2 ms·
The data center doesn't consume the max output of each diesel, that would be an idiotic design. Also, Visa handles orders of magnitude more transactions per se
by hueving 9y ago
The data center doesn't consume the max output of each diesel, that would be an idiotic design.
Also, Visa handles orders of magnitude more transactions per second so the energy difference is staggering. Bitcoin users are like regular people driving around in coal fired steam locomotives.
- joshvm 9y agoRight, but this is a Fermi problem. We have no idea what the true output of each generator is, or that there are only two per centre. All we know is anecdotal evidence from reporters who visited the sites and whatever VISA will publicly admit. As an order of magnitude estimate, it's good enough. And yes - it does highlight the problem with bitcoin well: 3 orders of magnitude less electricity to process 3 orders of magnitude more transactions.