What Is the Financial Implication of a Cryptocurrency Hard-Forking to a New Algorithm on Existing ASIC Miners?
If a cryptocurrency hard-forks to a new, ASIC-resistant algorithm, the existing ASIC hardware designed for the old algorithm becomes immediately obsolete for that chain. The financial implication is a complete loss of value for the specialized hardware, turning it into a stranded asset with minimal salvage value.
This risk is a major factor in the CapEx decision for ASIC miners.