What are GPUs?

A graphics processing unit (GPU) is an electronic circuit designed to process images and accelerate the rendering of 3D computer graphics on consumer devices, such as computers, smartphones, and gaming consoles. While both GPUs and CPUs are critical, silicon-based computing engines, GPU architectures are designed specifically for rendering images on a screen. The smaller, more numerous and more highly specialized cores of the GPU are designed to divide processing tasks into multiple sets and process them in parallel, across multiple cores. The result is significantly enhanced performance.

Why are GPUs important?

While most CPUs can manage the rendering of basic objects, intensive graphics require a dedicated GPU designed to handle more strenuous workloads. Video game graphics, for example, often render each frame individually, which requires immense processing power. While typically associated with high-end video game graphics, many business applications also rely on GPUs for tasks that require powerful processing. GPUs are frequently used in scientific and AI applications due to their ability to perform parallel operations on multiple sets of data.

Arm GPUs provide the ultimate visual experience across a range of devices from all tiers of smartphones to tablets and smart TVs. The Linley Group’s Analysts’ Choice Awards named Arm Mali-G77 GPU the best processor IP, citing numerous architectural improvements including significant boosts to graphics performance and power efficiency.

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