Talk:Bitcoin

Analyzing the Feasibility of Hacking Bitcoin

Estimating the cost of acquiring enough computational power to control 51% of the Bitcoin network is complex and involves several variables. However, one can make a rough estimate based on the current hash rate of the network, the cost of the most efficient mining hardware, and operational expenses like electricity. Here’s a basic approach to such an estimation:

1. Determine the Current Total Hash Rate: The total hash rate of the Bitcoin network represents the cumulative computational power used for mining. As of my last update, this was in the range of hundreds of exahashes per second (EH/s). This figure is publicly available and regularly updated on various cryptocurrency analysis websites.
2. Calculate the Required Hash Rate for 51% Control: To control 51% of the network, one would need to match over half of the current total hash rate. So, if the network's hash rate is, for example, 150 EH/s, you would need a bit more than 75 EH/s.
3. Estimate Hardware Requirements: Next, determine how many units of the most efficient Application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) miners are needed to achieve this hash rate. Each ASIC miner has a specific hash rate. For instance, if a high-end ASIC miner has a hash rate of 100 terahashes per second (TH/s), you would need about 750,000 such miners to reach 75 EH/s.
4. Cost of Mining Hardware: Multiply the number of required ASIC miners by the cost per unit. If each miner costs, say, $2,500, the total cost for the hardware alone would be in the vicinity of $1.875 billion.
5. Operational Costs: Factor in the cost of electricity, cooling, maintenance, and infrastructure. These costs vary greatly depending on location and setup but can be significant, especially given the energy requirements of such a large mining operation.
6. Additional Considerations: Remember that this is a simplification. In reality, amassing this amount of mining power would likely drive up the costs of ASIC miners due to increased demand and limited supply. Also, the network's total hash rate could increase as other miners join the network, meaning you would need even more resources to maintain 51% control.

In conclusion, while these are ballpark figures and the actual costs would depend on dynamic factors like equipment prices, electricity rates, and the ever-changing total hash rate of the Bitcoin network, it's clear that the investment required would be enormous, likely several billion dollars. This estimate illustrates why attempting to gain 51% control of the Bitcoin network is not only technically and logistically challenging but also economically impractical.