The tech world today is abundant with dozens of terms or abbreviations denoting technologies, software, or hardware. One of the most frequently used abbreviations by tech enthusiasts, reviewers, bloggers, etc., is CPU and GPU.
But what do these short forms mean, and what is the distinction between the two? What is the function of a GPU? And, what is the function of a CPU?
Okay, so we’ll elucidate the distinctions for you by illustrating them.
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What Is A CPU?
The CPU (central processing unit) is the core of every device out there. It’s a necessity for phones, computers, smartwatches, consoles, and everything else that is similarly complicated.
This essential part has multiple roles in a computer. It communicates with all the components, performs calculations, and directs the components on tasks to be completed.
CPUs are made from countless transistors forming multiple cores that can be focused on handling various tasks simultaneously. The CPUs from today, such as Intel’s upcoming 12th generation or AMD’s Ryzen 6000 series, boast multiple cores of up to 16 cores or 32 threads and sometimes even more.
Essentially, the speed of your processor determines how rapidly your computer can handle tasks. So, whether you are trying to start a game or open a browser, the CPU is doing most of the work.
But, once the game is launched, the task is transferred to the GPU, which takes us to the subsequent part of this article.
What Is A GPU?
Unlike the CPU, the GPU (graphics processing unit) has numerous cores (compared to a dozen) that are dedicated to one type of task. So, instead of wasting energy working on various tasks, the GPU focuses its power on just one or only a few specific assignments.
What Is The Difference?
So, we’ve explained the functions of a GPU and a CPU in one computer, but what are their primary differences?
Well, at their core, both of these pieces of hardware are quite similar. Both are vital for every computer, and both are processing units – a processor.
However, the architecture found inside of this hardware is remarkably distinctive. This is because they are designed for a specific purpose.
As we mentioned previously, the CPU handles an assortment of diverse tasks. It splits its small number but immensely powerful cores to handle several tasks as quickly as possible. The processing lasts only a few microseconds and then instantly jumps to other processes.
The graphics card (or GPU), however, is designed specifically for particular tasks. Typically, this involves accelerating the rendering and processing of graphics/visuals, like YouTube videos, 3D models/scenes in Blender, and visuals in digital games.
Today’s realistic visuals in video games are incredibly demanding, and GPUs require massive amounts of power. A prime example of such power is Nvidia’s RTX 3090 with 24GB of VRAM.
Naturally, contemporary GPUs are more advanced than before, enabling them to handle various tasks like decoding, encoding, and plenty more.
The Future Of CPUs And GPUs
Over these last two decades, the purpose of CPUs and GPUs has remained unchanged. However, the capabilities of said hardware have improved. Graphics cards from today can do a lot more compared to the GPUs from the beginning of the 21st century.
A notable example is Nvidia’s DLSS (deep learning super sampling) or AMD’s FSR (FidelityFX Super Resolution). DLSS utilizes its Tensor Core AI processors and the power of deep learning to substantially enhance the FPS in-game while preserving the game’s visual fidelity. It is essentially free additional performance.
FSR is designed for the same purpose, but it doesn’t utilize hardware such as Tensor Cores or deep learning. Nevertheless, it still enhances speed and offers a crisp picture.
Just imagining such a concept ten years ago was probably unthinkable even for the finest GPU designers, let alone building a GPU that can handle such a task. This means that in the future, the GPU’s role as part of the computer could potentially change.
The same can be said for CPUs. They have progressed so much over the years, especially during the Ryzen era. The core count in 2021 is multiple times greater compared to the CPUs of 2016 or earlier.
Four cores/eight threads were the peak before 2017 for consumers. Today, you can get a 16-core/32-thread 5950X for just $700.
Beyond the ordinary world of buyers, a few CPUs boast a maximum of 64 cores and 128 threads. The quantity of cores has increased dramatically, enabling individuals to exclusively run games using just the CPU. Watch this video of Linus Tech Tips employing an AMD Threadripper 3990X to play Crysis:
So, what lies in the future of CPUs? Could the core count increase so drastically that we wouldn’t need GPUs anymore?
Certainly, we cannot foresee this. All we can do is value the technology we currently possess and await what lies ahead.
