Introduction

Graphic Processing Units or GPUs are an integral part of laptops nowadays. We can observe various models from AMD, Nvidia and Intel in the GPU specifications which provide additional numbers on top of the already complex laptop specification sheet. We can also see that there is something called ‘discrete’ and ‘integrated’ graphics. But what is the difference between these two? Why is there a need for a discrete GPU in a laptop that already has an integrated GPU?

Additionally, why do we require GPUs in laptops? Isn’t the CPU or processor enough to carry out daily activities? Why is there a requirement for another processing unit specifically for graphics? We will be answering these queries in this easy guide to graphic processors.

What is a Graphic Processing Unit (GPU)?

In simple terms, a graphic processor simply handles the graphic processing undertaken by the computer or laptop. The calculation of graphics-related tasks requires the processor to compute various calculations in parallel. It is very different from normal computing undertaken by a CPU or the Central Processing Unit, which is done serially.

GPUs were initially created to aid in the 3D rendering of objects in a digital space. However, over time, their tasks have become increasingly complex. The latest GPUs are used for multiple processes such as gaming, AI-based calculations, video rendering, and other business applications. These GPUs are incredibly powerful and can provide the best results in little time.

Common GPU Use Cases

There are several common use cases for a GPU such as:

Gaming

GPUs are commonly used for processing complex 3D gaming environments and assets. Since gaming requires extremely fast lag-free computing, GPUs are ideal for rendering hyper-realistic 3D worlds in no time.

Content Creation

With the increased penetration of high-speed internet, content creation has become a mainstream business and GPUs help in the creation of video content. They are used for editing, rendering, and encoding high-resolution videos. The parallel-processing architecture of GPUs helps in rendering videos faster, making them ideal for video editing tasks.

Artificial Intelligence

GPUs also help in computing that uses artificial intelligence and machine learning. Since these applications require quick processing of parallel tasks, GPUs are often used in their programs to accomplish certain goals.

Working of a GPU

Since GPUs are specifically designed to perform computationally intensive mathematical and logical tasks, they have their memory (RAM). This memory helps it undertake its calculation parallelly. As a result, a GPU has multiple small transistors which undertake its calculations. It has a Digital-to-Analog Converter, which converts the signals to digital format which the screen can display for the user.

As a result of such parallel processing, the GPU can undertake its tasks extremely quickly. However, a disadvantage of such fast computing is the heat generated and the additional expenses spent on cooling it effectively.

GPU vs CPU

 A GPU gets the input data and starts working on it using parallel computing architecture. Similarly, it outputs the values quickly due to the parallel nature of computing. Hence, they are used to render the images on the screen, which is why they are called ‘graphic’ processing units, despite having other uses.

On the other hand, the CPU undertakes the common computing tasks of a laptop. It works in a serial manner, wherein it completes one task before moving on to the other. Hence, they are used to undertake the basic commands which can take more time, but provide accurate results.

Difference between Integrated GPU & Dedicated GPU

When we discuss GPUs, you need to understand that there are two major types of graphics cards: Integrated GPU and Discrete GPU. To put it simply, an integrated GPU is a part of the physical CPU, and hence, it is not that powerful usually. On the other hand, a discrete GPU is very much capable of high-performance utilities, which is evident by the bulky fans mounted on the PCB which houses the chip and the transistors.

While an integrated GPU is used for undertaking common graphic tasks such as drawing the graphic user interface and video decoding, discrete GPUs are often used for more graphically intensive tasks such as video gaming, video editing and its encoding, machine learning, and more

Conclusion

Graphic processors in laptops are integral to their functioning as it helps in displaying the output on the screen. If you have basic usage, you will require an integrated GPU, while specialized tasks such as gaming and video editing will require the use of a discrete GPU. Hence, it is ideal to consider your use case before buying a laptop with either an integrated or discrete GPU.