Why are CPU and GPU manufacturers trying to make transistors smaller and smaller instead of making the chips bigger so they can put more transistors?

Question

Why are CPU and GPU manufacturers trying to make transistors smaller and smaller instead of making the chips bigger so they can put more transistors?

In: 11

Answer 1

On top of the other answers here look at Moore’s law. Transistor counts double every two years. If you double the size of your chip you’re really not jumping really far ahead of the curve in terms of transistor count and you’ve doubled the footprint of your chip. Do it again and now your chip is four times the footprint and all for minimal gain