Product Overview

The ElphaPex DG2 18Gh is a high-performance Scrypt algorithm ASIC miner designed for Litecoin (LTC) and Dogecoin (DOGE) merged mining. Delivering 18 GH/s at 3,960W, the DG2 18Gh sits above the Bitmain L9 17G in raw Scrypt hashrate, making it one of the highest-output air-cooled Scrypt miners available. It is designed for professional mining operations where maximising per-unit Scrypt contribution is the primary objective.

ElphaPex (formerly producing the DG1+ series) developed the DG2 as their second-generation large-format Scrypt ASIC, building on the DG1 series architecture to deliver higher hashrate in a comparable form factor. The DG2 series competes directly with the Bitmain L9 range, and at 18 GH/s the DG2 18Gh holds the higher hashrate per unit versus any single L9 variant — making it attractive for operators who want maximum Scrypt output from a limited number of rack slots.

For South African operators targeting the LTC and DOGE merged mining market, the DG2 18Gh represents the top tier of air-cooled Scrypt performance. Its 3,960W power draw places it firmly in the industrial mining category — requiring dedicated 32A+ circuits and robust ventilation infrastructure — but for operations with appropriate power facilities, it delivers the highest single-unit Scrypt contribution available.

Key Features

• 18 GH/s Scrypt Hashrate (±5%): Among the highest air-cooled Scrypt hashrate outputs available in a single unit. The DG2 18Gh outperforms the top-tier Bitmain L9 17G on raw hashrate, maximising LTC and DOGE merged mining output per rack slot.
• Dual LTC + DOGE Merged Mining: The Scrypt algorithm enables simultaneous merged mining of Litecoin and Dogecoin with no additional power cost. Both coins are earned from every submitted share.
• 3,960W Power Consumption: High absolute power draw reflecting the unit’s leading hashrate position. Requires industrial electrical infrastructure — dedicated 32A+ circuits and significant power capacity per unit.
• Power Efficiency ~0.22 J/MH: Competitive efficiency for a high-output Scrypt miner of this generation, consistent with the broader DG and L9-series efficiency profile.
• Air-Cooled Industrial Design: High-speed axial fans in a front-to-back configuration manage the substantial thermal load. Requires purpose-built ventilated mining facilities with active air extraction.
• Rack-Mount Form Factor: Standard ASIC mining rack chassis suitable for dense rack deployment in commercial mining facilities.
• Standard Ethernet Interface: RJ45 connectivity with web-based management for pool configuration, monitoring, and firmware updates.

Technical Specifications

• Algorithm: Scrypt
• Supported Coins: Litecoin (LTC), Dogecoin (DOGE), and other Scrypt-based cryptocurrencies
• Hashrate: 18 GH/s (±5%)
• Power Consumption: 3,960W (±5%)
• Power Efficiency: ~0.22 J/MH
• Cooling: Air-cooled, high-speed axial fans
• Input Voltage: 200–240V AC, 50/60 Hz
• Networking: 1× RJ45 Ethernet
• Operating Temperature: 0°C to 40°C
• Dimensions: Confirm with supplier at time of purchase
• Net Weight: Confirm with supplier at time of purchase
• Power Supply: Confirm inclusion status at time of purchase

Power & Installation Notes

The ElphaPex DG2 18Gh draws 3,960W continuously — one of the highest power draws in the Scrypt miner category. South African installations must comply with SANS 10142, and all circuits must be certified by a registered electrician.

A dedicated 32A single-phase circuit is the absolute minimum, though a higher-rated circuit is recommended to provide headroom above the 80% continuous load rule at this wattage. For facilities running multiple DG2 units, three-phase power distribution should be considered for balanced load management. South Africa’s 230V / 50Hz supply falls within the unit’s 200–240V input range — no transformer is required, though the PSU should be confirmed as compatible.

Load shedding at this power level is not practically manageable with residential inverter systems. At nearly 4 kW, sustaining the DG2 18Gh through a 2-hour load-shedding period would require a commercial-grade inverter and substantial battery bank — far beyond typical home backup systems. Operators in load-shedding-affected areas should either plan for and accept downtime during outages or invest in commercial generator capacity. Load-shedding downtime should be factored into operational models.

Ventilation is critical and non-negotiable at this power draw. The DG2 18Gh generates significant heat output. Industrial extraction — dedicated inline duct fans or wall-mounted extraction units — must be installed and capable of maintaining ambient room temperatures below 40°C. Inadequate ventilation will cause thermal throttling and potential hardware damage.

Electricity Cost Context — South Africa

At Eskom’s approximate residential reference tariff of R2.80/kWh, the monthly electricity operating cost for the ElphaPex DG2 18Gh is estimated as follows:

(3,960 ÷ 1,000) × 24 × 30 × 2.80 = R7,983.36 per month

This is an operating cost estimate only — not a profitability projection. Actual electricity tariffs vary significantly by municipality and supply category. At approximately R7,983/month in electricity, the DG2 18Gh is firmly in the commercial mining cost tier — suitable for operators with access to industrial or commercial electricity tariffs, renewable energy arrangements, or PPA agreements. Home miners on standard residential tariffs should carefully model whether the DG2’s higher hashrate justifies the higher absolute electricity cost compared to mid-range Scrypt alternatives.

Ideal Use Cases

• Commercial LTC/DOGE mining operations: The DG2 18Gh is built for large-scale commercial Scrypt mining farms with industrial power supply, purpose-built facilities, and professional fleet management.
• Maximum Scrypt hashrate per rack slot: Operators who need to maximise LTC and DOGE merged mining output within a fixed number of rack slots will find the DG2 18Gh delivers the highest single-unit contribution in the air-cooled Scrypt category.
• Fleet upgrades from L9 or DG1+ series: Mining operations upgrading from L9 or DG1+ hardware will find the DG2 18Gh offers an incremental hashrate improvement in a comparable form factor, making rack-for-rack replacement straightforward.
• Operators with renewable energy or PPA access: South African mining operations with access to commercial PPA electricity or wheeling arrangements can offset the DG2 18Gh’s operating costs and achieve competitive LTC/DOGE mining economics.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the ElphaPex DG2 18Gh work on South African power?
Yes. South Africa’s 230V / 50Hz grid supply falls within the unit’s 200–240V input range. A dedicated 32A+ circuit, certified by a registered electrician in compliance with SANS 10142, is required.

How does the DG2 18Gh compare to the Bitmain L9 17G?
The DG2 18Gh delivers 18 GH/s at 3,960W versus the L9 17G’s 17 GH/s at approximately 3,500W. The DG2 18Gh offers higher hashrate per unit but at higher absolute power consumption. Choose based on whether maximum per-unit hashrate or lower per-unit power draw is the priority for your operation.

What pool should I use for LTC/DOGE merged mining?
Major Scrypt pools supporting merged LTC+DOGE mining include AntPool, ViaBTC, F2Pool, and Litecoinpool.org. Configure the pool’s stratum URL in the DG2’s web interface and enable merged DOGE mining in your pool account settings.

Can the DG2 18Gh handle South African load shedding?
Not on residential inverter systems. At nearly 4 kW, commercial generator backup or large-scale inverter infrastructure would be required. Plan for load-shedding downtime or invest in commercial generator capacity for continuous operation.

Is a PSU included with the DG2 18Gh?
Confirm PSU inclusion status at time of purchase — power supply arrangements vary by supplier and product revision. Ensure any PSU used is rated for 3,960W+ at 230V input.

What’s Included

• 1× ElphaPex DG2 18Gh mining unit
• Power supply (confirm inclusion at time of purchase)
• Power cables
• Quick-start documentation