Bitcoin miner (ASIC) vs. home server: running cost
A home server is cheaper to run: about $126 a year versus $5,125 for a bitcoin miner (ASIC) at typical use and 17.99¢/kWh, a $4,999 difference.
| Bitcoin miner (ASIC) | Home server | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical watts | 3,250 W | 80 W |
| Watt range | 15–3,600 W | 10–300 W |
| Typical use | 24 hours a day | 24 hours a day |
| Energy per year | 28,490 kWh | 701 kWh |
| Cost per hour | 58¢ | 1.4¢ |
| Cost per day | $14.03 | 35¢ |
| Cost per month | $427 | $10.51 |
| Cost per year | $5,125 | $126 |
| Per year in Hawaii (43.51¢) | $12,396 | $305 |
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What drives the difference
- Bitcoin miner (ASIC): ASIC miners run at full load 24/7; an Antminer S19 uses about 28,000 kWh a year, more than double a typical US home. Most need a 240 V circuit.
- Home server: Servers run 24/7, so idle draw dominates: a repurposed desktop at 80 W uses about 700 kWh a year, an old rack server 1,500+ kWh.
Ways to cut either cost
Runs Plex and containers at 6-15 W instead of 80-180 W.
See options on AmazonNewer chips deliver far more hashrate per kWh (about 17 J/TH vs 30+ J/TH for an S19).
See options on AmazonWe may earn a commission from qualifying purchases. It never changes the numbers we show. Disclosure.
Frequently asked questions
Which costs more to run, a bitcoin miner (ASIC) or a home server?
At typical use and the U.S. average rate (17.99¢/kWh), a bitcoin miner (ASIC) costs about $5,125 a year versus $126 for a home server. That's $4,999 more, or 40.6× as much.
How many watts do bitcoin miner (ASIC) and home server use?
A bitcoin miner (ASIC) typically draws 3,250 W (range 15–3,600 W). A home server draws 80 W (range 10–300 W). Watts alone don't decide cost. Hours of use, cycling and standby matter just as much.
Rates: EIA, 12 months ending 2026-07. Methodology.