Conventional Wisdom in Computer Architecture .

[modou]

In the old conventional wisdom : Power is free , transistors expensive

in the new conventional wisdom : transistors are free , power is expensive .

 

My question is why this shift from expensive transistors to in-expensive or free transistors and the same shift to power too ?

[Joatmon]

The actual material a transistor or microchip is made from costs almost nothing. However, development costs of a new device or chip is high. Once development costs have been recovered the chip can be sold for very little and still show a profit.

[JohnStu]

It's (eletronic chips) cheap now 'cause they undercut too much (the corporations).