GPU vs CPU: Differences between GPU and CPU?
What is the difference between GPU and CPU, and what is the role played by each? What is the difference between discrete and integrated graphics?
The graphical processing unit (GPU) and Central processing unit (CPU) are fundamental hardware components in computing infrastructure. Both GPU and CPU have come a long way, evolving exponentially and advancements are made in the technology environment. While both GPU and CPU share much in common, they have different architectural designs making them fit for different purposes.
What is a GPU?
As stated earlier, GPU is an abbreviation for Graphical Processing Unit. The main purpose of a GPU is graphics and video rendering. As the name implies, GPUs handle graphics-related tasks, popularly known as graphical processes. However, it is imperative to note that modern GPUs are used for a wide range of applications besides graphics rendering.
Just like CPUs, GPUs are silicon-based microprocessors. However, unlike the CPUs, GPUs are made up of more - even hundreds of- lightweight yet highly specialized cores.
In the beginning, GPUs were focused on 3D rendering. Over time, they have become more structurally robust and architecturally complex, allowing them to handle a wider range of applications. Further, they have become programmable enabling them to handle tasks beyond traditional graphical processing. This advancement has led to the development of GPGPU, which stands for General Purpose Graphics Processing Unit.
Integrated GPU and Discrete GPU
Integrated Graphics (Shared Graphics)
Most of the GPUs in operation today are integrated graphics. Integrated graphics means that the GPU is built-in into the CPU, which enables them to share the memory with the CPU. Integrated graphics are often found in laptops and small form factor computers.
Discrete Graphics(Graphic Cards)
A discrete GPU is one which is on a separate chip from the processor. A discrete GPU comes with its own memory; hence it does not share memory with the CPU. Since it is on a different chip, it does provide more performance than the integrated chip. However, it consumes more power and dissipates a significant amount of heat.
Discrete GPUs are often found in desktops. However, some laptops and small form factor (SFF) computers can have discrete graphics.
What is a CPU?
CPU stands for Central Processing Unit - emphasis on central. Also referred to as the main processor, a CPU is considered the brain of every computer in existence. It is regarded as a general-purpose processor designed to run a vast number of complex tasks.
As you probably know, the computer’s language, binary, is made up of 1s and 0s. The CPU is tasked with taking the binary data and converting it to a set of instructions and commands. The commands are then directed to the right channel for process execution by the computer and its existing Operating System.
CPUs' primary tasks include basic arithmetic, logical functions (AND, OR, NOT), input operations as well as output operations. CPUs interact with other computer components, including RAM, storage drive (SSD, HDD, FDD), input and output components, and others for process execution.
Fundamental Differences between CPU and GPU
1. Number of Cores
A CPU consists of several cores. For instance, an Intel Pentium CPU G2030 machine has 2 Cores. Some Intel i7 processors such as Intel Core i7-4700EQ have 4 cores and others have up to 16 cores such as the Intel Core i7-13700HX Processor. On the other hand, GPUs are made up of hundreds of cores, usually significantly smaller than those of CPUs.
2. Form of Computing - Serial and Parallel
CPUs are designed to handle one computation at a time, which is known as serial computation. They are well-suited for complex computations. On the other hand, GPUs can perform highly intensive computation at the same time, which is known as parallel computation.
The high number of cores and parallel computing enables GPUs to perform operations on a large data set, which helps speed up operations beyond the speeds supported by the CPU. These higher speeds give GPUs more data throughput than CPUs.
Why buy a GPU?
The common question is, if a computer with a GPU is usable and another without a GPU is still usable, why do I need to spend more on a GPU-enabled computer? Not so long ago, GPUs were primarily used for processing 3D graphics; however, today, GPUs are used for a wide pool of applications.
The differences discussed above, between the CPU and GPU, have made the latter more useful in some use cases than the CPU.
Here are some use cases where a GPU is needed.
1. Virtual Desktop Interface (VDI)
VDI technology enables users to access and use virtual desktops to run and perform tasks. While users interact with the VDI on their preferred devices, all processing is done on the hosting server. A hosting server will be required to have a GPU particularly if it will be used for graphic-intensive applications such as video and animation rendering, 2D and 3D imaging using applications such as CAD, and some visualization processes for medical applications.
Virtual desktops are preconfigured images of operating systems and their applications, which are separated from the physical device that they are accessed from. Virtual desktops can be set up on an organization’s network and accessed remotely by end users from their workstations, including laptops, desktops, smartphones, or tablets
2. Artificial Intelligence (AI)
AI falls into two main categories: machine learning and deep learning. Artificial Intelligence, particularly neural networks use deep-learning algorithms and machine-learning algorithms to process large amounts of training data sets. The complex computational algorithms required for AI can overwork CPUs and require GPUs for the extra ‘brainpower’ that GPUs deliver.
3. Cryptocurrency (Bitcoin) Mining
GPUs are well suited to handle loads of high-level computational calculations. Bitcoin mining involves solving complex cryptographic hashes. GPUs provide the necessary computational power to perform workloads of computation processes involving large volumes of cryptographic data.
4. Gaming
At times, GPUs are also referred to as gaming processing units due to their huge adoption in gaming environments. Games are increasingly becoming graphic-intensive image build-ups with vastly complex in-game worlds. Gamers, further, are fascinated by high-quality game graphics, which are made possible by high screen resolutions combined with faster refresh rates.
GPUs can easily meet the demand for highly intensive games, either in 2D or 3D. Further, with a GPU, gamers can enjoy the thrill of virtual reality (VR) gaming packed with immense graphics and in-game world renders.
