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

You want more hashrate than a single Bitaxe delivers and are choosing between the NerdQaxe ++ and the NerdOctaxe? Both use the efficient BM1370 ASIC and run NerdOS, the open Nerdaxe fork of AxeOS. The difference is the number of chips, and with it performance, consumption, noise and price. This comparison helps you find the right device for your home.

The key data side by side

• NerdQaxe ++: 4× BM1370, ~4.8 TH/s, ~80 W, ~17 J/TH, 12V/10A power supply. Quiet enough for the living room.
• NerdOctaxe: 8× BM1370, ~12 TH/s, ~200 W, ~17 J/TH, 12V/20A power supply. Active cooling, audible in operation.

Both work at almost the same efficiency of about 17 J/TH. The NerdOctaxe does not save energy per terahash; you get roughly 2.5 times the hashrate for roughly 2.5 times the power draw.

Power consumption and heat

More hashrate means more watts and more waste heat. The NerdQaxe ++ gets by with around 80 watts and runs well in the living room with quiet ventilation; the optional Performance Case improves the airflow. At ~200 watts the NerdOctaxe needs stronger active cooling and is noticeably louder. If the device is meant for the bedroom or living room, plan for that.

Noise and placement

• NerdQaxe ++: subtle fan noise that is easy to ignore in everyday life.
• NerdOctaxe: clearly audible. It belongs in the office, hobby room or hallway rather than next to the bed.

Block chance: is the bigger device worth it?

In solo mining, more hashrate means a higher probability of a hit. At ~12 TH/s the NerdOctaxe has roughly 2.5 times the block chance of the NerdQaxe ++. In absolute terms both remain a lottery (see Is solo mining with a Bitaxe worth it?). The bigger machine shifts the probability; it guarantees nothing.

Which one suits you?

• You want a quiet, economical device with decent hashrate for the living room? → NerdQaxe ++
• You want 2.5 times that hashrate and a correspondingly higher block chance, and fan noise does not bother you? → NerdOctaxe
• You want even more hashrate and prefer water cooling to a loud fan? → the NerdOctaxe Hydro with ~14 TH/s at ~220 W.
• You are just starting and want to begin small? → a Bitaxe Gamma 601 is the usual entry point.

Tip: many people start with a small device and add more later. With open firmware and the same pool settings on every device, your setup stays flexible.

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