Mining Machine Operation Modes: Differences and Use Cases

In the Bitcoin mining industry, electricity has always been the core variable in operating costs. As Bitcoin prices fluctuate, electricity costs rise, and regulatory policies remain uncertain, more miners are seeking operational flexibility. Mining machines with a single fixed configuration often lack adaptability in complex environments. As a result, mining machines with multiple operation modes have gradually become mainstream. Bitdeer’s SEALMINER series was developed in response to this trend, offering three switchable operation modes to help users maximize returns under different electricity prices and market conditions.

Operating Principles and Use Cases of the Three Modes

The three operation modes supported by SEALMINER are Low Power Mode (LPM), Normal Mode (NPM), and High-Performance Mode (HPM). The differences among these modes mainly lie in chip voltage and frequency adjustment, overall energy efficiency control, and adaptability to ambient temperatures.

• LPM is suitable for scenarios with high electricity prices, power restrictions, or limited heat dissipation conditions. In this mode, the hashrate is reduced, power consumption decreases, and energy efficiency is better.
• NPM is the factory default setting, balancing long-term operational stability and energy efficiency. It is suitable for most standard mining farms.
• HPM increases chip frequency and voltage to maximize hashrate output. This mode is suitable for scenarios with low electricity costs, low ambient temperatures, and short-term revenue goals.

Electricity Cost Comparison

The table below shows the average parameters of SEALMINER A2 Pro Hydro under the three modes, with daily electricity costs calculated based on $0.06/kWh:

Power = hashrate × efficiency ÷ 1000 (in kilowatts)
Daily cost = power × 24 hours × electricity price

As shown in the table, HPM has the highest electricity cost, but also delivers the strongest output. When electricity prices are low or the Bitcoin price is rising, HPM offers greater short-term profit potential. On the other hand, when electricity prices increase, LPM helps reduce unit operating costs and extends the profitability window.

Performance Differences Across Models

Different models in the SEALMINER series show varying levels of hashrate and energy efficiency across LPM, NPM, and HPM. The following table compares the main models:

Note: Power consumption values are estimates based on hashrate and efficiency, and may vary due to cooling and environmental conditions.

From the table, we can see that the SEALMINER A2 Pro Hydro series delivers industry-leading hashrate and stable energy efficiency, making it ideal for professional mining farms seeking maximum output. The A2 Hydro series maintains relatively high hashrate with a better price-performance ratio, making it suitable for water-cooled deployments with tighter budgets. The A2 Pro Air series stands out among air-cooled machines due to its excellent energy efficiency and environmental adaptability, especially in scenarios with high electricity prices or lower ambient temperatures. The A2 Air series is designed as a lightweight solution, suitable for small-scale deployment and edge computing, offering flexible and cost-effective operation.

Custom Function: Flexible Hashrate and Input Power Adjustment for Mining Optimization

The SEALMINER series supports not only the standard three operation modes (LPM, NPM, HPM), but also a Custom mode, offering miners greater flexibility.

Hashrate Adjustment

Users can adjust the hashrate output dynamically based on Bitcoin price trends, mining difficulty, and expected returns. For example, during periods of low Bitcoin prices or rising difficulty, hashrate can be lowered to reduce power consumption and preserve profit margins. When prices rise or electricity becomes cheaper, hashrate can be increased to maximize output.

Input Power Adjustment

The SEALMINER Custom function allows miners to manually set the machine’s maximum input power to match actual power distribution conditions on site. This is especially useful for mining farms using older PDU or power supply systems with limited capacity. Some mining sites use early-generation PDUs with limited output per channel, which cannot fully support the power demands of new-generation high-hashrate miners. This can cause startup failures or frequent tripping. With input power adjustment, operators can lower the machine’s power draw based on the PDU’s limit, allowing it to run stably even under constrained power conditions, and avoiding downtime caused by hardware compatibility issues.

By using the Custom function, mining farms can assign different operating parameters by region or time period, enabling intelligent scheduling across zones, optimizing the power structure, and reducing peak electricity costs.

It’s also important to note that a machine’s actual hashrate is closely related to the input power setting. If the hashrate is set too high while input power is set too low, the machine may fail to reach the expected hashrate, or experience instability and frequent throttling.
To ensure stable performance, we recommend the following:

(Tip: The actual hashrate may vary slightly from the target due to environmental factors.)

1. The higher the target hashrate, the more input power is needed to support it.
2. Insufficient input power will limit machine performance, preventing full hashrate output.
3. Refer to the standard power range for each mode and match power to hashrate accordingly.

If unsure about the optimal configuration, we recommend using a preset operation mode.

Strategy-Based Mode Switching for Electricity Price Fluctuations

In real-world operations, electricity prices are rarely stable. Many mining farms experience significant seasonal differences, such as $0.02/kWh during hydropower-rich months and $0.08/kWh or higher during dry seasons. In such cases, the ability to switch operation modes becomes particularly valuable.

During low-cost electricity periods, miners are advised to switch to HPM to increase production and accumulate more Bitcoin reserves at a lower power cost. During high electricity cost seasons, switching to LPM allows machines to continue operating with lower output, minimizing shutdowns and keeping power costs under control. This helps implement a “low output, low cost” strategy to maintain profitability.

Hardware Design and Multi-Mode Compatibility

Supporting multiple operation modes requires hardware designed with flexibility in mind. SEALMINER products are built with redundant capacity in the control board, power modules, and cooling system. This allows users to adjust frequency, voltage, and power consumption as needed without affecting chip lifespan. The hardware also works with a remote management system for batch adjustments, improving operational efficiency and reducing maintenance workload.

In addition, switching between modes does not impact data transmission or pool-side stability. Users can change settings on the fly without interrupting operation, enabling true on-demand deployment.

Explore the SEALMINER A2 Series at Bitdeer

To learn more about SEALMINER A2 series performance, operation modes, and customizable power adaptation solutions, visit the Bitdeer website. Whether you are running a large-scale water-cooled farm or a distributed air-cooled deployment, the SEALMINER A2 series offers a high-efficiency, stable, and intelligent mining experience.
Start your efficient mining journey now by visiting the Bitdeer Miner Store.