Definition: GPU

(Graphics Processing Unit) A programmable processor specialized for rendering all images on the computer's screen. A GPU provides the fastest graphics processing, and for gamers, the GPU is a must-have card plugged into a PCI Express (PCIe) slot on the motherboard. GPU circuitry can also be part of the motherboard chipset or on the CPU chip itself (see diagram below). However, such graphics circuits are not as fast as a separate GPU card, which can cost as much or more than the entire computer.

While motherboard GPUs share main memory with the CPU, high-end GPU cards have many gigabytes of their own video memory (see GDDR).

A GPU is all about performing parallel operations. Although it is used for 2D data as well as for zooming and panning the screen, a GPU is essential for smooth decoding and rendering of 3D animations and video. The more sophisticated the GPU, the higher the resolution and the faster and smoother the motion. See graphics pipeline.

Ray Tracing Engine
GPUs may also include hardware to accelerate ray tracing, which simulates a light source falling on objects resulting in bright areas and shadows. Fast ray tracing greatly enhances realism and has become mandatory for serious gaming (see ray tracing).

The Engines Behind AI and Crypto
Because GPUs perform parallel operations on data, they have been modified to become essential components in computers used for scientific and AI applications, as well as mining cryptocurrencies (see AI datacenter and crypto mining). NVIDIA is the leader in GPUs for gaming and AI (see NVIDIA).

GPUs Are Often Integrated With the CPU

Introduced in 2012, AMD's Trinity chip integrated a GPU with memory (DDR3) and two dual-core x86 CPUs, each with their own L2 cache (see x86, L2 cache). (Image courtesy of Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.)

GPU and Everything Else

In 2020, Qualcomm introduced the Snapdragon 888 system-on-chip (SoC). Along with a GPU, this single chip does just about everything for a smartphone. See Snapdragon and SoC.

Graphics Evolution

In early PCs, graphics circuits were always on a separate plug-in card. Today, they are part of the chipset on the motherboard except for gamers who plug in the fastest graphics card they can afford. From top to bottom (1 to 7) is the evolution of graphics circuits in a PC. For AI or running two or more monitors, multiple GPUs are used (#6). High-end graphics cards can cost more than the entire PC. See RTX.