It’s a slobber knocker event with two of the most significant computer parts going head to head: CPU vs GPU! In the right corner, we have the Central Processing Unit (CPU), focused on light-speed movement and brain power. In the left corner, we have the Graphics Processing Unit (GPU), focused on stunning looks and unstoppable power.
Each one needs the other to perform at their greatest potential. When purchasing or building a computer, which component stands out above the other? Do we have to buy the top-of-the-line CPU and GPU product, or is it based on the applications? Find your ringside seat and prepare for a match to determine which part you should prioritize!
What is a CPU?
The CPU is arguably the most critical piece of a computer. Without this unit, your computer won’t run. The CPU acts as the brain of the device, delegating tasks and instructions to each part of the computer. It handles running operating systems, managing applications, and performing complex calculations. The design of the CPU is a small square with pins on the underside. These pins socket into the motherboard and help facilitate data and power between the CPU and motherboard. Nowadays, CPUs come with multiple cores, allowing computers to multitask and run even faster.
A CPU’s processing power is calculated by its clock speed, measured in gigahertz (GHz), which is the number of cycles the CPU executes per second. The higher the clock speed, the faster the processing power.
What is a GPU?
Where the CPU is focused on general tasks, the GPU is all about power in rendering graphics and performing mathematical calculations at high speed. The GPU is a powerhouse that excels in gaming, video/photo editing, and deep learning tasks. A GPU is measured by its clock speed and RAM size. With video games becoming way more realistic and visually immersive, the GPU is increasingly relied on to render these graphics. Combine that with the new technological advancements of monitors: 4K screens, high refresh rates, and virtual reality. The GPU allows gamers to prioritize both the quality and performance of a game without having to negate the other.
When it comes to video editing and content creation, the GPU also excels. GPUs offer parallel processing as well as AI acceleration, making it incredibly fast to render video and graphics. This is only a small taste of what a GPU can actually do. GPUs are even used in scientific research, cryptocurrency mining, and machine learning.
CPU vs GPU: Similarities
Now that you know the competitors, let’s get into how they work together. In most scenarios, the CPU and GPU work collaboratively to maximize output and efficiency. The CPU and GPU complement each other to deliver optimal performance. For example, when playing a graphically heavy game like Alan Wake 2, the CPU will handle game logic and physics calculations, while the GPU focuses on rendering visuals.
There are numerous software applications that combine both as well. Video editing and 3D rendering applications utilize the CPU and GPU to accelerate performance. Some CPUs have neural processing units (NPU), which work directly with the GPU to perform tasks required by AI. The more AI integrates itself into technology, the more we will see CPU and GPU work in tandem.
Both devices also have similar parts as well. Each component has a core that runs computations and logical functions. They both rely on the same basic architecture to perform their tasks, and they are both processor-based. Both CPU and GPU also have dedicated memory where they store data and instructions.
The list of their similarities isn’t incredibly long, but when they do work in tandem, it is a beauty to behold. Let’s get to the main event: the differences between the two!
CPU vs GPU: Differences
When these components work together, it’s extraordinary. However, there are key differences in these parts as well. If there weren’t any differences, we wouldn’t need both parts.
The CPU focuses heavily on single-threaded tasks. There are applications, such as web browsing, office applications, and even games, in which the CPU plays a crucial role. The CPU excels at fast decision-making, which allows it to manage operating systems and system-level operations. The CPU is essential for the stability and responsiveness of the system. There are also the complex calculations the CPU can handle that set it apart from the GPU.
Another key difference is that a computer cannot run without a CPU. All tasks required to manage a computer go through the CPU. An operating system needs instructions from the CPU in order to start up. A computer can boot up and start without a GPU, but you just won’t see an image on the screen. However, there are CPUs with integrated graphics that will work. These CPUs will only be able to handle general tasks such as web browsing and light office work. These are the typical CPUs you see used in tablets and smartphones.
When it comes to internal specifications, the GPU’s cores are not as powerful as the CPUs. A CPU can manage multiple different instructions at once, whereas the GPU works on the same instruction at light speed. Think of the CPU as the delegator and the GPU doing the same task over and over again, incredibly fast.
Artificial Intelligence and deep learning are changing the way we utilize the GPU. The parallel processing capabilities of GPUs have made them vital in the world of AI. Since the GPU can handle multiple calculations simultaneously, it makes them the perfect candidate to run deep learning models and AI software.
CPU vs GPU: When to Use Each
Throughout this article, you have probably been making a note of what you use your computer for. What applications do you use, what games do you play, and what work do you do? Both the CPU and GPU are incredibly important, but you don’t need to buy the best of both in order to have a good computer.
Basic Tasks
If you plan on running basic tasks such as web browsing, video streaming, and office work, then most CPUs and GPUs will be just fine. There is no need to go deep into the rabbit hole of which will give you the best power. With those tasks, power is not what you need. What you’ll need is affordability and longevity. Find a brand you know and love, and stick with them.
Computer Gaming
When it comes to computer gaming, video/image editing, and other high-powered applications, choosing the right component is vital! Gaming has completely taken over the computing world. Gaming will utilize both CPU and GPU. However, the GPU will be more of a focus. It gets even trickier because it also depends on the game. Games like Minecraft will utilize the CPU more than the GPU unless you have ray-tracing turned on. The majority of games ask a ton from the GPU and need it to process graphics, render textures, and get more frames per second. Games release their recommended specs so players can determine if their rig is good enough. These aren’t always accurate, but they offer a good benchmark. If you’re trying to play the latest high graphical game, with everything turned on ultra, on a 4K monitor, then you will definitely need the best of both the CPU and GPU.
3D Animation and Video/Image Editing
The next area we should talk about is 3D animation and video editing or image editing. Right off the bat, you will need a powerful CPU. A CPU will give you accuracy in rendering, whereas a GPU will give you speed. Both are equally important. Editing software like Vegas Pro and DaVinci will use a GPU more heavily than a CPU. Applications that are less advanced, like Adobe Premiere, will use more CPU than GPU. This is where it gets tricky because both will be utilized and work in tandem, but you do have some wiggle room.
Separating usage in two camps helps out the most. If you’re a high-end editor, gamer, or streamer, you will want a powerful CPU and GPU. If you are using your computer for general tasks and work, then you will want a lower to mid-tier CPU and GPU.
Conclusion
So, who wins in the CPU vs GPU battle? Who takes home the glory of the best computer component? In this ongoing debate, the CPU and GPU are both indispensable, and their importance depends on the task at hand. The CPU’s versatility and ability to handle general-purpose tasks make it the backbone of computing. It ensures quick load times, smooth start-ups, and the utilization of everyday applications. The GPU offers unrivaled parallel processing power, which shines in graphic-intensive applications and artificial Intelligence.
With technology advancing at an accelerated pace, the lines between CPU and GPU continue to blur. These components work best together, and as computing systems and applications become more powerful and efficient, so will they. The choice between CPU and GPU comes down to knowing which task you’re undertaking and selecting the right tool for the job. They both play integral roles in the computer world. An actual ring-side match would have both the CPU and GPU shaking hands and working together because they need each other to excel.
