Honestly I don't see the S5 making that big a difference. It really is too late when you compare it against the competition. Now that we know the S5 specs and price, it doesn't seem all that compelling.
For example, if I'm reading it right the S5 has no DC/DC converters which means that programable over or under clocking is out of the question for most users with standard power supplies. Also, it sounds like if there's a single ASIC failure in the chain, the whole chain falls over.
While all of this adds up to cheaper construction and better profits for Bitmain, it means the S5 is less flexible and likely has lower resale value potential than the competitors like the SP20. If you can't effectively under clock an S5, then what value will it have a few months from now?
Add in the fact that the free review models of SP20's have resulted in enormous PR on this forum. Those SP marketing folks really know how to effectively schmooze. Bitmain's PR and communication skills just don't compare.
Sure, some people will buy the S5. People like Bitmain and they like shiny new things, and they will buy it without doing their homework.
But it's not going to be a game changer for the next (or any) difficulty adjustment.
I'd be more worried that Spondoolies reduces the SP20 price again. If they knocked off another $200 (unlikely, but who knows), and if they could build them fast enough, they might move enough units to propel the difficulty again.
Hell, I'd probably buy more and have no idea where I'd put them (they are loud!)
the battle looks to start between the s5 and the sp20.
1) the sp20 is now in a group buy 2 for 1000
2) the s5 dropped from 450 to 418
3) I have been offered a free demo s5 from bitmain for me to do a review on it. I said yes and will post a review when the time come.
I will take the s-5 and do a stand alone review . Next I will try to do a fair compare between the s-5 and sp20.
Now I know a lot of people will think hashrate will move high due to this.
well this gear is going to make all gear over .8 pretty much unless. and even s-3's will not be too good unless you have really good power prices.