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Rethinking PCs: A practical approach

The current trajectory of computer hardware development has increasingly diverged from the practical needs of everyday users. Manufacturers continue to push advancements in speed, power efficiency, and display resolutions—yet for most people, these improvements offer diminishing real-world benefits. Instead of hyper-focusing on marginal performance gains, the industry should prioritize affordability, upgradability, and longevity in design.

Performance for Performance's Sake

Since the introduction of Intel’s 8th-generation processors, general computing power has reached a level where most modern applications, including productivity software, multimedia, and even moderate gaming, run perfectly well. Despite this, manufacturers remain fixated on delivering ever-faster CPUs and GPUs, often at the expense of affordability and user flexibility.

Likewise, the industry’s relentless push for power efficiency—particularly in the case of ARM-based computing—introduces unnecessary cost considerations for users. While energy efficiency is beneficial, the actual energy savings from a 30-watt vs. a 10-watt system is trivial in most real-world scenarios. Consumers are more likely to be concerned with system affordability and upgrade options than cutting their already minuscule electricity usage further.

Actual Needs: Expandable and Modular

For the vast majority of users, the most pressing hardware limitation isn’t raw speed but rather memory and storage constraints. The transition from DDR3 to DDR4 and now DDR5 has largely emphasized speed improvements that most users do not benefit from. What they truly need is more memory capacity, not slightly faster memory modules. The ability to upgrade RAM without intricate disassembly should be standard in all devices, particularly laptops and small form factor PCs.

Similarly, storage expansion must be addressed in a more user-friendly way. While M.2 SSDs have become the standard, users often find themselves limited by shorter form factors like 2230, which restrict upgrade options. A more open approach, such as universally accommodating longer M.2 modules or implementing a slot-based system akin to the Xbox Series X storage expansion, would be a welcome change.

Modular Graphics

nother overlooked area in consumer computing is external graphics solutions. Many users want compact computing devices, like Intel NUCs, but still desire the option to upgrade their graphics performance over time. A more standardized approach to external GPU (eGPU) modules—where a small form factor PC could seamlessly dock with a GPU expansion unit—would provide a practical and cost-effective alternative to replacing entire systems.

Modern Power

One area where innovation should continue is power delivery. Gallium Nitride (GaN) power supplies offer a more efficient and compact alternative to traditional power bricks, reducing energy loss and improving heat management. Manufacturers should bundle high-efficiency GaN power adapters that not only power the system but can also charge mobile devices via USB-C, consolidating power needs and reducing electronic waste.

Standardizing power delivery across all devices using USB-C would further simplify the user experience. Users should be able to power their computers, laptops, and peripherals with a single, high-efficiency adapter rather than relying on multiple proprietary chargers.

Tighter Mobile Device Integration

As mobile devices continue to play a significant role in everyday computing, tighter integration between phones and PCs should be a priority. Instead of requiring cumbersome pairing processes, computers should incorporate built-in wireless charging pads on their surfaces, allowing users to charge their phones seamlessly while working.

Additionally, NFC integration should enable instant and automatic communication between a mobile device and the computer. By leveraging modern high-speed Wi-Fi, users could instantly transfer files between their devices without needing to manually authenticate or configure connections. This streamlined connectivity would allow mobile and desktop environments to work together more fluidly, improving productivity and reducing friction in everyday computing tasks.

Stackable Design for High-Speed Memory Integration

A revolutionary approach to modular computing would involve a stackable design where memory is housed in a layer between the main computer unit and the external GPU. By keeping the distances between the GPU and the additional memory layer minimal, this architecture would allow the GPU to utilize the extra memory quickly, making it particularly effective for AI and large language model (LLM) workloads. This system could function as a flexible upgrade path for users who need high-speed, large-scale memory without sacrificing the compact form factor of modern computing devices.

Such a design would enable:

High-speed memory access for GPUs, reducing latency in intensive workloads like AI training and large dataset processing.

A modular approach to system expansion, allowing users to incrementally upgrade memory and GPU performance without replacing the entire system.

Compact, efficient hardware stacking, keeping power and thermal efficiency optimized while offering high performance.

Real Life Examples

A strong example of how prioritizing practicality over unnecessary advancements can lead to success is seen in the Steam Deck and the Nintendo Switch. Both devices were intentionally built with technology that was behind the cutting edge at the time of their release, yet they succeeded immensely due to their thoughtful design, affordability, and usability. Instead of focusing on the highest resolution displays, the fastest processors, or the most extreme power efficiency, these devices provided a balance of performance, cost, and functionality that consumers actually valued.

This approach proves that users do not always demand the latest and greatest technology—they want technology that works well, is cost-effective, and provides a great user experience. The computer industry would do well to learn from these devices by focusing on practical performance, modular upgradability, and ease of use, rather than blindly pushing forward with hardware advancements that offer minimal tangible benefit to the average user.

Practical Computing

Technology manufacturers must realign their priorities with what consumers truly need:

1. Standardized, easily accessible RAM slots – No more soldered memory; users should be able to upgrade RAM without disassembling the device.

2. Flexible storage expansion – Support for longer M.2 drives or a user-friendly expansion slot system.

3. Modular external GPUs – Stackable, efficient solutions for those who want more power without buying an entirely new machine.

4. Prioritizing cost-effectiveness over raw speed – A well-priced system that performs adequately for years is far more valuable than an overpriced, high-performance system with diminishing real-world gains.

5. Universal power solutions – High-efficiency GaN power supplies that power both computers and mobile devices via USB-C.

6. Seamless mobile integration – Wireless charging built into computer surfaces and instant NFC-based pairing for high-speed file transfers.

7. Stackable memory layers – A high-speed memory module positioned between the computer and GPU to support AI workloads and enhance performance.

The computing industry should shift away from the obsession with performance benchmarks and instead focus on designing systems that meet actual consumer demands—affordable, upgradable, and built to last. This approach would not only better serve users but also create a more sustainable and less wasteful tech ecosystem.