What Is a GPU?

Graphics processing technology plays a huge role in our lives. It has made many things possible. As it has evolved over the years, it offers countless benefits in the field of computing. In fact, it has hard to imagine a life without it. If you use the latest GPU (Graphic Processing Unit), you will be able to unlock possibilities in machine learning, content creation, gaming, and more. It explains why GPUs are in such high demand.

What Can A GPU Do?

When it comes to computing technology, the graphics processing unit flexes the advancement of computing technology. It is extremely important for both business and personal computing. The GPU serves various applications. It has been designed for parallel processing in mind. Some of its applications include video and graphics rendering. Even though GPUs are known for their amazing gaming capabilities, they are also being used for artificial intelligence and creative production.

Initially, GPUs were made to speed up the rendering of 3D graphics. With the passage of time, they have become programmable and flexible. Thus, their capabilities have only expanded. Today, graphic programmers can do a lot more with GPUs. They can easily create realistic scenes and visual effects with advanced shadowing and lighting techniques. There are many developers who are leveraging the power of GPUs to accelerate the workload of HPC (High Performance Computing), deep learning, and the like.

CPU and GPU

The GPU is a close cousin of the CPU (Central Processing Unit). The two complement one another. Although the CPU continues to provide better performance through the addition of cores, faster clock speeds, and architectural innovations, GPUs boost computer graphic workloads. When on the lookout for a system, you need to understand the role of a GPU and a CPU. It will allow you to take advantage of both of them.

GPU Vs Graphics Card

There are some people who confuse a GPU with a graphics card. It is important to understand that the two are different. Similar to a motherboard that contains a CPU, the thing about graphics cards is that they are an addition to the GPU. The board even has various components that allow it to function and form a connection with the entire system. There are two basic types of GPUs. These include integrated and discrete. The former tends to be included in the CPU and does not come on its own. As for a discrete GPU, it is a distinctive chip which can be mounted to a circuit board. It is normally attached to the PCI Express slot.

Integrated Graphics Processing Unit

Most GPUs that are available in the market today are usually integrated graphics. Now, you must be wondering what integrated graphics are how do they work in a computer. CPUs that have a fully integrated GPU included in the motherboard provide a lighter and much thinner system, lower system costs, and decreased power consumption. You can get a GPU computer to take advantage of these. It will allow you to experience immersive graphics and a longer battery life.

Discrete Graphics Processing Units

Although most computing applications should be able to run well with an integrated GPU, a discrete GPU would prove to be a better option for resource-intensive applications. Such a GPU and processing power would produce more heat and require more energy. Dedicated cooling is necessary for discrete GPU. Otherwise, they would be unable to provide maximum performance.

The good news is that GPUs have become more programmable. This means that you can count on them to perform a wide range of applications when compared to traditional graphics rendering. Therefore, the sky is the limit with what you can do.

Uses of GPUs

When GPUs were first launched, they were used for boosting real-time 3D graphics applications. This meant that they were originally designed for games. But, as the 21st century emerged, scientists understood that GPUs can perform some of the most difficult computing problems in the world. Such a realization led to the GPU being used for more things. At present, graphics technology is used more extensively and solves all types of problems. The GPUs of today are highly programmable which is why you can count on them for accelerating all types of applications that go beyond their basic purpose.

GPUs for Gaming

When we talk about GPUs, it is impossible to overlook gaming. The fact is that games are more computationally intensive today. There are complicate in-game worlds and hyper-realistic graphics. With the emergence of advanced display technologies like high refresh rates and 4K screens as well as virtual reality gaming, graphics processing continues to grow. A GPU can render graphics in 2D and 3D. By utilizing the latest graphics performance, it is possible to play games at higher resolution and even faster frame rates.

Content Creation and Video Editing

Creative professionals such as graphic designers and video editors have struggled with extensive rendering times due to limited computing resources for years. Creative flow had been stifled. However, things have changed with parallel processing. It allows for easier and faster rendering of higher-definition graphics and videos. Anyone who works in the field of content creation and video editing needs to use GPU technology to create amazing videos. It is impossible to do anything without it.

Machine Learning

Artificial intelligence and machine learning are the newest applications of GPU technology. They allow scientists to harness the true power of the technology. Due to their extraordinary computational capability, GPUs are able to deliver an incredible boost in workloads thanks to their parallel nature. For instance, image recognition has improved considerably. Besides this, most of the deep learning technologies depend on GPUs and CPUs to provide amazing solutions.

 

Conclusion

After you have finished reading the post, you will know everything there is to know about GPU. If you are considering getting a GPU computer, it is about time that you got one. It is worth the cost. There is nothing that you cannot do with it. Hence, you need to get it.