Computers

Increased capacity

Computers can be bought that are just a little better than similar models, capable of running a few more programs than other computers of the same complexity. This is denoted by a (×N) after the complexity, where N is the number of programs of its own complexity that the computer can run. It can run N×10 programs of one lower complexity, N×100 programs of two lower complexity, and so on. Such computers cost more, and are larger to make room for the extra processing power
Capacity Cost Weight
(×1.5)×1.3 ×1.3
(×2)×1.5 ×1.5
(×3)×2 ×2
(×5)×3 ×3
(×7)×4 ×4
Note that this is a change from the plain vanilla GURPS rules where each computer has a capacity of (×2).

Programs may also have increased capacity. This means the program takes up more than one "program slot" for its complexity. A complexity 3(×5) program takes up 5 complexity 3 program slots.

A (×1.5) capacity computer can run 15 programs of one lower complexity, one program of its own complexity and 5 programs of one lower complexity, one program of (×1.5) complexity, and so on.

Genius Systems

Genius systems can be obtained in more gradations than just +1 complexity
Extra Capacity Cost
(×1.5)×1.7
(×2)×2.5
(×3)×4
(×5)×8
(×7)×12
+1 complexity×20
When making genius systems of computers with extra capacity, each step down the Genius computer chart increases the capacity by one step down the Increased capacity chart; the step below (×)7 is +1 to complexity. Example: A (×2) Genius system with Increased Capacity (×2) ends up with a final (×5). A (×2) Genius system with Increased Capacity (×5) ends up with +1 complexity. A (×2) Genius system with Increased Capacity (×7) ends up with +1(×1.5) complexity.

For more gradation with dumb systems, divide cost by 20, reduce complexity by 1, and then apply the genius modifiers above.

TL 9 Computers

To reflect increases in computer technology in the 16 years since Ultra-Tech was published, I will use the following stats for late TL 9/early TL 10 computers. I am making the assumption that optio-electronic semiconductor devices have reached their physical limits by this time, and that nothing better has come to replace them.

Type Complexity Weight Cost
Tiny 3 0.04 $40
Handheld 4 0.2 $200
Personal 5 1 $1000
Mini 6 5 $5,000
Microframe 7 25 $25,000
Mainframe 8 125 $125,000
Macroframe 9 600 $600,000
Super 10 3,000 $3,000,000
Monster 11 15,000 $15,000,000

Computers can be made Compact, Optimized, and TEMPEST hardened as described in Ultra-Tech 2 pp 33-34.

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