Bitcoin ASIC miners: specialized hardware

An ASIC is a machine built to run one algorithm very efficiently, including SHA-256 for Bitcoin.

Quick answer : An ASIC provides specialized computing power, but purchase cost, electricity, heat and noise all matter.

From CPUs to specialized chips

Early Bitcoin mining could use standard processors. GPUs then accelerated the calculations, followed by FPGAs and ASICs for SHA-256. An ASIC is efficient for its task but not very versatile.

An ASIC is specialized, not universal
Hashrate is often shown in TH/s
Power, heat and noise affect total cost

Hardware is only one part

ASIC economics depend on purchase price, electricity, difficulty, Bitcoin price, fees, availability and cooling. Cloud mining avoids installing and maintaining a machine at home, but it does not remove mining variability or service terms.

Also see : Bitcoin, Mining, FAQ, Open help centre.

Protocol source: official Bitcoin Developer Guide: Bitcoin Developer Guide — Block Chain

Remember: An ASIC provides specialized computing power, but purchase cost, electricity, heat and noise all matter.