A Bitcoin miner recently shared their remarkable experience of successfully mining a full Bitcoin block, a rare and momentous achievement in the cryptocurrency world, using just 4 machines. The news echoed across social media. This is the story on how you can mimic that success.
#BITCOIN BLOCK 888737 WAS MINED BY A HOME MINER WITH ONLY 4 MACHINES
The miner recounted the emotional journey leading to this success.
It began with an unexpected and dramatic change in their mining statistics, sparking curiosity and disbelief. To confirm what had happened, they checked their BlueWallet app on their iPhone, where the realization of having mined a block began to sink in.
Overwhelmed with excitement, they rushed to their computer to verify the result. There, the confirmation appeared on-screen in bold letters: “BLOCK ACCEPTED.”
This moment marked a significant victory, akin to winning a lottery, as solo mining a block is statistically improbable given the immense competition within the Bitcoin network.
Understanding the Mining Setup
The miner’s hardware configuration offers valuable insights into a modern mining operation:
Networking Infrastructure:
- Spectrum Cable Internet connection
- Ubiquiti Edgemax Router
- Apollo BTC miners
Mining Equipment:
- BTC Apollo Full Node
- BTC Apollo Standard
- BTC Apollo II Standard
- Bitmain S19Kpro (a high-performance ASIC miner)
Operational Strategy:
The miner implements several efficiency tactics, including:
- Running Apollo miners in efficiency mode at approximately 10TH (terahashes per second)
- Operating the S19Pro at 60TH during daytime and 100TH at night
- Using cron jobs to automatically halt mining during peak electricity rates (5PM-8PM in winter)
How to Start Your Own Bitcoin Mining Operation
If you’re inspired to try Bitcoin mining yourself, here’s a comprehensive guide to getting started:
Step 1: Understand the Basics
Bitcoin mining serves two critical functions: verifying transactions and creating new bitcoins. Miners use specialized hardware to solve complex mathematical problems, competing to add the next block to the blockchain. The first to solve the puzzle earns the block reward (currently 3.125 BTC after the 2024 halving) plus transaction fees.
Step 2: Assess Feasibility
Before investing in equipment, consider:
- Electricity Costs: Mining consumes significant power. Calculate your local electricity rates to determine profitability.
- Space Requirements: Mining equipment generates noise and heat, requiring adequate ventilation.
- Initial Investment: Quality mining hardware ranges from $500 for entry-level units to $10,000+ for professional models.
- Technical Knowledge: You’ll need basic networking skills and some understanding of Bitcoin.
Step 3: Choose Your Mining Approach
Solo Mining vs. Pool Mining:
- Solo Mining: As shown in the image, this means attempting to mine blocks independently. While rewards are substantial if successful (entire block reward plus fees), chances of success are extremely low for individual miners.
- Pool Mining: Multiple miners combine hashpower and share rewards proportionally. This provides more consistent income but smaller individual payouts.
Step 4: Select and Purchase Hardware
Types of Mining Hardware:
- ASIC Miners: Application-Specific Integrated Circuit miners are purpose-built for Bitcoin mining. Examples from the image include:
- Apollo series miners (manufactured by Futurebit)
- Bitmain S19 series (industry standard high-performance miners)
Considerations When Purchasing:
- Hash rate (measured in TH/s)
- Energy efficiency (J/TH)
- Upfront cost
- Reliability and warranty
- Noise levels
Step 5: Set Up Your Mining Operation
Basic Requirements:
- Stable internet connection
- Suitable power supply
- Cooling solution
- Mining software
Network Configuration:
- Connect your miner to your router via Ethernet
- Configure your router to allow the necessary connections
- Set up a Bitcoin wallet to receive mining rewards
Software Setup:
- Install mining software compatible with your hardware
- Configure mining pool settings (if pool mining)
- Set up monitoring tools to track performance
Step 6: Optimize for Efficiency
Following the example in the image:
- Consider varying hash rates based on electricity costs at different times
- Use automation (like cron jobs) to pause mining during peak electricity rate periods
- Monitor heat output and manage cooling accordingly
The Rarity of Solo Mining Success
What makes the achievement shown in the image remarkable is its statistical improbability. With the global Bitcoin network hash rate exceeding 700 exahashes per second in 2025, an individual miner with even 100 TH/s has approximately a 1 in 7 million chance of mining a block on any given day.
The miner’s reaction—”things like this don’t happen to a pleb”—reflects the understanding within the mining community that solo mining success at this scale is comparable to winning a substantial lottery prize. This explains the emotional reaction and celebration described in the message.
For those considering entering the Bitcoin mining space, understanding both the technical requirements and economic realities is essential before making an investment.
As Bitcoin mining continues to evolve, with increasing competition and advancing technology, successful mining operations will likely require greater efficiency, strategic operation, and potentially collaborative approaches through mining pools for consistent returns.