Everything you need to know about a GPU

Many people tend to associate the GPU with the graphics card, but the truth is that the two components are related. However, their features are a bit different, and they can do different tasks in terms of graphics.

Currently, one of the things that users want most is a good-quality image on their computer. This will not only allow them to work more easily in editing cases but also to play games. That’s why the gaming industry is so attentive to the updates from the developer companies on these elements.

Now is the time to know what a GPU is, what its work is, and the characteristics that this component has. If you want to know more about this processor, it is time for you to stay with us and discover it.

What exactly is a GPU?

The meaning of the acronym GPUs is Graphic Processing Unit, hence its direct relationship with graphics cards. This component is represented as the graphics card heart, something similar to what you do with the CPU on the PC. Among its functions is that of being the brain that makes each of the calculations that are complex.

All this together allows us to have quality graphics that are duly processed on our computer. Besides that, this will improve the computer’s performance and the way we see everything on the monitor. Many believe that this element is the same as the graphics card, but the reality is that this is not the case.

To explain it in a simpler way, the graphics card is integrated into this graphics processor. However, otherwise, it is not; this processor does not use or does not integrate with graphics cards. One of the main things that you are going to need is a PCB, resistors, capacitors, and voltage controllers, among others.

How have these elements evolved?

In the first instance, the GPU It was known in its beginnings as “Sprites”, where only low-resolution graphics were available. One of the factors that was important in order to have better images was the depth of color. In addition, this ended up helping to have a good performance in this image process that existed.

The first big step began in the 1990s when it came to 2D imaging technology. From this moment on, the team began to undergo changes until it reached what we have today with 3D images. Perhaps some of those who are reading this article will remember how the graphics of those years were perceived.

The sprites that were processed were renamed triangles after offering the depth layer. This gave way to triangles per second readings, as is done today. Little by little, with the arrival of more developer companies, Nvidia and Volta They brought fully updated and durable models to the market.

Elements that make up the graphics processor

Regardless of the brand, in all graphics processing units there are the following items that we will mention: Some of them may change, but they are still the main ones in the vast majority that are on the market. This will help you get to know them better and understand the way they work.

• Command processor: This is the one that is in charge of reading each of the instructions that are sent by the CPU. In this way, you can generate the graphics that are necessary or the complex calculations that are necessary.
• Texturing unit: It is the one who is in charge of applying the image to a specific surface. In this way, it can be simulated that it has a texture or that it has a color, as in real life.
• Shader unit: It is the kernel that is in charge of executing each of the programs that manipulate graphics primitives in real time.
• The tessellation unit is the one that is in charge of subdividing each one of the vertices of an object. Thanks to this, it can give you much more polished and rounded aspects.
• Memory interface: This is what allows the graphics processor to read its own memory, which is known as VRAM.
• The video CODEC: The mission of this element is the processing and decoding of videos in different formats. In this way, you will be able to reproduce them, generate videos, and even change them without problem.
• WFD: This is the component that allows you to read the general RAM memory of the computer.
• Intersection unit: This is in charge of the rays that are in the scenes of the objects, being fundamental for Ray Tracing.
• Raster Output: All final pixels with this element will be drawn in the image buffer. The cache and this are the only items you can write into VRAM.

Related: Learn How to Clean the Camera Efficiently.

Differences between GPU and graphics card

As we mentioned at the beginning of the article, many users tend to believe that this is the same component. They are wrong; the reality is that they are two elements that are separated while fulfilling similar functions. Both work so that we can all have high-quality graphics, and the computer works with better performance.

That is why we will now talk a little more about graphics cards and the differences that both have. This way, you will be able to identify them in a better way so that you better understand what you need inside your computer.

The size and shape of both

Now, speaking of size, it is important to highlight some of its characteristics in this regard. First of all, the size is larger than the CPU of a computer, in a broader square shape. Currently, the models of these components do not usually go below 100 square millimeters, regardless of their generation.

In the case of the graphics card, its size and physical shape are very different from those of the graphics processor. Those are usually rectangular, in the form of a card, so that they can be connected to the corresponding pins on the motherboard. There are models that are designed to be connected externally to the computer.

That’s why some graphics cards already come with built-in cooling kits, lights, and so on. Clearly, there is a significant difference between an item that is like a CPU chip and a card that connects to the computer.

The graphics card is older

Since the 1960s, graphics cards have become a necessity for the presence of monitors. It is always important to get a proper display, which is why these elements were designed. Its technology was advancing to the point of reaching the 1990s, when it released 2D and 3D models.

This happened just at the moment the GPUs were on the market as a component. In addition, among the main developer companies are IBM, Nvidia, and AMD. The same ones are also in charge of developing these graphics processors for the computer.

The connection

This can be the same at one point and different at another; it all depends on the graphics card model. The card, as we already mentioned, can be installed directly on the motherboard or externally with connectors. In the case of the connection of the graphics processor, it goes straight to the motherboard, similar to the CPU.

These are some of the main differences that exist between the two components that are in charge of the graphic process on the computer. It is important to always be clear about this so that users do not believe that it is the same or that they have the same functions. Both have different characteristics and activities that, although similar, are not the same within the computer.

Now that we know all this information related to the it’s time to always have the right one. It is necessary to know the specifications of the computer and the way in which it works with the graphics card that it has. Otherwise, there is a risk that it could be damaged or not end up performing as you should.

A good process and graphics performance thanks to the GPU

Much of whether you can have quality graphics depends on the GPUs and the way you work. Both his reading processes and his information decoding will help the graphics level stay on top. So always stay tuned if you want to have quality games or work with editing programs.