By Lily Asis
The CPU and GPU are two core components in modern computing. They are two very similar devices made from millions of transistors which process thousands of operations each second, but how do the CPU and GPU differ?
IMAGE COURTESY OF PIXABAY.COM
A CPU (Central Processing Unit) is the ‘brain’ of your computer and they are used to perform a large variety of calculations. Your standard CPU has one to four processing units, which run between one and four GHz. Any operation or activity carried out on your computer is helped by the CPU; it is a fundamental building block of any computer and we could not have them without it.
#1: What is the GPU?
GPU stands for Graphics Processing Unit. This is a microprocessor found in many modern computers. The GPU helps display graphics and is optimized to render graphics – including 3D graphics – perfectly. Although the GPU runs at a lower speed than the CPU, it has more processing cores.
A GPU is a specialized kind of CPU which has been built for the purpose of video rendering and displaying graphics. Again, the GPU performs thousands of mathematical calculations each second necessary for rendering, running them over and over again to create a stunning visual experience, and it has thousands of processing cores that all run simultaneously to achieve this.
If you want to learn more about GPUs, check out gpunerd.com.
#2: So, What’s the Difference?
Although the GPU can only do a small percentage of the things a CPU does, it can do these things at incredible speeds and takes a lot of the load off the CPU. Simply put, the GPU uses hundreds to thousands of cores so that precise calculations can be made for thousands of individual pixels at a time, making it possible for games to display their complex 3D graphics or beautiful rendering.
CPUs are more flexible than GPUs though and can perform a much larger and more complex range of tasks and processes. CPUs also run a lot faster (in terms of clock speed) and can manage all the computer’s components, whereas the GPU only handles graphical processing.
#3: Can GPUs Do More?
Even though they are designed for and are best at video rendering, GPUs can do a lot more if you want them to. Graphics processing is a repetitive computing task and there are thousands more out there which can, in theory, be handled by a GPU.
Most computer processes run off mathematical operations and many technically-minded computer experts use their GPUs to run all kinds of non-graphical processes, such as mining cryptocurrency. This is known as GPU computation and it can massively improve system performance if you are able to carry it out properly.
The CPU is an essential component in any computer, whereas GPUs are non-essential but are often included in modern computers. GPUs render and process graphics and they provide the ability for more modern computers to run demanding games with high-quality 3D graphics. GPUs can work with thousands of pixels at any time to provide a stunning visual experience.
