A GPU, also known as a graphics processing unit or video card, A GPU is a core component of a computer. All computers offer a GPU in some form, whether as an integrated solution built into the system’s motherboard or as a dedicated piece of hardware that must be installed separately.
What Exactly Is a GPU?
A GPU, or graphics processing unit, is a processor specifically designed to handle graphics rendering tasks. Quite simply, it’s what allows you to see images on your screen.
Whether you’re looking at your smartphone, tablet, or computer, being able to see an image is down to the device’s GPU; without one, your device would not be able to create any images.
While basic computers can display images and animations, more advanced ones such as gaming PCs boast graphics processing units that can accelerate the rendering of 3D graphics.
A computer with a basic GPU is able to show 3D graphics, but a dedicated GPU processes them much faster and with much better levels of detail. Video editors also can take advantage of GPUs to render multiple complex animations at once, including editing videos or rendering 3D models.
The term GPU and graphics card are often used interchangeably. To be exact, the GPU (or graphics processing unit) is the chip that is located on a graphics card.
A graphics card is a specialized electronic circuit board that houses the GPU (graphics processing unit) and other associated components. In some cases, the GPU is built into the motherboard along with the CPU or processor.
While a dedicated graphics card means that it sits on its own circuit board and is placed inside of a computer’s chassis (housing). Basically, you can move such a device between other computers if you wish, as well as upgrade to different graphics cards as needed.
In the end, it’s fine to use the two terms interchangeably when discussing graphical power.
A CPU or central processing unit is a computer’s brain. It deals with the core parts of a computer, such as being able to complete basic arithmetic, logic, controlling and input/output operations. The CPU can also process graphics but in a significantly less specialist way than a GPU.
A GPU is optimized for performing graphical tasks. It can’t perform the tasks of a CPU, but it can render graphics effectively and much faster than if you relied solely on a CPU.
What Is an iGPU?
Integrated graphics processing units (iGPUs) are one type of GPU. They are less powerful than dedicated or discrete graphic cards. They are often designed for basic rendering tasks rather than gaming, video editing, or animation work.
Integrated graphics processors (iGPUs) are often built into computer processors or motherboards and are always available to use. However, anyone looking to play games on their computer will almost always need to add a dedicated graphics card to render images more effectively.
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