Moore’s Law in pictures
From the first ‘IC’ in 1958, 1971 the Intel ‘4004’ (3.000 transisors), 1982 Intel 286 (134.000 transistors), 1985 Intel x386 (275.000 transistors), 2000 Intel Pentium4 (42.000.000 transistors) , 2013 4th gen iCore (1.4000.000.000 transistors) to 2016 Intel Skylake (>5.000.000.000 transistors).
The first ‘IC’ in 1958
1971 the Intel ‘4004’ (3.000 transisors)
1982 Intel 286 (134.000 transistors)
1985 Intel x386 (275.000 transistors)
2000 Intel Pentium4 (42.000.000 transistors)
2013 4th gen iCore (1.4000.000.000 transistors)
2016 Intel Skylake (>5.000.000.000 transistors)
Economic Impact
Performance—aka power—and cost are two key drivers of technological development. As more transistors fit into smaller spaces, processing power increased and energy efficiency improved, all at a lower cost for the end user. This development not only enhanced existing industries and increased productivity, but it has spawned whole new industries empowered by cheap and powerful computing.
Societal Impact
The inexpensive, ubiquitous computing rapidly expanding all around us is fundamentally changing the way we work, play and communicate. The foundational force of Moore’s Law has driven breakthroughs in modern cities, transportation, healthcare, education, and energy production. In fact, it’s quite difficult to envision what our modern world might be like without Moore’s Law.
Technological Impact
Moore’s observation transformed computing from a rare and expensive venture into a pervasive and affordable necessity. All of the modern computing technology we know and enjoy sprang from the foundation laid by Moore’s Law. From the Internet itself, to social media and modern data analytics, all these innovations stem directly from Moore and his findings.
The Road Ahead
Like a metronome of the modern world, for 50 years Gordon’s prediction has set the pace for innovation and development. This foresight laid a fertile foundation from which all modern technology could spring, including the broad rise of digitization and personal electronics.
Moving forward, Moore’s Law and related innovations are shifting toward the seamless integration of computing within our daily lives. This vision of an endlessly empowered and interconnected future brings clear challenges and benefits. Privacy and security are persistent and growing concerns. But the benefits of ever smarter, ubiquitous computing technology, learning to anticipate our needs, can keep us healthier, safer, and more productive in the long run.