Just a little thought on technology

[rogleale]

Hi All,

Technology is not always expensive.

I built my present computer about three years ago around an Athlon dual core CPU, and last week I decided to take it completely to bits to get rid of all the dust bunnies that had accumulated. So I took the three HDs out, the DVD deck, the HD rack, the graphics card, etc and cleaned them all up. When I took the heat sink and fan off the CPU for cleaning, badly needed, I realised what a complex little piece it was. How can a piece like that be manufactured for the price I paid for it? $12 ! There must be $10 worth of pure copper in there, and with the fan included, how much did the labour cost?
I remembered that I had taken a photo of the unit before I fitted it to the CPU - an amazing piece of technology for that price I think.



Roger

[Ian]

Re: Just a little thought on technology

Hi All,

Technology is not always expensive.

I built my present computer about three years ago around an Athlon dual core CPU, and last week I decided to take it completely to bits to get rid of all the dust bunnies that had accumulated. So I took the three HDs out, the DVD deck, the HD rack, the graphics card, etc and cleaned them all up. When I took the heat sink and fan off the CPU for cleaning, badly needed, I realised what a complex little piece it was. How can a piece like that be manufactured for the price I paid for it? $12 ! There must be $10 worth of pure copper in there, and with the fan included, how much did the labour cost?
I remembered that I had taken a photo of the unit before I fitted it to the CPU - an amazing piece of technology for that price I think.



Roger

That's a hot heat sink, Roger - well, you know what I mean!

There probably isn't as much copper as you think. The boring answer to your interesting point is, of course, economy of scale. The more you can make in a given time (and sell) the cheaper you can sell them. Once the initial design and manufacturing has been initialised, se costs can be quickly absorbed through high volume production.

Cheap labour in China also helps!

Ian

[Autumn]

Re: Just a little thought on technology

Looks like your entry to the current competition, or have you entered it and I've missed.

[rogleale]

Re: Just a little thought on technology

No Audrey,
My entry is posted now. I'm one of those odd fellows who think that a challenge is a challenge, and that a picture should be taken to fit the challenge. Stubborn maybe, but I think that posting a picture from one's archives is more a test of memory, or keywording skills, than a challenge met.
We all have our opinions!

Roger

[Autumn]

Re: Just a little thought on technology

Oo err! I'd better watch it then and get my thinking cap on.