What is a GPU Computer?
A GPU Computer is a computing system containing an often-high-powered Graphics Processing Unit, which is used to process complex calculations and algorithms in order to both take the load off the CPU and allow scalability in processing power.
For instance, GPU Computers are often used in AI applications, either in GPU “farms”, a series of GPU Computers linked together to spread the load of the intensive calculations of inference and video analytics, or in Embedded Computers using MXM GPUs to analyse data right on the Edge.
Which GPU is best for my PC?
The first choice you have to make is
whether you require a professional or consumer grade GPU. Consumer grade GPUs are undoubtedly cheaper than professional grade, but for rugged industrial and embedded applications there are some key features of professional grade GPUs that should be considered by system integrators.
Professional grade GPUs feature ECC memory, built-in error correction which fixes issues in the VRAM on the fly. Consumer grade GPUs don’t follow any fixed roadmap, with manufacturers constantly releasing new versions and drivers to keep up with graphics-hungry video games. Professional grade GPUs, on the other hand, have longer development periods and official change-notifications and rollouts, giving organisations more control over obsolescence and a clear plan on development cycles for the future.
With more standardisation with professional grade GPUs, and official support for them by industrial software vendors, professional grade GPUs are a great choice for embedded and industrial GPU computer applications. Read more
here.
What is a GPU and how does it work?
GPU stands for Graphical Processing Unit, which is a processing device designed to perform complex calculations for things like gaming, texture mapping, lighting and shading, and geometry. Long gone are the days where GPUs are used solely in the commercial sector by gamers and the like — GPUs now form the backbone of complex industrial and embedded applications like machine vision and intelligent video analytics, due to their huge and dedicated processing power which is geared towards this kind of visual application.
Is GPU or CPU better?
Asking if a GPU is better than a CPU is like asking whether a horse is better than a cart. In a GPU computer, the CPU is general purpose processor responsible for the running of the operating system and ancillary services, where the GPU acts as a way of performing complex calculations that often fall on the shoulders of the CPU. It’s not that one is better than the other, more that a GPU-powered computer has the capabilities to perform more complex procedures while allowing the CPU to run more efficiently.
Do you need a GPU for a PC?
No, you don’t need a GPU for a PC. You do need some form of graphical output, so if there’s no integrated graphics processor to output to a display then you’ll need a separate GPU to do the job. GPUs are often added to computers that do have onboard graphics display outputs, but not because it’s required, more that it serves a purpose that can’t be fulfilled by the generally much less powerful onboard unit.