A graphics processing unit (GPU) is a computer processor that quickly performs mathematical calculations to create visuals and images. Both business and consumer computers utilize GPUs. Despite their expanded use cases, GPUs are typically used to render 2D and 3D pictures, animations, and videos. The central processing unit (CPU) handled these calculations in the early days of computing. However, when graphics-intensive programs proliferated, the CPU’s workload increased, and performance suffered.
GPUs were developed to free up CPU resources for other tasks and enhance 3D graphics rendering. GPUs operate using a parallel processing technique in which different processors execute independent components of the same operation.GPUs are well-known for enabling fluid, high-quality graphics rendering in PC (personal computer) gaming. Additionally, programmers started using GPUs to speed up workloads in fields like artificial intelligence.
Key Takeaways
- A GPU (graphics processing unit) is a specialized chip that handles the graphics and image processing tasks for a computer or device.
- A GPU can be integrated into the CPU (central processing unit) or the motherboard, or it can be a discrete card that is installed separately in a slot.
- A GPU consists of several components, such as the core, the shaders, the memory, and the bus interface, that work together to render images on the screen.
- A GPU can perform parallel computations faster than a CPU, which makes it ideal for tasks that involve complex graphics, such as gaming, video editing, 3D modeling, and machine learning.
- A GPU can be measured by various metrics, such as the clock speed, the memory bandwidth, the VRAM, the CUDA cores, and the TDP (thermal design power).
A Graphics Card: What Is It?
Consequently, the GPU—the graphics processing unit—is meant when someone uses the term “graphics card.” The graphics card is a printed circuit board, just like your computer’s motherboard. Regarding standalone (sometimes called discrete) GPUs, it also includes a specific set of instructions to follow in addition to fans, onboard RAM, a separate memory controller, a BIOS, and other features. Although graphics cards can be found in a wide variety of sizes and shapes, there are two main categories:
Integrated
A GPU directly housed within the same chassis as a CPU or SoC is an integrated GPU. While AMD’s CPUs are a little hit or miss regarding integrated graphics, most Intel CPUs do. For some light gaming, web browsing, email, and video watching, integrated graphics are helpful. They consume less power than a discrete GPU as well. Most processor support this feature which causes less hassle at the cost of performance.
Discreet
A discrete GPU is added to an expansion slot on the motherboard and is separate from the CPU. For high-end gaming, video editing, 3D model rendering, and other computationally demanding tasks, a discrete GPU will provide more power than an integrated GPU. Modern GPUs can draw hundreds of watts to operate. Modern discrete GPUs often outperform integrated GPUs; however, CPU and GPU generations must be considered. When comparing pieces of hardware from the same timeframe, the discrete GPU will come out on top.
What Functions Does a Graphics Card Have?
A graphics card is in charge when displaying images for a display, whether for photos, videos, games, documents, your typical desktop environment, a file folder, or anything else. These things require a graphics card, from actions that demand a lot of processing power, like playing a video game, to measures that seem “simple,” like opening a new text document. To elaborate, your graphics card converts the commands from other computer applications into a visual representation on your screen.
Therefore, the CPU informs the graphics card of what needs to be displayed on the screen. The graphics card then processes those instructions through its processing unit to quickly update its onboard memory (sometimes referred to as VRAM) regarding which pixels on the screen require modifying and in what manner. Then, via a wire, this information zips from your graphics card to your monitor, where the images, lines, textures, lighting, shading, and everything else are altered.
How are Graphics Cards made?
Regarding graphics cards, AMD and Nvidia are two well-known brands. Although CPU giant Intel is entering the market with its Arc Alchemist graphics cards, AMD and Nvidia are the two GPU powerhouses that have dominated the market for decades. Technically speaking, neither AMD nor Nvidia “produce” graphics cards. They create them, send them to a chip foundry for production, or sell the rights to other companies like MSI, ASUS, Zotac, Palit, and so on so that they can produce similar products.
Selecting a Graphics Card
The global chip shortage that caused GPU (and other PC hardware) prices to soar is still being resolved as of the time of writing. But once costs gradually decline to reasonable levels (don’t hold your breath! ), you might be curious about how to select a graphics card for your computer. There are a few considerations: The price of a new graphics card will always be the most critical factor. What is the price range for a new GPU? Your choice of GPU will also be influenced by its availability when purchasing.
Determine if you need to spend money on a high-end GPU or whether an entry-level, more affordable model will do the trick. Put another way; you may only need to spend $1,000 on a high-end device if all you expect to do is check your emails, browse social media, and watch YouTube. But you must consider a top-end model if you want to play games in 1440p or 4K. Check the compatibility of any potential GPU with your system components. Is it compatible with your motherboard and the other parts?
Comparison of a graphics card and a processor
The terms graphics card and GPU are occasionally used synonymously. There are, however, some significant differences between the two. The primary distinction is that a graphics card’s GPU is a unique component. The GPU does the actual picture and graphics processing. The display unit receives images from a graphics card. The graphics card is majorly utilized in display features and high-end rendering, whereas the CPU handles the general processes of the system or machine.
Best GPUs and graphics cards available today
Some key participants in the GPU market include Nvidia, AMD, Intel, and Arm. Among the best GPUs and graphics cards in 2020 were:
- AMD Radeon RX 6800 XT
- GeForce RTX 3080
- GeForce RTX 3090
- GeForce RTX 3060 Ti
- Radeon RX 5600 XT from AMD
A person should consider a graphics card’s price, overall value, performance, features, the quantity of video memory, and availability before making a purchase. Support for 4K, 60 fps or more, and ray tracing are features that consumers may be interested in. In some cases, the cost will be a deciding
Conclusion
Its coprocessor, called the GPU, is housed inside the graphics card. The GPU is the graphics card component that does picture and graphic processing, whereas the graphic card is an extension card in the device that creates images to display on the output device. Remember that GPUs and graphics cards aren’t just for desktop PCs. Your smartphone, tablet, smartwatch, PS5, Xbox Series X, and anything else that shows a visual interface all contain them. Although the technology could be more sophisticated, anything with a screen needs to be able to provide you with information. This is all about graphics cards and GPUs.
CEO, Lead Writer
Sajid Ali is a tech enthusiast and gamer who loves to write reviews about gaming hardware. He has a passion for staying up-to-date with the latest technological advancements and loves sharing his knowledge with others. Sajid studied Intermediate Computer Science at Degree College and went on to earn his Bachelor's in Computer Science from GSC. In his free time, you can find him testing out new hardware and software, or playing the latest video games. Sajid's in-depth understanding of computers and his love for gaming make him the perfect author to turn to for all things tech and gaming.
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