Sam Altman doesn’t understand why we use computers

Sam Altman thinks it’s inefficient to have RAM sitting in your personal computer when AI companies need more computing power for their data centers. But is he missing the point? Decoder's Nilay Patel breaks down the OpenAI CEO’s controversial comments about RAM, the AI industry’s growing demand for computer memory, and how the AI boom is driving up hardware prices for consumers, gamers, and PC enthusiasts. From GPUs and local AI models to cloud computing and the race to build artificial general intelligence (AGI), Nilay explores the tension between centralized AI infrastructure and personal computing — and why efficiency isn’t everything when it comes to owning and controlling your own technology. Follow Decoder on TikTok: @decoderpod Follow Decoder on Instagram: @decoderpod Subscribe: http://goo.gl/G5RXGs Like The Verge on Facebook: https://goo.gl/2P1aGc Follow on Twitter: https://goo.gl/XTWX61 Follow on Instagram: https://goo.gl/7ZeLvX Follow on TikTok: http://bit.ly/42VeCVU Watch The Vergecast on YouTube: https://bit.ly/40RFRkg The Vergecast Podcast: https://bit.ly/3WQDexZ Decoder with Nilay Patel: http://apple.co/3v29nDc More about our podcasts: https://www.theverge.com/podcasts Read More: http://www.theverge.com Community guidelines: http://bit.ly/2D0hlAv Wallpapers from The Verge: https://bit.ly/2xQXYJr Shop our Verge merch store here: https://bit.ly/4kPCmEc