The problem is that until there is a confirmed actual ETH ASIC, all those reports are still only RUMORS. I wouldn't factor them into the equation.
S7 , S9 , D3, L3, L3+, X3 from Bitmain all come forward as a rumors
For some reason all those rumors become reality ...I would say its pretty much confirmed ...
also ...
How can you deny it when the chart is right there in front of you? Take a look at the past few months, its never gone down this sharply for this long.
Things are changing. Miners are quitting.
Check that chart a little bit better ...Things are changing. Miners are quitting.
Bitmain might just had to replace a transformer in they ETH asic mining facility
Good analysis, I don't really see the drop in difficulty to be anything new. I really didn't want to believe that Asics were being implemented for ETH but the more I look at the evidence it seems that it may be more of a possibility (citing from this CNBC article, "During our travels through Asia last week, we confirmed that Bitmain has already developed an ASIC").
I feel it would've been only beneficial for Bitmain to keep this hushed until the right time. I'm sure Bitmain understands that ETH will gladly hardfork to keep itself Asic resistant so it only makes sense. This may explain a bit more for the jump in difficulty we've seen imo.
I dont think an ETHASH ASIC will last long in the market though, seeing that it is definitive that ETH will combat it. I think Bitmain knows this as well, Maybe this has something to do with market manipulation? maybe not?