The Processing Power of the Human Brain Compared to Computers
We live in a world where computers can outperform humans at chess, Go, and even Jeopardy. But do computers outperform the human brain overall? Ultimately, there is no clear winner overall. Human beings and computers have their own advantages, depending on the category.
For the purpose of this article, let’s define a computer as a personal desktop for non-professional use (i.e.
Let's dive into several key aspects to compare these two incredible systems.
Storage Capacity
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. What about the brain’s storage capacity?
Estimates vary on how many nerve cells, or neurons, exist in a typical brain. You might be thinking, “Wait, the computer has bytes and the brain has neurons.
One marked difference between the human brain and computer flash memory is the ability of neurons to combine with one another to assist with the creation and storage of memories. Each neuron has roughly a thousand connections to other neurons. So far, it’s an even contest. The human brain has significantly more storage than an average computer.
To illustrate the differences in storage and processing, consider the following table:
| Feature | Human Brain | Computer |
|---|---|---|
| Storage Capacity | Significantly more | 500GB (average) |
| Memory Access | Qualitative rankings, prioritized memories | Direct access, all information equal |
| Energy Efficiency | 10 watts | 100 watts |
Memory Access
How about accessing memory? 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.
Where computers lag behind humans is the ability to assign qualitative rankings to information. For a computer, all information is exactly the same. Humans, on the other hand, have many different types of memories and prioritize memories based on their importance. You will undoubtedly remember numerous details about your wedding day, but you probably forgot what you had for lunch last Thursday.
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. The contest is still a toss-up.
Energy Efficiency
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.
Conclusion
If you want precision and raw processing speed, a computer is the clear choice. 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.