Mag Computer: A Mag History of RAM (1960–2025)
This transcript explores the history of computing power by using RAM capacity as a proxy for performance across several decades. It traces the evolution of hardware from the Apollo Guidance Computer to modern consumer devices like the iPhone.
Why it matters
It provides a historical perspective on the exponential growth of computing power, helping to contextualize modern technological capabilities.
Saul and Mike climb the mag scale of computing, using RAM as a proxy for compute power, from the Apollo guidance computer and the Apple II up to today’s machines, and what each mag of memory made possible.
[This episode sponsored by the Recurse Center .]
RAM is a good proxy for computing power. Here’s every mag of memory from the Apollo Guidance Computer up to today’s machines — Nintendo, PlayStation, iPhone, and more. Remember, this is a log scale. ( full write-up )
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