An example of system aging using RAM connectors
Posted: Sat Jul 12, 2025 4:49 am
When your computer starts to slow down when you try to run a new program or game, the first thing you do is head to the store to buy a new processor. However, you are surprised to learn that the new CPU models are incompatible with your motherboard, so you will also have to pay for a new motherboard, CPU cooling system, and RAM modules.
In this case, we are talking about system obsolescence, that is, intentional limitation by manufacturers of equipment or programs of compatibility of new products with old ones. To force the consumer to buy a new product, it is enough to change the design of the connector or fastener or to refuse to support old devices.
This also explains the "forgetfulness" of some component developers who stop improving drivers for their products a few years after they enter the market. As a result, devices turn out to be b2b email list incompatible with the new operating system, and users are forced to replace them.
In the classic case, a device that incorporates the principle of planned obsolescence is made of short-lived materials or has a mechanism that limits its service life. For example, some printers have a chip that counts the number of printed pages and blocks the device after a threshold value set by the manufacturer is reached.
Each product has its own pre-planned service life, taking into account which engineers design the device and select components. For example, a metal gear in a fan worm gear will last longer than a plastic one, but will bring less profit to the manufacturer, since a product made of durable materials will work longer and the consumer will have no incentive to purchase a new model. As a result, such products wear out almost completely before the warranty period expires, and it is impractical to replace individual components - it is more profitable for the consumer to buy a new device and throw away the old one.
Some manufacturers specifically produce equipment that is difficult to maintain. If the two halves of the smartphone case are fastened not with screws, but with glue, then replacing an LCD screen that has cracked as a result of a fall will be very problematic. Therefore, a huge number of gadgets are headed straight to the landfill, and this has already become an environmental disaster.
In this case, we are talking about system obsolescence, that is, intentional limitation by manufacturers of equipment or programs of compatibility of new products with old ones. To force the consumer to buy a new product, it is enough to change the design of the connector or fastener or to refuse to support old devices.
This also explains the "forgetfulness" of some component developers who stop improving drivers for their products a few years after they enter the market. As a result, devices turn out to be b2b email list incompatible with the new operating system, and users are forced to replace them.
In the classic case, a device that incorporates the principle of planned obsolescence is made of short-lived materials or has a mechanism that limits its service life. For example, some printers have a chip that counts the number of printed pages and blocks the device after a threshold value set by the manufacturer is reached.
Each product has its own pre-planned service life, taking into account which engineers design the device and select components. For example, a metal gear in a fan worm gear will last longer than a plastic one, but will bring less profit to the manufacturer, since a product made of durable materials will work longer and the consumer will have no incentive to purchase a new model. As a result, such products wear out almost completely before the warranty period expires, and it is impractical to replace individual components - it is more profitable for the consumer to buy a new device and throw away the old one.
Some manufacturers specifically produce equipment that is difficult to maintain. If the two halves of the smartphone case are fastened not with screws, but with glue, then replacing an LCD screen that has cracked as a result of a fall will be very problematic. Therefore, a huge number of gadgets are headed straight to the landfill, and this has already become an environmental disaster.