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Human Vs Computer

The document compares human and computer abilities in storage, processing speed, memory, and energy efficiency. It finds that humans have significantly more storage capacity in the brain than computers, with an estimated 1 petabyte capacity, while computers are faster processors. Memory is unclear as computers always access facts but humans relate memories. However, the human brain is over 10 times more energy efficient than computers. Ultimately, there is no single winner as humans and computers each have their own strengths in different areas, and working together can utilize the best of both.

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303 views9 pages

Human Vs Computer

The document compares human and computer abilities in storage, processing speed, memory, and energy efficiency. It finds that humans have significantly more storage capacity in the brain than computers, with an estimated 1 petabyte capacity, while computers are faster processors. Memory is unclear as computers always access facts but humans relate memories. However, the human brain is over 10 times more energy efficient than computers. Ultimately, there is no single winner as humans and computers each have their own strengths in different areas, and working together can utilize the best of both.

Uploaded by

nem nem
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Comparison of

human and
computer
But do computers outperform the human brain
overall?
Let's find out.
To keep things simple, we'll
limit the comparisons to
four areas:

Storage

Processing speed

Memory

Energy efficiency
For day-to-day usage, most computer
users will get by with 500GB of
storage.

Creatives, gamers, and other data-


heavy users will often rely on
additional storage on the cloud or on a
portable SSD.

For the sake of argument, we’ll give


the computer an average of 1TB of
storage space.
What about the brain’s storage capacity? Well,it's
complicated.

Estimates vary on how many nerve cells, orneurons, exist


in a typical brain. Many studies rely on 100 billion neurons,
while a Stanford University study estimates that the brain
actually has 200 billion neurons.

Based on our understanding of neurons today, which is very


limited, we would estimate the brain’s storage capacity at
1 petabyte, which would be the equivalent of over a
thousand 1TB SSDs.

Advantage: Human Brain.


Memory

So far, it's an even contest. The


human brain has significantly
more storage than an average
computer. And a computer can
process information
exponentially faster than a
human brain.
How about accessing memory?
Can a human recall information
better than a computer?
Well, it depends on what kinds of information we’re talking about.

For basic facts, the answer is unequivocally no. If a computer “knows”


that the capital of Nevada is Carson City, that fact will always be
accessible. A human, on the other hand, may get confused or forget that
fact over time.

Humans also relate memories to one another, so your memory of New


Year’s Eve will tie to all of your other New Year celebrations over the
course of your life. A computer lacks this ability, at least for now.

Advantage: Unclear
ENERGY
EFFICIENCY
The contest is still a toss-up. Computers are faster and
more precise, while humans have more storage
capacity and nuance in accessing memories.
What about energy efficiency?

A typical computer runs on about 100 watts of power.


A human brain, on the other hand, requires roughly 10
watts. That's right, your brain is ten times more energy-
efficient than a computer. The brain requires less
power than a lightbulb.

We may not be the brightest bulbs in the box, but then


again, we don’t have to be.

Advantage:
Human Brain
Conclusion
Ultimately, there is no clear winner overall. Human beings
and computers have their own, depending on the category. If
you want precision and raw processing speed, a computer is
the clear choice. If you want creativity, energy efficiency, and
prioritization, a human is your best bet.

The good news is that we don’t have to choose. It doesn’t


have to be a contest of humans against computers. We can
work together and enjoy the best of both worlds. That is,
until Skynet becomes self-aware.

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