NerdQaxe ++ vs. NerdOctaxe: which home miner suits you?

You want more hashrate than a single Bitaxe delivers and face the choice between NerdQaxe ++ and NerdOctaxe? Both are based on the efficient BM1370 ASIC and run the open AxeOS firmware – the difference lies in the number of chips and therefore in performance, consumption, noise and price. This comparison helps you find the right device for your home.

The key data in direct comparison

• NerdQaxe ++: 4× BM1370, ~4.8 TH/s, ~80 W, ~16 J/TH, 12V/10A power supply – quiet enough for the living room.
• NerdOctaxe: 8× BM1370, ~12 TH/s, ~200 W, ~16 J/TH, 12V/20A power supply – active cooling, audible in operation.

Both work at almost identical efficiency (J/TH) – so the NerdOctaxe is not “more economical per terahash”, it is simply twice as big. You get roughly 2.5× the hashrate at about 2.5× the consumption.

Power consumption and heat

More hashrate means more watts and more waste heat. The NerdQaxe ++ gets by with around 80 watts and can be run well in the living room with quiet ventilation – optionally a Performance Case provides better airflow. The NerdOctaxe needs stronger, active cooling at ~200 watts and is noticeably louder. If you want to place the device in the bedroom or living room, plan for that.

Noise and placement

• NerdQaxe ++: subtle fan noise, easy to ignore in everyday life.
• NerdOctaxe: clearly noticeable – better in the office, hobby room or hallway than right next to the bed.

Block chance: is the surcharge worth it?

With solo mining: more hashrate = higher hit probability. At ~12 TH/s the NerdOctaxe has roughly 2.5× the block chance of the NerdQaxe ++. In absolute numbers both remain a lottery (see Solo mining – is it worth it?) – the bigger machine only shifts the probability, it guarantees nothing.

Which one suits you?

• You want quiet, economical and still decent hashrate for the living room? → NerdQaxe ++
• You care about maximum hashrate per device and the best block chance, and fan noise does not bother you? → NerdOctaxe
• You are just starting and want to begin small? → a Bitaxe Gamma 601 is the cheapest entry.

Tip: many start with a small device and expand later. Thanks to open firmware and an identical pool setup, your system stays flexible at any time.

A side-by-side comparison of all models by hashrate, consumption and price is in our miner comparison. Both devices are in stock – including a matching power supply and 24h premium shipping.