ElphaPex by FoundationLogic emerged as a new Scrypt miner manufacturer with the release of its inaugural model, the DG1.

The DG1 hit the market in January 2024 with the highest hashrate and greatest efficiency of any Scrypt miner. The flagship model boasts 11000 MH/s at 3420W for an efficiency of 0.31J/MH. In April 2024, ElphaPex announced an even more powerful model called the DG1+ at 14000 MH/s with 3920W for an efficiency of 0.28J/MH. These models came in hot with impressive specs that outperform the current Scrypt mining competition.

Luxor had the privilege of examining and testing the DG1 and DG1+. In this DG1 and DG1+ review, we will review the specifications, hardware, and testing results of these models

ElphaPex DG1 and DG1+ Specifications and Design

DG1 and DG1+ Power Supply Unit and Power Cables

DG1

The DG1 miner comes with the power supply model FP-101. This power supply features an input AC voltage range of 220-240v and an output voltage range of 12-15v and is rated for 3420W.

The DG1 miner has been designed with a dual C14 receptacle for its power cable. This specific receptacle choice is standard with Antminer S19/L7 series miners, as well. ElphaPex uses a C19 with a dual-head C13 cable, making it compatible for users with existing infrastructure suited for S19 or L7.

DG1+

The DG1+ uses a larger PSU, which requires two C20 sockets. The FP-102 PSU on the DG1+ operates at an input voltage of 220-240VAC. This 32A PSU is designed to meet the power needs that are necessary to achieve a higher hashrate.

DG1 and DG1+ Fans

The fans of the DG1 and DG1+ are SJ model SG121238BS, rated at 12V and 2.7A. There are 4 fans per miner, with 2 on the font and 2 in the back. At 34.8W each, these fans dissipate heat well.

DG1 and DG1+ Control Boards

The DG1 and DG1+’s control board model is the FC01_CB_V2.3. The control boards use the Rockchip RK3358J chip. The control board follows a similar layout as those used in other Bitcoin or Scrypt ASIC miners, including an ethernet connector, reset/function buttons, four fan connectors, and an LED on the front panel. It also has a power connector input, power supply interface connector, and capacity to support four hashboards via the ribbon cable connectors.

DG1 and DG1+ Hashboards and Heatsinks

Each DG1 model contains four hashboards with dual front-and-back, bolted-on heatsinks on each board, a design that disperses heat evenly. The DG1 hashboards are equipped with 144 ASIC chips per board with a total of 576 ASIC chips per miner. The DG1+ has a bigger hashboard than the DG1 and is equipped with 204 chips per board totaling 816 chips per miner.

Elphapex DG1 and DG1+ Performance Testing

Methodology

In our test of the DG1 and DG1+, we subjected the models to a range of different temperatures in high-performance mode.

To begin, we turned on the machines for 60 minutes until both the hashrate and power draw stabilized. Afterward, we placed the rigs into a temperature-controlled box and tested them at 25, 30, 35, and 40 degrees Celsius for 60 minutes each.

Results

The table below presents the real-time hashrate, power consumption, and efficiency metrics of the DG1 and DG1+ at various temperatures.

DG1 Testing Results

DG1+ Testing Results

During our tests, it was noticeable that the DG1+ performed better than its listed specifications, especially in cooler conditions. Additionally, it was able to keep up its hashrate, even when the temperatures increased. This suggests that the DG1+ functions well in a variety of thermal settings.

The DG1 demonstrated its resilience in hot temperatures, sacrificing only 2.7% of its hashrate at 40C. Although the DG1's efficiency was 3% higher than the listed efficiency of 0.31 M/J, it remains well within the +/- 10% range that Elphapex outlines on its website.

Elphapex DG1 and DG1+ Final Thoughts

The Elphapex DG1 series offers a high hashrate and efficiency at a competitive price when compared to other Scrypt miners on the market making it a viable option for both retail and institutional miners. It’s dimensions make it compatible with existing infrastructure and rack space, making it easy to deploy. The DG1 series’ dual-sided heatsink design should ensure that the rig stays operational and avoids overheating in hot environments, as evidenced by its staying operational at 40 Celsius.