Network background · Updated September 2, 2026
BIP-110 and the move to BLAKE2b
After the minority chain stalled with roughly 2.53% historical signaling support, Bitcoin Knots 29.4.1rc4 changed that chain's proof-of-work from SHA-256d to BLAKE2b at block 961,640 on August 30, 2026. The rc5 release candidate retained the BLAKE2b chain on September 1, while the related Knots PR #359 remains open. It is still an experimental community fork with limited infrastructure, rather than Siacoin or the main Bitcoin network.
Before the changeMinority chain stalledLimited signaling support left the BIP-110-associated branch without sustained SHA-256d block production.
August 30 · Height 961,640BLAKE2b activatedKnots 29.4.1rc4 introduced the new proof-of-work so the experimental branch could continue producing blocks.
September 1 onwardEarly pool infrastructurerc5 retained the branch, while independent operators began publishing BLAKE2b endpoints and reward options.
AlphaPool BLAKE2b
Community pool
The pool page describes an ASIC-oriented workflow that converts the fork's work into a standard 80-byte Sia-style work header.
- Regional stratum endpoints listed for the US, Europe and Singapore
- PPLNS reward method with a listed 2.5% pool fee
- Worker naming uses a bc1 payout address plus optional rig name
View AlphaPool information ↗
be PYBLOCK
Multiple modes
The operator publishes separate BLAKE2b connection choices for different risk and reward preferences.
- A dedicated high-difficulty ASIC endpoint for solo-style mining
- CHIRP shared-reward mining and a separate clean-template mode
- Address-based account format with live worker and hashrate tracking
View PYBLOCK information ↗
Compatibility note
These Goldshell models are sold here for BLAKE2b-Sia and Siacoin (SC). The pool pages show why Sia-family BLAKE2b ASICs are receiving attention, but they do not prove plug-and-play compatibility with CAEU04, CAEU14, ARI31 or SC ULTRA. Before using the experimental fork, verify firmware behavior, pool authorization, accepted shares, wallet support and payout conditions. Chain value, liquidity and continued support are not guaranteed.
Actual wall power and pool-side hashrate can vary with firmware, ambient temperature, voltage and unit condition. Confirm the exact product batch and electrical requirements before purchase.