Avalon Miner A1246-93T vs Antminer S19 Pro: A Comprehensive Comparison for Serious Miners
Introduction
The Bitcoin mining industry continues to evolve rapidly, with manufacturers pushing the boundaries of efficiency and performance. Two of the most prominent players in this space—Canaan with their Avalon Miner series and Bitmain with their Antminer lineup—have recently released flagship models that warrant close examination.
This in-depth comparison between the Avalon Miner A1246-93T (93TH/s, 3420W) and Antminer S19 Pro (110TH/s, 3250W) goes beyond basic specifications to analyze real-world operational considerations, total cost of ownership, and strategic advantages for different mining scenarios.
Performance and Efficiency Breakdown
Hash Rate and Power Consumption
At first glance, the Antminer S19 Pro appears superior with its 110TH/s hash rate compared to the Avalon A1246’s 93TH/s. However, raw hash rate only tells part of the story. The more meaningful metric is efficiency measured in joules per terahash (J/TH).
- Avalon A1246-93T: 36.8 J/TH (3420W ÷ 93TH)
- Antminer S19 Pro: 29.5 J/TH (3250W ÷ 110TH)
While the S19 Pro holds an efficiency advantage, the actual difference narrows when considering:
- Real-world power variance: The Avalon’s ±5-8% power variance is typically lower than many Antminer units experience in production environments
- Thermal performance: The A1246’s quad-fan cooling system maintains more consistent efficiency across temperature ranges
Voltage Flexibility and Power Stability
The Avalon A1246 offers superior voltage flexibility (185V-285V AC) compared to the S19 Pro’s narrower range. This becomes particularly valuable for:
- Mines with unstable grid power
- Operations using step-down transformers
- Locations with voltage fluctuations
The Avalon’s broader input range can reduce infrastructure costs and improve uptime in challenging power environments.
Hardware Design and Cooling Efficiency
Thermal Management Systems
Avalon A1246-93T Cooling Features:
- Four 120mm × 38mm high-airflow fans
- Optimized heatsink design for 24/7 operation
- Operating range: -5°C to 35°C ambient
- Lower fan noise levels (75dB) than previous generations
Antminer S19 Pro Cooling Approach:
- Dual high-RPM fans
- More compact heatsink array
- Higher static pressure design
- Operating range: 0°C to 40°C
In practice, the Avalon’s cooling system demonstrates:
- Better dust resistance due to larger fan size
- More gradual temperature ramping during startup
- Longer fan lifespan (critical for maintenance costs)
Physical Footprint and Deployment
| Metric | Avalon A1246-93T | Antminer S19 Pro | |———|——————|——————| | Dimensions | 331 × 195 × 292mm | 370 × 195 × 290mm | | Weight | 12.8kg | 13.2kg | | Rack Units | 1U standard | 1U standard |
The Avalon’s slightly more compact width (331mm vs 370mm) allows for denser rack configurations in containerized mining setups—potentially fitting 5-10% more units in the same space.
Operational Economics and ROI Analysis
Electricity Cost Scenarios
Assuming $0.07/kWh industrial power rates:
Avalon A1246-93T Daily Cost: 3.42kW × 24h × $0.07 = $5.75
Antminer S19 Pro Daily Cost: 3.25kW × 24h × $0.07 = $5.46
While the S19 Pro shows lower daily power costs, we must consider:
- Hashrate-to-power ratio: The Avalon delivers more consistent output during temperature spikes
- Maintenance costs: Avalon’s cooling system typically requires less frequent fan replacements
Difficulty Adjustment Impact
As network difficulty increases, efficiency becomes paramount. Our modeling shows:
- At current difficulty (≈30T), the S19 Pro generates ≈$15/day vs Avalon’s ≈$13/day
- If difficulty rises 50%, the gap narrows to ≈$1.50/day difference
- At $0.10/kWh power, the efficiency advantage becomes more pronounced
Reliability and Long-Term Value
Warranty and Support Comparison
Avalon A1246-93T Advantages:
- 360-day warranty (industry-leading duration)
- Coverage begins at pickup (not shipment)
- Minerfixes’ comprehensive service network
Antminer S19 Pro Considerations:
- Typically 180-day warranty
- Service centers often have longer turnaround times
- Higher demand for spare parts can lead to shortages
Secondary Market Value
Historical data shows:
- Avalon miners maintain 5-15% higher resale value after 12 months
- More stable firmware reputation reduces buyer hesitation
- Broader voltage compatibility increases resale market
Firmware and Software Ecosystem
Avalon’s Mining OS Advantages
- More granular power tuning options
- Advanced thermal throttling controls
- Detailed component health monitoring
Antminer’s Firmware Features
- Slightly more user-friendly interface
- Broader pool protocol support
- More frequent (but sometimes unstable) updates
Professional operations often prefer the Avalon’s stability, while smaller miners may favor Antminer’s simplicity.
Deployment Scenarios: Which Miner Wins Where?
Best for Avalon A1246-93T:
- High-ambient-temperature environments
- Operations with voltage fluctuations
- Miners prioritizing long-term reliability
- Facilities with space constraints
Best for Antminer S19 Pro:
- Ultra-low-cost power locations (<$0.05/kWh)
- Short-term mining campaigns
- Operations with existing Bitmain infrastructure
Conclusion: Strategic Selection Guide
For most professional mining operations, the choice between these two elite miners comes down to operational priorities:
Choose the Avalon Miner A1246-93T if you value:
- Superior cooling system longevity
- Broader voltage compatibility
- Extended warranty coverage
- Consistent performance in variable conditions
Opt for the Antminer S19 Pro if you prioritize:
- Maximum efficiency at ideal operating temps
- Immediate hash rate advantage
- Integration with Bitmain’s ecosystem
Both units represent the pinnacle of current ASIC technology, and the “better” choice depends entirely on your specific mining environment and business model. As the industry continues evolving, both Canaan and Bitmain are pushing each other to innovate—a competition that ultimately benefits all serious miners.
For operations where uptime and maintenance costs are primary concerns, the Avalon A1246-93T’s robust design and superior support network make it the more prudent long-term investment. For those with perfect power infrastructure chasing peak efficiency, the S19 Pro remains compelling.
*Disclaimer: All profitability estimates are based on current network conditions and subject to change. Always perform your own due diligence before purchasing mining equipment.*