graphics processing unit (GPU)
A GPU, or Graphics Processing Unit, is a processor designed for high-speed image rendering and parallel data computation. They are very efficient at processing large blocks of data in parallel, which makes them superior to general-purpose CPUs for those types of workloads. Initially, GPUs were used primarily for 3D game rendering, but now they are also used in AI due to their highly parallel structure.
GPUs can be integrated into the CPU or come as discrete hardware. Integrated GPUs are built into the same chip as the CPU and share memory with it, which can save power and space, making them suitable for laptops and mobile devices. Discrete GPUs are separate components with their own dedicated memory, providing higher performance for more demanding tasks such as gaming, professional graphics work, and data computation.
The evolution of GPU technology has seen them become more programmable and flexible, allowing them to be used for a broader range of applications beyond traditional graphics rendering. This includes artificial intelligence (AI), where GPUs can accelerate the training of neural networks, and cryptocurrency mining, where their parallel processing capabilities are utilized to compute cryptographic hashes.
Citations:
- https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/products/docs/processors/what-is-a-gpu.html
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Graphics_processing_unit
- https://www.techtarget.com/searchvirtualdesktop/definition/GPU-graphics-processing-unit
- https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/products/docs/processors/cpu-vs-gpu.html
- https://www.pcmag.com/encyclopedia/term/gpu
- https://aws.amazon.com/what-is/gpu/
- https://www.investopedia.com/terms/g/graphics-processing-unit-gpu.asp
- https://www.fool.com/terms/g/gpu/