Computer specs that houses The Matrix

I would have to say the the machine hardware is probably so far from what we have now there is not current language for the actual components. I've always assumed nano-technology would be an AI second stroke, and in general the hardware would probably far more productive than anything we have ever seen.


What I always wonder about is "alternate power sources".

 "there are level of survival we are prepared to accept" is this just a reserve and if so far and how much can run on it for how long.

Actually, I think I read somewhere, perhaps a transcript of the Animatrix or something, that we are the computer that generates the Matrix. That, not only do we supply the electrical and heat energy the Machines need, but through the parts of our brains that we don't yet use, the Machines use us to run the calculations necessary to run this realistic a simulation.

The human brain can calculate and assimilate data millions of times faster than the fastest computer on the planet. There are scientists that liken the human brain to a Pentium 60 at 160,000 tHz. Then, networked together, each brain working on different parts of the same problem, such processing would be virtually undetectable by us (except for a little more tiredness or slow-wittedness perhaps) and would be billions of times more powerful than one brain on its own. It would be easy for the toasters to tap into this super-computer.

Actually, I think I read somewhere, perhaps a transcript of the Animatrix or something, that we are the computer that generates the Matrix. That, not only do we supply the electrical and heat energy the Machines need, but through the parts of our brains that we don't yet use, the Machines use us to run the calculations necessary to run this realistic a simulation.

The human brain can calculate and assimilate data millions of times faster than the fastest computer on the planet. There are scientists that liken the human brain to a Pentium 60 at 160,000 tHz. Then, networked together, each brain working on different parts of the same problem, such processing would be virtually undetectable by us (except for a little more tiredness or slow-wittedness perhaps) and would be billions of times more powerful than one brain on its own. It would be easy for the toasters to tap into this super-computer.

So basically, it's like an Open Source MMO?

Well, more like a peer2peer network. All of our human brains networked and slaved to a massive processor.

MetaLogic wrote:

So basically, it's like an Open Source MMO?

Well, more like a peer2peer network. All of our human brains networked and slaved to a massive processor.

Actually, I think I read somewhere, perhaps a transcript of the Animatrix or something, that we are the computer that generates the Matrix. That, not only do we supply the electrical and heat energy the Machines need, but through the parts of our brains that we don't yet use, the Machines use us to run the calculations necessary to run this realistic a simulation.

The human brain can calculate and assimilate data millions of times faster than the fastest computer on the planet. There are scientists that liken the human brain to a Pentium 60 at 160,000 tHz. Then, networked together, each brain working on different parts of the same problem, such processing would be virtually undetectable by us (except for a little more tiredness or slow-wittedness perhaps) and would be billions of times more powerful than one brain on its own. It would be easy for the toasters to tap into this super-computer.

But wouldn't that defy the fact of The Architect creating The Matrix?

No, he wrote the simulation. The Machines just use our brains, connected together in a vast "neural network" if you will, as the computer that runs it. Each brain does only a small part of the calculations, similar to the open/close circuit on one of today's processors. They keep it running at optimal efficiency, with each brain operating at 100% of possible capacity, without danger of 'crashes'.

 So, imagine one tower of Battery City as one gigantic processor, harddrive, memory, graphics card, etc. And then imagine about 100 of them, linked together. More than enough computing power to run a simulation, even one as detailed and realistic as the Matrix. 

This theory has some fantastic opportunities for stories. Such as: what if Autistic children were not really autistic at all? What if, in fact, they were so smart that the Machines tied their brains up with extra computations, giving the simulation a 'supernode' that can compute faster than normal ones, while also handicapping a mind that would easily see and understand the nature of the Matrix?

Just thinking 'out loud'.

MetaLogic wrote:

Well, more like a peer2peer network. All of our human brains networked and slaved to a massive processor.

I think the term your looking for is a HA Cluster. Combined with some form of grid-based computing...

or taking the "neural network" idea a bit too far...

I would have to say the the machine hardware is probably so far from what we have now there is not current language for the actual components. I've always assumed nano-technology would be an AI second stroke, and in general the hardware would probably be far more productive than anything we have ever seen.


What I always wonder about is "alternate power sources".

 "there are level of survival we are prepared to accept" is this just a reserve and if so far and how much can run on it for how long.

I've always seen the look of the Machines, primarily the Sentinels, as something more than just a mere metal appearance. Sure, it's metal, but they are oftentimes very fluid and yet powerful. Solid, like muscle and bone. They seem to have formed crude flesh, perhaps modifying over themselves in their sick and alien ways. Keep in mind that the Machines themselves are not human and very few understand how we feel as humans. A perfect example would be how Sati's father felt. A feeling machine program. Some grow to accept "feelings" or "ideas" as artificial intelligence would allow them. But then we get into the debate of whether a machine has a soul, whether it's random, etc. but that is something altogether different.

Back on topic, the Machines' alternatives appeared to be quite grim as the Architect's expression and tone change ever-so-slightly to suggest they are fond of the power source to be found in the humans. Perhaps they'd even gone so far as to suggest they could commit genocide, pushing the humans to extinction and perhaps using their remains as some sort of source? In what way I cannot fathom at this time, but it's always a thought that it would somehow be possible. Perhaps the lightning-storm would be an attempt, as someone mentioned. Finally, what if they resorted to expirementing with raw materials? The Earth may have some resources that are now obsolete to human needs, but perhaps they would server the Machines... albeit not as efficiently as the batteries they have now.

Using the humans, imprisoned within the Matrix, is a sort of symbiosis that seems to benefit both sides. If either side perishes, what would be left for the other? Seriously, if all the Machines were wiped out it would simply leave the humans to remain underground in the Real or upon the surface, disgusted at the actions of their ancestors. I'd worry more about what the humans' alternatives would end up being? The Matrix isn't so bad. It's an escape from the Real.

Artificial Intelligence is possible now. However, alot of AI is also pre-programmed with responses that it adapts with. Artificial Intelligence learning to make its own choices is a bit trickier, as there's alot of involvement if you were to code something that could truly adapt and not just select from options already in its command list but actually put together new options. Essentially, true artificial intelligence as we see it portrayed in the films is a long time out of the way.

Something truly able to adapt would be so limited for fear of science-fiction flicks would be closely monitored and have nothing like the capabilities given in the cinema and books. It's pure fantasy to suggest that we would have robots live amongst us, as paranoid and egotistical as humans can be.

the matrix is not ran off some mainframe somewhere, its run off the humans connected to it