in the other. 
I noted they both mine <strong>DCR</strong> coin.
One is D9 miner the other is Bk-B miner. 
I tried mining alt coin <strong>Verge</strong> with both and got interesting results. 
They both read blocks found on verge mine sites.<br>
The Innominer with a insane count number. 
See the picture. Only issue is the site recorded no blocks found so I did no make an dime with testing.  I would think with some testing and software update for the coin type for each They could bring in the big returns rather fast returns.  </p>

<p><a href="https://i.sstatic.net/eeRb3.jpg" rel="nofollow noreferrer"><img src="https://i.sstatic.net/eeRb3.jpg" alt="Awesome Miner showing some very interesting results today"></a></p>

CC BY-SA 4.0
2018-08-26T13:13:53.667Z
2018-08-26T13:13:53.667Z
brminer
<p>I'm trying to understand Bitcoin mining (software-wise), and I wonder how ASIC miners are different? I'm going through this <a href="https://github.com/lithander/Minimal-Bitcoin-Miner">minimal Bitcoin miner Github repository</a>.</p>

<p>Which part of <a href="https://github.com/lithander/Minimal-Bitcoin-Miner/blob/master/MiniMiner/Program.cs">Program.cs</a> are ASICs optimizing (I guess <a href="https://github.com/lithander/Minimal-Bitcoin-Miner/blob/master/MiniMiner/Program.cs#L90">Program.cs line 90</a>)? Where can I read more about in-depth working of miners? Is there any documentation? </p>

<asic><mining-technical-details>
What are ASIC miners actually doing?
ewooycom
# What are ASIC miners actually doing?

(Asked by: username_0 on 2013-11-20)

I'm trying to understand Bitcoin mining (software-wise), and I wonder how ASIC miners are different? I'm going through this [minimal Bitcoin miner Github repository](https://github.com/lithander/Minimal-Bitcoin-Miner).

Which part of [Program.cs](https://github.com/lithander/Minimal-Bitcoin-Miner/blob/master/MiniMiner/Program.cs) are ASICs optimizing (I guess [Program.cs line 90](https://github.com/lithander/Minimal-Bitcoin-Miner/blob/master/MiniMiner/Program.cs#L90))? Where can I read more about in-depth working of miners? Is there any documentation?

**Tags:** asic, mining-technical-details


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## 2 answers

### Answer by username_1 on 2013-11-20. Score: 4

The term `ASIC` is not associated with software but hardware. It means [Application-specific integrated circuit](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Application-specific_integrated_circuit) and we should call it processor. For comparison with FPGAs, see for example [Xilinx's site](http://www.xilinx.com/fpga/asic.htm).

Typically you need some mining software like `cgminer` or `bfgminer`. With these software you should use various types of "processors" to mine with. The most typical are:

* CPU (which is probably CISC)
* GPU through OpenCL (most likely, see [this answer](https://bitcoin.stackexchange.com/a/9855/2814))
* ASIC unit which is designed only for computing `SHA-256` hashes

So ASIC chips are not doing the optimization, just working with hashes faster than other chips.


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### Answer by username_2 on 2018-08-26. Score: -1

I have ASIC miners SHA-256 in one and Blake ago in the other.
I noted they both mine **DCR** coin.
One is D9 miner the other is Bk-B miner.
I tried mining alt coin **Verge** with both and got interesting results.
They both read blocks found on verge mine sites.  
The Innominer with a insane count number.
See the picture. Only issue is the site recorded no blocks found so I did no make an dime with testing. I would think with some testing and software update for the coin type for each They could bring in the big returns rather fast returns.

[![Awesome Miner showing some very interesting results today](https://i.sstatic.net/eeRb3.jpg)](https://i.sstatic.net/eeRb3.jpg)


---

