Understanding GPUs_ Functions and Advantages.pdf

9/28/24, 3:43 AM Understanding GPUs: Functions and Advantages 🖥️ Graphical Processing Units (GPUs) and Their Uses Definition of a Co-processor “A co-processor is any additional processor used for a specialized ta...

9/28/24, 3:43 AM Understanding GPUs: Functions and Advantages 🖥️ Graphical Processing Units (GPUs) and Their Uses Definition of a Co-processor “A co-processor is any additional processor used for a specialized task, designed to improve the overall speed of the computer by executing concurrently or alongside the main CPU.” Characteristics of CPUs and GPUs CPUs GPUs Design Goal General-purpose processing Specialized processing for parallel tasks Number of Fewer cores, but each core is more Thousands of cores, each core is less Cores powerful powerful Processing Excels at complex operations on Excels at simple operations on large Style small datasets datasets Example Use General computing tasks, such as Graphics rendering, scientific Cases web browsing and word processing simulations, machine learning, and data analysis How GPUs Work GPUs are designed to perform many parallel streams of data at the same time. They are particularly well-suited for tasks that involve: SIMD (Single Instruction, Multiple Data): Performing the same operation on multiple data points simultaneously. Matrix and Vector Operations: Performing calculations on large matrices and vectors, such as those used in graphics rendering and scientific simulations. Example: Rendering a 3D Wireframe https://www.turbolearn.ai/content/16760f4d-18b0-4975-be23-1a3d992eab58 1/3 9/28/24, 3:43 AM Understanding GPUs: Functions and Advantages To render a 3D wireframe of a mountain landscape in full color with realistic lighting effects, the following steps are involved: Assigning x, y, and z coordinates to each segment of the image Assigning a texture or pattern to each segment Assigning a light source with angle, brightness, and direction Choosing a camera source for the image Performing arithmetic calculations based on the x, y, and z coordinates Performing RGB calculations for each pixel Generating the 2D representation of the 3D space to display on a visual display unit Benefits of GPUs for Parallel Processing While a typical CPU might perform a single floating-point operation quicker than a typical GPU, the GPU can perform many floating-point operations much quicker due to its highly bespoke design for parallel processing. General-Purpose Computing on GPUs (GPGPU) From around 2006 onwards, GPUs began to be used for operations other than graphics processing, such as: Oil exploration modeling Weather modeling Machine learning Linear algebra Large levels of statistical analysis Stock option predictions Gravitational field theory Key Question https://www.turbolearn.ai/content/16760f4d-18b0-4975-be23-1a3d992eab58 2/3 9/28/24, 3:43 AM Understanding GPUs: Functions and Advantages What are the different characteristics of CPUs versus GPUs, and what else besides graphics can GPUs be used for? https://www.turbolearn.ai/content/16760f4d-18b0-4975-be23-1a3d992eab58 3/3