Mining

Used XBT Miner Buyer's Guide

How to buy a used BLAKE2b miner without getting burned, plus an open test standard any seller can meet.

Before you pay · Test standard · Red flags · When it arrives · Seller template

Before you pay

Check the math first. Look the model up on Miner Profitability with your real electricity price. If it barely breaks even today, a difficulty rise will put it underwater.
Ask for proof it runs, not photos of the box. A recent 24-hour hashrate graph from the pool, or a live video of the miner's web dashboard, beats any description.
Ask what's included. Many listings are "unit only": no power supply, no cord. Know the connector type, wattage and voltage (120V or 240V) before you buy.
Ask about repairs. Replaced hashboards, chips or fans aren't deal breakers, but they should be disclosed and priced in.
Pay with buyer protection. Marketplace checkout or escrow. Avoid wire transfers or crypto-only payment to sellers you can't verify.

XBT Miner Test Standard v1

An open checklist for used BLAKE2b miners. Any seller can meet it, and buyers should ask for it. xbt.live doesn't sell certifications or run tests. The standard is free for anyone to use.

A tested unit comes with:

24-hour run. Continuous run within the last 7 days, shown by a pool worker graph or miner uptime screen.
Hashrate. 24-hour average at 95% or more of the rated hash rate, in the mode it will ship in.
Every board healthy. Board count and chip count shown, with no dead or missing chips.
Temperatures. Highest chip or board temperature during the run, plus room temperature, within the manufacturer's limits.
Fans. All fans spinning, with RPM shown.
Wall power. Measured at the wall with a meter, not just the spec sheet.
Photos. Serial label, power connectors (no browning or melting), and the inside if it's been opened.
Firmware. Version listed, factory reset done, default password and no pool settings left from the last owner.
Repairs disclosed. Anything replaced or reworked, and when.
Return window. At least a few days to test it yourself after delivery.

Red flags

Price far below similar sold listings, especially with "payment in crypto only".
Stock photos, or no video of it running.
"Worked when last used", "untested" or "for parts" on a full-price listing.
Browned, melted or swapped power connectors. Goldshell BOX units draw a lot through one 6-pin connector, so look closely.
Seller won't say what's included or what voltage it needs.
Pressure to pay fast or move the deal off the marketplace.

When it arrives

Photograph the box and unit before plugging anything in.
Check connectors and fans by eye. Look for shipping damage.
Give each miner its own power cable. Never split one cable across two miners.
Point it at your pool and let it run. Feel the power connector after the first hour and again at 24 hours. Warm is normal. Too hot to hold means shut it off.
Compare the 24-hour average to the rated hash rate while your return window is still open.

Seller template

Selling a miner? Copy this into your listing and fill it in. Buyers trust listings that show their work.

XBT Miner Test Standard v1 (xbt.live/guide)
Model / mode:
Serial:
24h run date:
24h average hashrate:        (rated:      )
Boards / chips OK:
Max temp:          Room temp:
Fans (RPM):
Wall power (W):           Voltage:
Included (PSU, cord):
Firmware version:          Factory reset: yes / no
Repairs:
Return window:

This guide is general information, not financial advice. Mining profitability changes with price and difficulty.