GPU

Graphics Processing Unit

GPU

Graphics Processing Unit

GPU

A specialized processor that handles the rendering of images, videos, and other visual content. Essential for gaming, video editing, and other graphics-intensive applications.

Integrated Graphics

Built into the CPU, they share system memory with the CPU and are generally less powerful than dedicated graphics cards.

Dedicated (Discrete) Graphics Cards

Separate cards that plug into the motherboard. They have their own dedicated memory (VRAM) and are much more powerful than integrated graphics.

Dedicated (Discrete) Graphics Cards

Commonly used in gaming computers and workstations.

Integrated Graphics

They share system RAM with the CPU and are suitable for basic tasks like web browsing, office applications, and casual video playback. They are cost-effective and consume less power.

CUDA cores

Name for dedicated GPU by NVIDIA

Stream Processors

Name for dedicated GPU by AMD

Dedicated GPU

Contains thousands of processing cores that are highly optimized for parallel computation.

How a Dedicated GPU works

When a game or application needs to display complex 3D graphics, the CPU sends instructions to the GPU. The GPU then performs the numerous calculations required to render polygons, apply textures, compute lighting, and generate the final image frame by frame.

VRAM (Video Random Access Memory)

Part of a dedicated GPU that allows it to store all necessary texture and frame buffer data without impacting system RAM.

VRAM (Video Random Access Memory)

Video Random Access Memory

VRAM (Video Random Access Memory)

Dedicated high-speed memory on the graphics card used to store image data, textures, and other graphics-related information. More VRAM allows for higher resolutions, more detailed textures, and smoother performance in demanding applications.

Cores/Stream Processors

The number of parallel processing units within the GPU. More cores generally translate to greater raw processing power.

Clock Speed

The speed at which the GPU's processing units operate.

Interface

Dedicated GPUs connect to the motherboard via a PCIe x16 slot.