5 ms·
Is this about CPUs or all electronics? Computer chips are in general a reliable hardware, and top-of-the-line CPUs are in general way more powerful than needed
by noogle 4y ago
Is this about CPUs or all electronics?
Computer chips are in general a reliable hardware, and top-of-the-line CPUs are in general way more powerful than needed, so there is no need for cutting-edge manufacturing and also an embargo won't halt existing activities.
Simpler/embedded processors seem to be a generic product that can be manufactured by many countries, hindering embargo efforts.
Are chips more critical for a country than e.g. food? because many countries are not nutritionally self-sufficient.
- spaceman_2020 4y agoBoth - CPUs, electronics, military gear, etc. Strategic risks such as war, invasions, sanctions, etc. have to be dealt with on a decadal basis. You have to ask: what's the current reality, and what's the trend? The trend is pretty clear: our world is going to depend more on computers, not less. You have to prepare for a world where drones have replaced your fighter jets, where every citizen has a smartphone, and where your financial system will collapse without working computers and servers.
- thirdsun 4y ago> The trend is pretty clear: our world is going to depend more on computers, not less. You have to prepare for a world where drones have replaced your fighter jets, where every citizen has a smartphone, and where your financial system will collapse without working computers and servers. That sounds a lot like the present.
- noogle 4y agoCPU factories seem to cost hundreds of billions of dollars - beyond the capabilities of most nation-states. I wonder if this will cause a trend towards reducing requirements (e.g. pushing important infrastructure to rely on simpler chips) as keeping up with the technology will drain a country's resources.