What is the key advantage of a System-on-a-Chip?

A System-on-a-Chip (SoC) integrates all the components of a computer or other electronic system into a single chip. The key advantage of this design is that it significantly lowers manufacturing costs and increases efficiency. By consolidating multiple components—such as the central processing unit (CPU), graphics processing unit (GPU), memory, input/output (I/O) ports, and other essential elements— onto one chip, manufacturers reduce the number of individual parts needed, which streamlines production and ultimately decreases costs.

Furthermore, the integration leads to better energy efficiency compared to separate chips, as the components can communicate more quickly and efficiently within the system's architecture, resulting in reduced power consumption. This efficiency is especially beneficial in mobile devices, where battery life is critical.

In contrast, the other options highlight aspects that are contrary to the benefits provided by a SoC. Increased size and complexity, high power consumption, and the need for multiple chips would actually detract from the advantages that an SoC aims to provide. Thus, lower cost and efficiency in manufacturing accurately encapsulate the primary benefits of utilizing a System-on-a-Chip design.