Kadena (KDA) is a unique blockchain project that combines proof-of-work (PoW) with a multi-chain design called Chainweb. Unlike traditional blockchains that run a single chain, Kadena braids together multiple chains in parallel, all secured by the Blake2S-256 mining algorithm. This design allows Kadena to process transactions at much higher throughput while maintaining the security of proof-of-work.

Mining remains central to Kadena’s ecosystem. And in late 2022, the mining world was shaken when Bitmain launched the Antminer KA3 — a powerhouse ASIC that instantly redefined Kadena mining. The KA3 brought record-breaking hashrate and efficiency, but also introduced new challenges, from network difficulty spikes to hardware overheating.

In this article, we’ll break down Kadena’s mining model, review the specs and profitability of the KA3, analyze how it affected Kadena’s price, and share real-world miner feedback on performance and reliability.

Kadena Mining Basics: Blake2S and Chainweb

Kadena runs on the Blake2S hashing algorithm, which is efficient and ASIC-friendly. What sets Kadena apart is its multi-chain PoW structure: 20 chains run in parallel, each producing blocks roughly every 1.5 seconds. These chains reference each other’s blocks in a “braided” structure called Chainweb, boosting both speed and security.

Rewards are split across chains, with block rewards gradually decaying over time. Today, miners earn less per block than during Kadena’s early days, but the chain remains one of the few proof-of-work networks with strong throughput and scalability.

The Launch of Bitmain Antminer KA3

In September 2022, Bitmain unveiled the Antminer KA3, the most powerful Kadena ASIC ever built. Key specifications:

• Hashrate: 166 TH/s (some units reach 173 TH/s)

• Power consumption: 3,154 W

• Efficiency: ~19 J/TH

• Design: 4-fan cooling, ~16 kg, standard Bitmain 19-series chassis

The KA3 instantly outclassed previous Kadena miners such as the Goldshell KD series, which maxed out around 40 TH/s. At launch, the KA3 made older models obsolete overnight.

In its early months, when KDA traded around $2–4 and network difficulty was much lower, the KA3 was an absolute profit machine. Owners reported break-even times of just a few weeks, making it one of the most lucrative ASICs of its time.

How the KA3 Impacted Kadena’s Price

The arrival of the KA3 had dramatic consequences for Kadena’s ecosystem. The network’s hashrate exploded, doubling within months. By late 2022, Kadena’s hashrate reached ~180 PH/s, driven largely by KA3 adoption. By 2025, the network has grown to over 600 PH/s.

This surge in hashrate also drove up network difficulty, meaning each miner earned fewer KDA. At the same time, the increased supply of mined coins hit the market, putting downward pressure on Kadena’s price.

For example:

• In early 2022, Kadena traded near $12.41.

• By the end of 2022, after KA3 adoption, it fell to around $6.09.

• Today (Sept 2025), KDA sits around $0.35.

The combination of rising difficulty and falling price slashed profitability for miners. Many early KA3 owners saw their expected earnings cut in half within months.

Miner Feedback: Powerhouse or Problematic?

On paper, the KA3 is a beast. But miners quickly discovered it comes with serious operational challenges.

Heat and Overheating Issues

The KA3’s 3,154 W power draw produces massive heat. Many users report that chips overheat easily, triggering automatic shutdowns. Without industrial-grade cooling or air conditioning, running a KA3 in a warm environment is nearly impossible.

Hardware Durability

Beyond heat, miners note recurring hardware issues:

• Chip failures: Hashboards losing chips or entire boards going offline.

• Fan problems: Stock fans failing under heavy stress.

• Frequent crashes: Units freezing, requiring manual reboots.

Some users underclock their KA3s to keep them stable, sacrificing hashrate to avoid overheating. Others retrofit them with water cooling or immersion cooling setups just to maintain reliability.

Noise Levels

With four high-speed fans, the KA3 is extremely loud — often exceeding 80 dB. For residential miners, this makes it unsuitable without custom cooling solutions.

Profitability: Then vs. Now

At launch, the KA3 was wildly profitable. A single unit could generate $50+ per day in net profit when Kadena traded around $2–4.

Fast forward to today:

• A KA3 mines about 18–20 KDA/day.

• At $0.35 per KDA, that equals ~$6–7 revenue.

• Power cost at 3,154 W and $0.10/kWh is ~$7.50/day.

• Net result: roughly breakeven or even a small loss.

Only miners with very cheap electricity (<$0.03/kWh) can still profit significantly. For most, the KA3 has gone from a money printer to a struggle for survival.

Conclusion

The Antminer KA3 changed Kadena mining forever. It introduced industrial-scale performance to the Blake2S algorithm, doubling the network’s security and proving Kadena’s importance as a PoW chain. But it also brought unintended consequences: skyrocketing difficulty, collapsing coin prices, and fragile hardware that struggles with heat and reliability.

For miners, the KA3 is both a legend and a cautionary tale. Early adopters made fortunes; later buyers now face thin margins, constant maintenance, and rising power bills.

The future of Kadena mining will depend heavily on whether Kadena’s price can rebound. If KDA climbs back toward previous highs, KA3 units may once again deliver impressive returns. Until then, miners must balance raw hashrate power with cooling, reliability, and long-term costs.