Why Do Computers Get Slower Over Time?
Weekly Wheaties #2611
In this newsletter:
📝 Post: Why Do Computers Get Slower Over Time?
🗞️ In Case You Missed It: Google Maps
🗞️ In Case You Missed It: Gaming Updates
😎 Pick of the Week: Unique Food Picks
📦 Featured Product: Uninterruptible Power Supply
📝 Why Do Computers Get Slower Over Time?
As mentioned in Weekly Wheaties #2610, CPUs are composed of billions of transistors. As they are produced, not all transistors in the die work properly within the CPU. As these CPUs are tested, their speeds are separated and sorted through the binning process. However, what wasn’t discussed is how these CPUs function over the next few years of use.
As is true with all electronics, the rest of the ‘good’ transistors on each CPU have a tendency to go bad over time. I covered this a bit in depth in Weekly Wheaties #2326, but it’s due to a few factors. Static electricity is probably the most common and can occur from human use and contact (especially over time), which is why you should never touch electronic circuit boards without first disconnecting any power source (including batteries) and then grounding yourself and the equipment.
But, from a circuit board perspective, static electricity is different from a human’s perspective. You’ve probably rubbed your socks on carpet to ‘shock’ your friend before. Compared to a human, though, computers (and other electronics) can be damaged by the smallest amount of static electricity - known as electrostatic discharge (ESD).
Except here’s the more difficult part to grasp. Power disruptions and solar flares are probably the biggest issues for our electronics, especially anything with CPUs or RAM. These devices are the most susceptible due to their smaller size. There is a way to protect our devices from this, but it’s generally either expensive or a hassle to use. A Faraday cage can be constructed in just about any size, or you can purchase smaller versions, like this Faraday Bag, that protect a cell phone or other small electronic device.
For the most part, people aren’t using these in their daily technology use, simply due to the hassle. The return on effort is just too low. You’ve probably had a device that has gotten slower the longer you’ve had it and the more you’ve used it. That’s very common and even expected. As these ESD events occur without us even realizing it, our CPUs are slowing down. I’ve mentioned the importance of restarting, but sometimes even wiping your device and reinstalling the Operating System helps put everything back in check and lets the CPU know which components to contact efficiently.
I shared this example, but a single bit flip (a one or zero) in the code can have pretty profound effects. Check out this video on YouTube of How Cosmic Rays Affect Super Mario Speed Runners. The importance here is that we don’t always know which bit (or transistor) may become damaged and how that modifies the code of the Operating System, or even an app installed on the OS.
In reality, most devices don’t all of a sudden and noticeably slow down because these transistors are failing. The slowdown we experience often comes from newer (or more) software demanding more resources, background apps accumulating, and operating systems growing more complex and bloating over time. Hardware degradation does happen, but it’s usually subtle and slow. It also happens more quickly with less expensive products. Still, the fact that something as small as a random bit flip can alter how our devices behave is a reminder of how delicate modern electronics really are. Gone are the days of throwing our phones across the room, too. Looking at you, Nokia!
So the next time a device starts acting strangely or slowing down, remember that the processor’s original speed is determined by the binning process, but its long-term performance is shaped by everything from software updates to who knows how many tiny ESD events at the transistor level happening every day.
🗞️ ICYMI: Google Maps
For something many of us use every day, it’s been a while since our GPS/Maps have had any kind of major updates. Google states that Immersive Navigation is our biggest transformation of the navigation experience in over a decade. This update now provides a more 3D view of the navigation while showing more important details on your route: lanes, crosswalks, signals, signs, parking recommendations, and even real-time road alerts (possibly similar to Waze).
Along with “redesigned visuals and more intuitive guidance” comes some help from their Gemini AI with Ask Maps. This allows users to ask the AI questions in a more conversational way. However, this feature only works when a route is started and only via voice. You cannot use your phone as normal when driving or interacting - and you shouldn’t be able to, you’re driving! This conversation (and the questions posed) is based on their training of over 300 million places’ reviews and information. It also takes into account a user’s preferences and their own recommendations. So now you can ask, “Where can I get boba tea in the next hour of my road trip without going too far off my current path?”
Download it on Android or iOS.
🗞️ ICYMI: Gaming Updates
As Microsoft had a change in leadership with its gaming division, the new CEO of Xbox shares a bit on Building the Next Generation of Xbox. Along with an update to the Xbox app on PCs, the next version of Xbox (code-named Project Helix) will support PC games while “pushing the boundaries of rendering and simulation.” They also revealed Gaming Copilot is coming to “current-generation consoles” later this year.
The Pan-European Game Information (PEGI) ratings board announced four new classification categories. These essentially focus on things that may be “online interaction risks.” This is determined by the type of in-game play and content. For example: purchases of in-game content (including NFTs), paid random items (including loot boxes), play-by-appointment (including daily quests and streaks), and the restrictions placed on communication (blocking or reporting) all dictate what level rating the game may fall under. In general, it appears that games will now have higher ratings than before, at least based on age. Plan accordingly…
😎 POTW: Unique Food Picks
Talking about food can spur some pretty unique conversations. Check out some of these unique curated picks on interesting foods, or what to do with what’s left in your pantry.
📦 Featured Product
In tandem with this week’s post, consider purchasing an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS). A UPS is essentially a battery backup that allows you to connect electrical devices (typically your computer and monitor) so you can continue using them for a limited amount of time when the power goes out. However, they have the added benefit of protecting your devices from electrical surges. They can’t fully protect things, as a major electrical discharge, like lightning hitting close by, can cause too much surge, but they can help exponentially. Your devices will run on the batteries, which are continually recharged until power is out. The two biggest brands in this space that I recommend are CyberPower and APC. I personally use one similar to the one I would suggest, the CyberPower CP1500. Having more Volt-Amps and Wattage will either allow you to connect more devices or keep them powered on for a longer time without power.
