Intel has registered a patent for a processor and a hardware accelerator developed specifically for the SHA-256 encryption algorithm used in Bitcoin mining. This equipment is tailored for mining the leading cryptocurrency and is designed to make it more efficient and less energy-intensive. The new processor has a smaller main-board size and uses different built-in accelerators at different stages of hashing. It consumes approximately 15% less electricity thanks to improvements made at the architecture level of the processor itself. It is assumed that the new patent came to light because of the recent crypto-market crash, as a result of which the Bitcoin exchange rate dropped to the $3.5 thousand mark. Not only investors suffered because of this, but also miners, many of whom began to shut down their equipment as it no longer brings any profit. Because of this, in China old Antminers from Bitmain began to be sold by weight, and Bitcoin's hashrate fell significantly. One way or another, companies like Intel are now making considerable efforts to increase the efficiency of mining and reduce its cost.
