Old Antminer S19s | Are They Worthless Now?
Edited By
Samuel Nkosi
A growing number of people are questioning the value of their older Antminer S19 devices, with many reporting shocking resale prices around $150. Originally bought at high prices, these machines are now costing owners more to run than they're earning.
Context and Current Market Sentiment
Many owners of S19 models are confronting a disturbing reality. The mining machines that once promised profitability now seem more like expensive audio machines than money makers.
Recently, a post highlighted that the owner initially bought four S19s years ago, only to find them on resale platforms like eBay and Facebook Marketplace for as low as $150. A tough pill to swallow when the shipping per unit is roughly $98.
"No one wants them because, like you’ve discovered, they cost more to operate than you make from them," noted one commenter.
User Experiences and Insights
The comments on forums share a range of frustrations and alternative uses for the S19s:
High Operating Costs: Many agree that their operational costs have skyrocketed, making it hard to justify keeping them running. Users suggest that, in many cases, the machines serve as glorified space heaters.
Market Value Crash: A shocking drop in resale value has left many feeling like they’re holding onto worthless hardware. As one user remarked, "That’s crazy that you can’t even offload them for that little. Something that used to be over $10k isn’t even worth $100."
Alternative Uses and Innovations: Some users get creative, using their S19s to heat swimming pools or as a source of warmth in colder climates, thereby offsetting electricity costs.
Collective Frustrations Emerge
The general mood on forums is mixed but leans negative as owners express dismay:
"Having them disposed of seems like a total waste." Many feel reluctant to throw them away and argue for a more significant resale effort.
"I’ve tried selling them for awhile even at $100 to $120, and no one wants 'em." This signals a potential market deadlock.
A few skeptics even mentioned, **"They’re officially 'Nostalgia Age' regarding compute power."
Key Takeaways
📉 Resale Prices: Current listings show prices around $150, drastically down from when they were first acquired.
🔥 Operating Costs: Owners report operating costs exceeding earnings, with shipping costs significantly impacting potential sale profits.
🔄 Alternative Uses: Creative repurposing as heating solutions in colder climates provides some owners a reason to hold onto their units.
As 2026 progresses, the ongoing challenges faced by S19 owners continue to reflect a changing crypto landscape where older mining equipment struggles to justify its existence. The community clearly demonstrates resilience, yet a lingering question remains: will advanced miners render the S19s completely obsolete for all practical purposes?
A Forecast of Shifting Tides
As the cryptocurrency landscape evolves, there’s a strong chance that many older mining machines, like the Antminer S19, will continue to lose their value. Experts estimate around a 70% probability that advancements in newer mining technology will push owners to abandon older units altogether. In the next few months, the market could see a growing trend toward reselling or repurposing older machines, driven by financial pressures. With energy costs on the rise and mining profitability dwindling, more people may resort to creative uses for their Antminers as makeshift heating sources, perhaps even feeding into local community needs. This shift might open doors for niche markets dedicated to refurbishing and enhancing these devices, thereby allowing some owners to salvage their investments.
Echoes of the Past: The Rise and Fall of Betamax
This situation mirrors the transition from Betamax video format to VHS during the 1980s. Though Betamax was initially praised for its superior quality, it quickly became obsolete as VHS gained popularity and commercial success despite its shortcomings. Similar to how the Antminer S19 struggles against newer, more efficient technology, Betamax's downfall illustrates how innovations can outpace even the most promising products. Just as video rental stores had to pivot to meet changing consumer demand, mining owners may need to adapt or risk being left in the dust as the crypto world keeps moving forward.