CPU vs GPU: What's the Difference?

The central processing unit (CPU) and the graphics processing unit (GPU) are two different types of processors used in modern computers.



CPU is the main processor that handles the bulk of all computing tasks and general operations. But GPU, graphic processing unit, is a specialized module designed for fast processing and output of graphics on the monitor screen.



What is CPU

So, the CPU (usually just called the processor) is the central component of a computer system. It executes program instructions, processes basic arithmetic, logical operations, input-output operations, and determines general-purpose calculations.





The CPU consists of control units, registers, arithmetic units, and cache memory. Modern wordpress web design agency CPUs have several processor cores that enable parallel execution of instructions.





Processors are now versatile in terms of workloads.



What is GPU

GPUs were originally designed to render graphics only. But now they are optimized to perform computational operations as well. 3D rendering requires simultaneous floating-point calculations, and modern GPUs are excellent at this (thanks to hundreds, sometimes thousands, of smaller, more efficient cores). This massive computing power makes GPUs ideal for computationally intensive work such as machine learning, cryptography, and video editing.





GPUs are designed to perform best when performing a narrow set of graphics and mathematical operations.



Differences between CPU and GPU

We've rounded up six fundamental differences between CPUs and GPUs.







CPUs have fewer processor cores, but they are more versatile, while GPUs have more cores, but they are more specialized.

The CPU has cache memory and sophisticated flow control for flexible general-purpose tasks. But in the GPU, the cache can be called optimized.

The CPU clock rate is always higher when processing operations sequentially. The GPU clock rate will always be lower (but this is compensated by the ability to process in parallel).

The CPU excels at branch predictor tasks, which are very sensitive to latency. The GPU excels at something else: tasks that require the highest throughput.

CPU is more energy efficient when working with general logic, GPU - when calculating with floating point.

The CPU is the brain of the computer, the GPU is the performance accelerator when working with rendering and other specific tasks.

What to look for when choosing a CPU and GPU for server hardware

For CPU

Number of cores. More cores allow you to process more parallel workloads and virtual machines (if we are talking specifically about solving typical server tasks). To ensure good performance, the minimum is 4-8 cores.



Clock speed . This is simple: higher clock speeds (in GHz) = higher performance. It doesn't matter if we're talking about single-threaded applications or specific calculations. Of course, caches and architecture are also important to consider.



Cache . Large CPU caches reduce latency and improve server hardware performance. Level 3 (L3) cache memory has a particularly strong impact on performance.



Architecture : Newer architectures provide improved efficiency and increase the number of instructions executed per cycle.



Energy efficiency . The requirements for the processor cooling system (they are designated by the abbreviation TDP, Thermal Design Power) are also important for the CPU. Thus, processors with a low calculated thermal power consume less energy, reduce the costs of their cooling,