IT·Science News

Sam Altman says RAM is better in data centres than on your desk: two readings of a remark

OpenAI chief executive Sam Altman says it is “terrible” to have computer memory sitting in personal PCs instead of in data centres, The Verge reports. Altman was asked about supply chain shortages, such as the ongoing RAM shortage, during an appearance on the Cheeky Pint podcast, where he also commented on AI’s impact on mathematics.

Kotaku, which writes for gamers and PC enthusiasts, headlined its report “Sam Altman Thinks It’s Good If You Can’t Afford RAM For Your PC” and summed up the comments as the OpenAI boss wanting all the RAM for himself.

How each outlet framed it

• The Verge — the argument: Altman’s case that memory does more good in shared cloud servers than in individual machines.
• Kotaku — the consumer backlash: a PC owner’s reading of the remarks as dismissive of people priced out by the shortage.

What we don't know yet: whether Altman offered any view on when the RAM shortage might ease; neither report’s summary says so.