Product Overview

The Bitmain Antminer KA3 166T is a high-performance Kadena (KDA) ASIC miner running the Blake2S algorithm. With a hashrate of 166 terahashes per second, it is one of Bitmain’s most powerful KDA-dedicated mining hardware units, targeting the Kadena blockchain’s proof-of-work mining network.

Kadena (KDA) uses a unique multi-chain proof-of-work architecture known as Chainweb, which runs 20 parallel chains simultaneously. The Blake2S algorithm used by Kadena is different from both SHA-256 (Bitcoin) and Ethash (Ethereum Classic), making dedicated Kadena ASICs like the KA3 the most efficient hardware for mining KDA. GPU mining is far less competitive against ASIC hardware on Blake2S.

The Antminer KA3 166T is positioned as Bitmain’s flagship Kadena miner, offering operators a significant step up from earlier KDA mining hardware. Its 166 TH/s output makes it suitable for both commercial KDA farm deployment and for individual operators who want high single-unit contribution to the Kadena network.

Key Features

• 166 TH/s hashrate: One of the highest hashrate Kadena ASICs available, delivering strong KDA mining contribution per unit deployed in a Kadena pool or solo mining context.
• ~3154W power consumption: The KA3 166T operates at approximately 3154W, giving an efficiency of around 19 J/TH on the Blake2S algorithm — competitive within the Kadena ASIC segment.
• Blake2S algorithm: Purpose-built for Kadena (KDA) network mining. Not compatible with SHA-256 or Ethash networks — this is a dedicated KDA miner.
• Air-cooled dual fan design: Standard industrial ASIC enclosure with dual high-speed fans. Compatible with standard mining rack infrastructure.
• Ethernet (RJ-45) connectivity: Wired network connection for pool communication. Web interface accessible via local IP for setup and monitoring.
• Bitmain firmware and support ecosystem: Benefits from Bitmain’s firmware update and support infrastructure, with standard Antminer management tools compatible with KA3 units.
• Compact commercial form factor: Fits standard mining racks and can be deployed in multi-unit configurations in purpose-built mining facilities.

Technical Specifications

• Algorithm: Blake2S
• Supported coins: Kadena (KDA)
• Hashrate: 166 TH/s (±3%)
• Power consumption: ~3154W (±5%) at 25°C ambient
• Power efficiency: ~19 J/TH (±5%)
• Cooling type: Air-cooled, dual high-speed fans
• Noise level: ~75 dB(A)
• Input voltage: 200–240V AC
• Networking: Ethernet (RJ-45)
• Operating temperature: 5°C to 45°C
• Dimensions (L×W×H): 400 × 195 × 290 mm
• Net weight: ~15 kg

Power & Installation Notes

South Africa’s 230V/50Hz power supply is compatible with the Antminer KA3 166T’s rated input range of 200–240V. No voltage adaptor is required for South African installations.

At approximately 3154W, the KA3 166T requires a dedicated circuit. A dedicated 20A or 32A circuit, installed by a registered electrician, is appropriate. Standard 16A household circuits are rated at 3680W but should not be continuously loaded above 80% (~2944W), making them borderline for a single KA3 unit. A 20A or 32A dedicated circuit is the safer choice for long-term continuous operation.

Load shedding is a material operational concern. At 3.15 kW, a standard 10kWh residential battery provides approximately 3.2 hours of runtime at full load — inadequate for extended load shedding outages. Operators targeting 24/7 uptime should invest in a generator or commercial backup power system. For smaller farms, a battery with backup generation may be a cost-effective solution.

Ventilation: the KA3’s fans generate significant airflow and heat exhaust. Ensure minimum 200–300mm clearance at both fan faces and active air extraction from the mining space. Ambient temperatures should remain below 40°C for optimal hash rate stability and hardware longevity.

Electricity Cost Context — South Africa

Running the Antminer KA3 166T at 3154W continuously consumes approximately 75.7 kWh per day, or roughly 2 270 kWh per month. At R2.80/kWh (indicative residential tariff — municipal rates vary), the estimated monthly electricity cost is approximately R6 356 per month.

Calculation: (3154 ÷ 1000) × 24 × 30 × R2.80 = ~R6 356/month.

At standard South African residential tariffs, this is a significant operating cost. The KA3 166T’s viability depends heavily on KDA’s price, the Kadena network’s mining difficulty, and the operator’s electricity tariff. This is an operating cost estimate only — profitability analysis should be conducted with current KDA price and network difficulty data.

Ideal Use Cases

• Dedicated Kadena (KDA) mining operations: Operators who specifically want to mine Kadena on its Blake2S proof-of-work network, using the most efficient available hardware class.
• Diversification from Bitcoin or ETC mining: For operators running BTC or ETC miners who want exposure to a different algorithm and coin with their next hardware purchase.
• Commercial KDA mining farms: Multi-unit deployments in purpose-built facilities where the KA3’s commercial form factor and air-cooling make it straightforward to scale.
• Operators researching Kadena’s Chainweb architecture: Kadena’s unique multi-chain design differentiates it from other PoW networks. The KA3 166T allows hands-on participation in the Kadena ecosystem’s mining layer.
• High single-unit hashrate requirements: When operators want maximum hashrate contribution from each deployed unit without scaling to many smaller machines.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Antminer KA3 166T work on South African power?
Yes. SA’s 230V/50Hz supply is within the KA3’s operating input range. A dedicated 20A–32A circuit from a registered electrician is required for safe continuous operation.

What is Kadena (KDA) and why does it use Blake2S?
Kadena is a proof-of-work blockchain with a unique multi-chain architecture (Chainweb). It uses the Blake2S hashing algorithm, which allows for ASIC mining optimisation. Kadena is one of the few newer PoW networks with significant ASIC hardware support and an active ecosystem.

What mining pools are compatible with the KA3 166T?
Major Kadena mining pools include F2Pool, HashPool, and Poolflare. The KA3 uses standard Stratum protocol. Pool configuration is done via the miner’s web interface using your pool URL and worker credentials.

How loud is the Antminer KA3 166T?
At approximately 75 dB(A), the KA3 is not suitable for home living areas. It should be operated in a dedicated mining room, outbuilding, or container with sound management.

Can I mine Bitcoin with the KA3 166T?
No. The KA3 166T is a Blake2S ASIC and is not compatible with Bitcoin’s SHA-256d algorithm. It mines Kadena (KDA) exclusively. For Bitcoin mining, see our Bitcoin ASIC miners.

What’s Included

• 1× Bitmain Antminer KA3 166T ASIC miner unit
• Integrated or bundled PSU (confirm with order)
• Power cable (region-specific — South African plug adaptor or direct wiring may be required)
• Ethernet cable not included
• Quick-start guide