In a world where cryptocurrency mining has become increasingly industrialized, one man’s quirky DIY project is challenging the status quo — and capturing global attention. Idan Abada, a tech enthusiast from Los Angeles, has built a compact USB-powered bitcoin mining device called the NewPac, turning heads across social media and sparking debate in the crypto community.
What started as a personal experiment quickly went viral after Abada posted a TikTok video showing himself mining bitcoin at a Starbucks — sipping coffee while his USB miner quietly hummed beside him. The video racked up over 2.6 million views, making Abada an overnight sensation in the crypto space.
But beyond the novelty and viral fame lies an important question: Is this USB mini miner actually practical, profitable, or just a clever gimmick?
Introducing the NewPac: A Portable Bitcoin Miner?
Unlike traditional ASIC miners — bulky, power-hungry machines that dominate professional mining operations — the NewPac is designed for simplicity and accessibility. It consists of:
- A 10-port USB hub
- 10 USB drives, each embedded with two Bitmain ASIC chips (totaling 20 chips)
- Mini USB cooling fans
Priced at $875, the device connects directly to a laptop or computer via USB and draws power from it — no external power supply needed. According to Abada, this makes it “the easiest setup to run,” allowing anyone to become a miner without technical expertise or infrastructure.
“Everyone can be part of the cryptocurrency world. You just need a computer and a USB port.”
This plug-and-play approach has obvious appeal, especially for newcomers curious about how bitcoin mining works. But ease of use doesn’t always translate to profitability.
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The Reality of Mining Profits: Why the Numbers Don’t Add Up
Despite its charm, the NewPac faces harsh economic realities. With a total hashrate of around 900 GH/s, it pales in comparison to modern ASIC miners like the Antminer S19, which delivers over 100 TH/s — more than 100 times faster.
According to Abada’s own calculations, the NewPac generates approximately 0.0002478 BTC per month. After deducting 5% in mining pool fees and converting at current prices, that’s roughly $9.35 in monthly revenue.
However, electricity costs tell a different story.
Running the device 24/7 in Los Angeles — where electricity averages $0.22 per kWh** — results in a monthly power bill of **$15.84. That means **every month, the miner operates at a net loss of $6.49**, even before factoring in the initial $875 hardware cost.
“Unless you have free electricity, making a profit is nearly impossible,” Abada admits.
This sentiment is echoed by Brandon Arvanaghi, a bitcoin mining engineer, who bluntly advises:
“Just buy bitcoin instead — it’s far more cost-effective.”
He adds that such devices might only make sense for those with access to extremely cheap or free electricity, such as students using university power or employees secretly running miners at work.
From Hobby Project to Booming Business
What began as a personal tinkering project evolved into a full-fledged business. In 2017, Abada launched BitcoinMerch, an online store initially selling basic electronics and cables. Today, it offers a wide range of mining hardware — with the NewPac becoming its most popular product.
Sales have surged in recent years, driven by growing public interest in blockchain and decentralized finance. Year-to-date, BitcoinMerch has generated $428,000 in revenue — a 355% increase compared to 2020.
Thousands of NewPac units have already been sold, suggesting strong demand for accessible, educational crypto tools — even if they aren’t financially viable.
Educational Tool or Novelty Gadget?
While not profitable, experts agree the NewPac serves another valuable purpose: demystifying bitcoin mining.
Whit Gibbs, CEO and founder of Compass Mining, describes it as:
“A cool novelty item that helps educate people about how bitcoin mining actually works.”
For many, mining remains an abstract concept — something done by massive data centers in remote locations. The NewPac brings that process into plain sight, letting users see firsthand how computational power contributes to blockchain security and earns rewards.
It’s not about getting rich; it’s about understanding the technology behind digital money.
Key Considerations Before You Try DIY Mining
If you're intrigued by the idea of home mining — whether with USB devices or more powerful rigs — consider these factors:
- Electricity Costs: High energy prices can erase any potential gains.
- Noise & Heat: Industrial miners require ventilation and noise management.
- Hardware Depreciation: Mining equipment loses value quickly as newer models emerge.
- Network Difficulty: Bitcoin adjusts mining difficulty every 2,016 blocks (~two weeks), making consistent returns unpredictable.
For most individuals, especially beginners, buying bitcoin directly is more efficient than mining it at home.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I really mine bitcoin using a USB device?
Yes — technically. Devices like the NewPac do perform real SHA-256 hashing used in bitcoin mining. However, their hashrate is so low that earnings are negligible compared to electricity costs.
Is the NewPac worth buying?
As an educational tool or conversation starter, yes. As a way to earn money? No. At $875, it would take decades to break even under typical home electricity rates.
Can I use free electricity to make mining profitable?
Possibly. If you have access to free or heavily subsidized power (e.g., at work, school, or in regions with low-cost energy), small-scale mining could become marginally viable — though still inefficient compared to direct purchase.
How does USB mining compare to ASIC or GPU mining?
USB miners like the NewPac are thousands of times less powerful than ASIC miners and lack scalability. They’re not suitable for serious mining operations but serve well for learning purposes.
Are there any risks in running a miner on someone else’s network?
Yes. Using company or institutional networks for mining may violate acceptable use policies and lead to disciplinary action. Always ensure you have proper authorization.
What’s the best way for beginners to get into crypto?
Instead of mining, most experts recommend starting with secure exchanges to buy small amounts of cryptocurrency, learning wallet management, and exploring decentralized applications (dApps).
Final Thoughts: Innovation Meets Reality
The NewPac USB miner may not revolutionize the mining industry, but it highlights a growing desire for accessible, hands-on engagement with blockchain technology. In an era dominated by complex financial instruments and institutional players, projects like this remind us that crypto began as a grassroots movement.
While profitable home mining is largely obsolete, the spirit of experimentation lives on. Whether you see the NewPac as a fun tech toy or a gateway to deeper understanding, it underscores one truth: curiosity drives innovation.
For those eager to explore the world of digital assets without losing money on hardware and electricity bills, there’s a smarter path forward.
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