Why the block diagram of computer is Totally Obsolete in 2026

[lindamary]

We are still teaching the basic block diagram of computer in schools, but with modern System-on-a-Chip (SoC) architecture, does it even apply anymore? Let's discuss why the traditional separation of CPU, RAM, and I/O is a dead concept in the age of AI-integrated hardware.

 

[Eric]

It is mostly about the logic of how data flows rather than the physical layout. Even if they are on one chip they still function as separate logic units so the diagram helps beginners understand the basics.

 

[AnnP111966]

Yeah because explaining unified memory and neural engines to a ten year old is definitely going to go well for the teacher.

 

[megamind]

From an engineering perspective the lines are blurred now. With high bandwidth memory being on the package the latency is so low that the old bus model we teach is basically a lie.

 

[HeatherMun]

My old textbook still shows a floppy disk drive in the diagram so we have bigger problems than just SoC architecture honestly.

 

[TaylorTravels]

If you remove the basic diagram kids will have no idea how any of it works. You have to start with the simple stuff before you talk about three nanometer nodes and NPU integration.

 

[captainghost]

This is exactly why custom silicon is winning. Putting everything on one die is the only way we got these AI speeds anyway.

 

[jimmy]

The logic stays the same even if the physical parts move.

 

[rebeccareed]

I had to explain to my boss why we cannot just upgrade the ram on a soldered chip and he almost had a stroke.

 

[Lisa]

It is just an abstraction. All models are wrong but some are useful and this one is just becoming less useful every year.

 

[Lugwig]

This gets posted every week and the answer is always that schools are twenty years behind industry standards.