A graphics processing unit is computer hardware designed to simultaneously perform the same operations on many pieces of data. While the central processing unit is responsible for general-purpose functions by executing various instructions, one at a time, GPUs are designed to run multiple instances of the same task in parallel. This makes GPUs efficient at handling repetitive, specialized workloads, such as processing the color of millions of pixels dozens of times per second.
> View how the number and organization of processing cores distinguish CPUs from GPUs. (More)
> Take a virtual tour inside a GPU to learn what enables it to perform over 30 trillion calculations per second. (More)
Before the 1990s, manufacturers of components such as circuit boards for video game consoles and arcade cabinets relied on CPUs and custom parts called accelerators to quickly process visual data. However, the rise of 3D gaming introduced performance bottlenecks as CPUs struggled to render more complex polygons, textures, and lighting effects. This motivated the development of dedicated graphics microchips, and, in 1999, Nvidia marketed its GeForce 256 as the world's first GPU.
> Watch a tech demo of the GeForce 256 rendering grass and clouds. (More)
> GPU once stood for geometry processing unit. (More)
> ... and the acronym is often used to refer to graphics cards, not microchips. (More)
GPUs have since facilitated a diverse range of workflows, including video effects and editing, 3D prototyping and animation, weather and climate forecasting, and high-frequency trading. Because they rely on substantial parallel processing, the large language models underlying AI have increased the demand and cost of GPUs and their supporting components, including high-speed memory.
> GPUs became general-purpose components thanks to a Stanford doctoral student. (More)
> See how GPUs enable AI chatbots by processing millions of text parameters simultaneously. (More)
Discover more:
> Memory is organized within GPUs according to ergonomic principles. (More)
> Manufacturers like Nvidia deliberately sell GPUs with defective components, advertising them as lower-tier products. (More)
> Buying a new computer? Learn if you need to purchase a dedicated GPU. (More)
Keep learning by exploring all our findings on the Graphics Processing Unit here.
