Product Overview

The Bitmain Antminer KS5 Pro 21Th is a high-performance Kaspa (KAS) ASIC miner running the kHeavyHash algorithm. Delivering 21 terahashes per second, it is one of Bitmain’s most powerful dedicated Kaspa mining units and represents a significant step up over the base KS5 model in terms of hashrate output.

Kaspa is a proof-of-work cryptocurrency using a unique blockDAG architecture (Directed Acyclic Graph) that enables very fast block times while maintaining security through PoW consensus. The kHeavyHash algorithm was specifically designed to be ASIC-friendly, and Kaspa has become one of the most actively mined PoW coins outside of Bitcoin following strong community growth from 2022 onwards.

The KS5 Pro 21Th is positioned as Bitmain’s flagship KS5-series Kaspa miner. Its 21 TH/s output makes it particularly attractive for operators who want high pool contribution per deployed unit, and its ~3500W power draw keeps it within manageable electrical infrastructure limits for dedicated mining facilities. The “Pro” designation marks it as an upgraded chip variant over the base KS5.

Key Features

• 21 TH/s hashrate: Bitmain’s highest output in the KS5 series, providing strong Kaspa mining contribution per unit and reducing the number of machines needed to achieve a target KAS output.
• ~3500W power consumption: At approximately 3500W, the KS5 Pro 21Th delivers approximately 167 W/TH on kHeavyHash — competitive efficiency within the current Kaspa ASIC segment.
• kHeavyHash algorithm: Purpose-built for Kaspa (KAS) mining. Not compatible with SHA-256 (Bitcoin), Blake2S (Kadena), or other algorithms. Dedicated KAS hardware only.
• Air-cooled dual fan design: Standard industrial ASIC enclosure with dual high-speed fans. No specialist cooling required for standard mining room or container deployment.
• Ethernet (RJ-45) connectivity: Wired network connection for pool communication. Web interface for configuration and monitoring.
• Bitmain Pro series chip quality: The “Pro” designation indicates a higher-bin chip selection process, resulting in the superior 21 TH/s output compared to the base KS5 model at the same or similar power envelope.
• Large single-unit Kaspa contribution: At 21 TH/s, a single KS5 Pro unit provides meaningful KAS mining output for pool-based income without requiring large multi-unit deployments.

Technical Specifications

• Algorithm: kHeavyHash
• Supported coins: Kaspa (KAS)
• Hashrate: 21 TH/s (±3%)
• Power consumption: ~3500W (±5%) at 25°C ambient
• Power efficiency: ~167 W/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 grid supply is fully compatible with the Antminer KS5 Pro 21Th’s 200–240V input. No voltage adaptor is required.

At approximately 3500W continuous draw, the KS5 Pro 21Th requires a dedicated high-amperage circuit. A dedicated 32A circuit, installed by a registered electrician, is appropriate and recommended — a standard 16A domestic circuit (safely loaded to ~2944W) is insufficient for continuous operation at this wattage. For farms with multiple KS5 Pro units, a dedicated sub-distribution board with individual circuit breakers per miner is essential.

Load shedding is a significant consideration. At 3.5 kW, a 10kWh residential battery provides approximately 2.9 hours of mining at full load. For 24/7 uptime through South African load shedding stages, a generator or commercial backup power solution is necessary. Operators should factor load shedding hours into their effective daily operating time calculations.

Good ventilation is critical: the KS5 Pro generates substantial heat output. Ensure clear airflow at both inlet and exhaust fans, maintain ambient temperature below 40°C, and use active air extraction in enclosed mining rooms. South Africa’s summer temperatures can create thermal management challenges without dedicated cooling.

Electricity Cost Context — South Africa

Running the Antminer KS5 Pro 21Th at 3500W continuously consumes approximately 84 kWh per day, or roughly 2 520 kWh per month. At R2.80/kWh (reference residential tariff — municipal rates vary), the estimated monthly electricity cost is approximately R7 056 per month.

Calculation: (3500 ÷ 1000) × 24 × 30 × R2.80 = ~R7 056/month.

At standard South African residential tariffs, this is a high operating cost. The KS5 Pro’s viability depends on KAS price, network difficulty, and the operator’s actual electricity rate. Commercial or industrial tariffs, or access to renewable energy, significantly improve the operating economics. This is a cost estimate only — not a profitability projection.

Ideal Use Cases

• Dedicated Kaspa (KAS) mining operations: Operators who specifically want to mine KAS on its kHeavyHash proof-of-work network using Bitmain’s highest-output KS5-series hardware.
• Commercial Kaspa mining farms: Multi-unit deployments in purpose-built facilities where the KS5 Pro’s commercial form factor and air-cooling allow scalable rack deployment.
• Maximum KAS output per unit: When operators want the highest single-unit Kaspa hashrate available in the KS5 family, with the fewest machines needed to reach a target output level.
• Diversification from Bitcoin or ETC mining: Operators who want exposure to the Kaspa kHeavyHash algorithm as a complement to or diversification from their existing SHA-256 or Ethash hardware portfolio.
• Operators with commercial electricity tariffs: At 3.5 kW, the KS5 Pro’s economics are best suited to operators with access to below-average electricity rates through commercial or industrial supply agreements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Antminer KS5 Pro 21Th work on South African power?
Yes. SA’s 230V/50Hz supply is within the miner’s rated input range. A dedicated 32A circuit from a registered electrician is required for safe continuous operation.

What is the difference between the KS5 and KS5 Pro?
The base KS5 delivers lower hashrate at a similar power envelope. The KS5 Pro uses higher-bin chips (the “Pro” selection) to achieve 21 TH/s. For the IceRiver equivalent, see: IceRiver KS5 20Th.

What Kaspa mining pools are compatible with the KS5 Pro?
All Kaspa Stratum-compatible pools work with the KS5 Pro. Popular options include F2Pool, HeroMiners, and K1Pool. Configure pool settings via the miner’s web interface.

How does the KS5 Pro compare to the IceRiver KS5 20Th?
The KS5 Pro 21Th (Bitmain) and IceRiver KS5 20Th are closely competitive. The KS5 Pro offers 21 TH/s vs 20 TH/s for the IceRiver, with broadly similar efficiency profiles. Both are strong options for Kaspa mining at the top end of the KS5 performance class.

Can I mine Bitcoin with the KS5 Pro?
No. The KS5 Pro is a kHeavyHash ASIC and mines Kaspa (KAS) exclusively. For Bitcoin ASIC miners, see our Bitcoin mining hardware range.

What’s Included

• 1× Bitmain Antminer KS5 Pro 21Th ASIC miner unit
• Integrated or bundled PSU (confirm with order)
• Power cable (region-specific — South African plug may require local adaptor or electrician wiring)
• Ethernet cable not included
• Quick-start guide