[russelldc]

If any government wanted to take down a CPU or GPU based cryptocurrency, they could accomplish a 51% attack in no time. Gathering or manufacturing ASICs would be a longer, harder, more obvious process.

[bpicolo]

I'm not convinced that's true. The government can get ASICs produced more easily than they can produce quality GPUs. GPU procurement at the scale necessary seems like it would be very hard.

[kharms]

A government would need to produce ASICs, but would only need to commandeer GPUs. There are massive GPU farms used by various industries, including ones available for rent (aws, etc.)

[ryanmarsh]

Gathering or manufacturing ASICs would be a longer, harder, more obvious process.

In the short term, true. The same could have been said of integrated circuits at one point. ASIC manufacturing will become cheaper and easier.