Graphics processing unit: Difference between revisions
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A '''graphics processing unit''' (GPU) in a [[computer]] is an independent graphics [[coprocessor]]. It is responsible for handling the graphics output of the computer, generally to the [[computer monitor|monitor]]. A GPU consists of a specialized processor and RAM. GPUs usually handle one or two outputs, often in forms like [[Video Graphics Adapter|VGA]] or [[DVI]]. In some computers, GPUs can also handle other functions, such as [[digital video|video]] decoding.. A graphics processing unit is a part of all [[personal computer]]s, most [[workstation]]s, and some [[server (computing)|server]]s. A graphics unit can be dedicated or integrated. Generally, lower-end PCs or smaller PCs tend to have integrated graphics solutions, while midrange or high-end PCs have dedicated graphics solutions. | A '''graphics processing unit''' (GPU) in a [[computer]] is an independent graphics [[coprocessor]]. It is responsible for handling the graphics output of the computer, generally to the [[computer monitor|monitor]]. A GPU consists of a specialized processor and RAM. GPUs usually handle one or two outputs, often in forms like [[Video Graphics Adapter|VGA]] or [[DVI]]. In some computers, GPUs can also handle other functions, such as [[digital video|video]] decoding.. A graphics processing unit is a part of all [[personal computer]]s, most [[workstation (computer)|workstation]]s, and some [[server (computing)|server]]s. A graphics unit can be dedicated or integrated. Generally, lower-end PCs or smaller PCs tend to have integrated graphics solutions, while midrange or high-end PCs have dedicated graphics solutions. | ||
Computers use a graphics API and driver to interact with GPU. Drivers are generally supplied by the motherboard or GPU manufacturer, and often only work for a specific model or set of models of GPU. A computer program (such as a [[computer game|game]]) will generally use either [[OpenGL]] or [[DirectX]] to communicate with a graphics card. | |||
==Dedicated Graphics Card== | ==Dedicated Graphics Card== | ||
A dedicated graphics unit is normally connected to the [[motherboard]] by an expansion slot, such as [[PCI Express|PCIe]] or [[Accelerated Graphics Port|AGP]], and includes dedicated RAM for the graphics coprocessor to use. [[Gaming PC]]s sometimes include more than one graphics card. | A dedicated graphics unit is normally connected to the [[motherboard]] by an expansion slot, such as [[PCI Express|PCIe]] or [[Accelerated Graphics Port|AGP]], and includes dedicated RAM for the graphics coprocessor to use. [[Gaming PC]]s sometimes include more than one graphics card, using either [[Scalable Link Interface|SLI]] or [[Crossfire (ATi)|Crossfire]], which allow pairs of Nvidia or ATi cards to work in parallel on graphics tasks. | ||
==Integrated Solution== | ==Integrated Solution== | ||
An integrated graphics solution borrows RAM from the processor to do its work. Integrated solutions are generally slower, but use less energy and are less expensive. Integrated solutions are slower both because they borrow lower-speed system memory and because they tend to have slower processors. Some newer integrated GPUs are hybrids, using some dedicated memory and borrowing some system memory. This allows for better performance. Integrated solutions by definition are generally not expandable or replaceable. | An integrated graphics solution borrows RAM from the processor to do its work. Integrated solutions are generally slower, but use less energy and are less expensive. Integrated solutions are slower both because they borrow lower-speed system memory and because they tend to have slower processors. Some newer integrated GPUs are hybrids, using some dedicated memory and borrowing some system memory. This allows for better performance. Integrated solutions by definition are generally not expandable or replaceable, but some motherboards which use integrated graphics also have PCIe slots that allow for a graphics card to be added. | ||
Revision as of 15:33, 20 February 2007
A graphics processing unit (GPU) in a computer is an independent graphics coprocessor. It is responsible for handling the graphics output of the computer, generally to the monitor. A GPU consists of a specialized processor and RAM. GPUs usually handle one or two outputs, often in forms like VGA or DVI. In some computers, GPUs can also handle other functions, such as video decoding.. A graphics processing unit is a part of all personal computers, most workstations, and some servers. A graphics unit can be dedicated or integrated. Generally, lower-end PCs or smaller PCs tend to have integrated graphics solutions, while midrange or high-end PCs have dedicated graphics solutions.
Computers use a graphics API and driver to interact with GPU. Drivers are generally supplied by the motherboard or GPU manufacturer, and often only work for a specific model or set of models of GPU. A computer program (such as a game) will generally use either OpenGL or DirectX to communicate with a graphics card.
Dedicated Graphics Card
A dedicated graphics unit is normally connected to the motherboard by an expansion slot, such as PCIe or AGP, and includes dedicated RAM for the graphics coprocessor to use. Gaming PCs sometimes include more than one graphics card, using either SLI or Crossfire, which allow pairs of Nvidia or ATi cards to work in parallel on graphics tasks.
Integrated Solution
An integrated graphics solution borrows RAM from the processor to do its work. Integrated solutions are generally slower, but use less energy and are less expensive. Integrated solutions are slower both because they borrow lower-speed system memory and because they tend to have slower processors. Some newer integrated GPUs are hybrids, using some dedicated memory and borrowing some system memory. This allows for better performance. Integrated solutions by definition are generally not expandable or replaceable, but some motherboards which use integrated graphics also have PCIe slots that allow for a graphics card to be added.