A GPU in a computer is the graphics processing unit, a processor that renders images, video and 3D graphics and sends them to your display. GPU stands for graphics processing unit. A GPU can be built into the CPU (integrated graphics) or be a separate graphics card (discrete GPU) with its own memory, power and cooling.
What does GPU mean?
GPU means graphics processing unit. The term describes a processor designed for parallel calculations, originally for drawing pixels and 3D scenes and now also for AI, video encoding and scientific computing.
What does a graphics card do?
A graphics card does 4 jobs:
- Renders graphics: draws every frame of games, apps and the desktop.
- Outputs video to monitors through HDMI and DisplayPort.
- Encodes and decodes video for streaming and playback; see is streaming CPU or GPU intensive.
- Accelerates AI and compute workloads; see GPUs for AI and cloud.
What are the parts of a graphics card?
A graphics card has 6 main parts:
| Part | Function |
|---|---|
| GPU chip | Performs the calculations |
| VRAM (GDDR6/GDDR7) | Stores textures and frame data |
| VRM / power stages | Deliver stable power to the GPU |
| Cooler and fans | Remove heat; see which way GPU fans blow |
| PCIe connector | Connects the card to the motherboard |
| Display outputs | HDMI and DisplayPort |
What is the difference between a CPU and a GPU?
The difference between a CPU and a GPU is that a CPU has a few powerful cores for varied tasks, while a GPU has thousands of smaller cores for parallel work. Read the full comparison in CPU vs GPU. For AI chips, read NPU vs GPU.
What is the difference between integrated and discrete GPUs?
An integrated GPU is part of the CPU and shares system RAM, while a discrete GPU is a separate graphics card with its own VRAM. See integrated vs discrete graphics and what shared GPU memory is.
How do you know which GPU your computer has?
You know which GPU your computer has by opening Task Manager > Performance > GPU. Other methods are in how to see what graphics card you have, and you can compare it in the GPU performance chart.
Who makes GPUs?
GPUs are designed by 3 main companies: NVIDIA (GeForce RTX), AMD (Radeon RX) and Intel (Arc). Board partners such as ASUS, MSI, Gigabyte, Sapphire and Zotac build the graphics cards; read do GPU brands matter.
All GPU basics guides
- How to See What Graphics Card You Have
- CPU vs GPU
- Integrated vs Discrete Graphics
- What Is Shared GPU Memory?
- NPU vs GPU
- GPU Performance Chart
- Is Streaming CPU or GPU Intensive?
- Which Way Do GPU Fans Blow?