What is the difference between gpu and apu

In spite of the power it holds, the CPU is really just a chip. Just by reading its name, you already know that it processes functions that are related to graphics like images and videos. Everything that you see on the screen is handled by the GPU, but take note that it only handles the interface and the processes of image and video files. What does exactly the GPU do? It does high-volume repetitive computations involving manipulation of graphics to produce what you want to see on the screen.

Just like the CPU, you can find it on the motherboard. Compared to the other two processing units, the APU is not widely known by everyone. Initially, it was named Fusion and it was a term to describe a bunch of microprocessors. It does CPU processes while allowing it to be a basic graphics processor. Obviously, they all differ in what they process and how they process it.

In a nutshell, the CPU processes arithmetic operations including receiving and directing data. You can look at it as a leader for your overall computer. Everything related to graphics from receiving and directing data is all handled by the GPU. Lastly, the APU does both processes, arithmetic, and graphic. How strong are these processing units anyway?

The GPU is used to doing heavy and repetitive tasks without fail. At the same time, AMD generally offered users better value for their money when it came to the low-end and mid-range solutions.

The CPU , or central processing unit — colloquially referred to as a processor — is a computer by definition. It is an extremely powerful calculator able to manage countless computations and calculations at any given moment, and it is the brains of every computer, processing information and telling all the other components what to do.

A modern CPU houses billions of transistors and is comprised of multiple cores, which allow it to handle various tasks at once. In contrast, a single-core CPU could deal with only one task at a time, merely giving off an illusion of multitasking by switching between different tasks quickly.

Speed is measured in gigahertz GHz , and a single hertz equates to one instruction. And even though each CPU comes with a default factory clock, many CPUs can be overclocked, thus becoming capable of processing even more instructions each second. However, overclocking a CPU also means that it will generate more heat. Therefore, a third-party cooler is usually a must if you want to squeeze any serious extra performance out of a CPU.

The only issue that a gamer needs to worry about in this regard is bottlenecking. Knowing the function of each, and whether you might need it, is crucial.

In early computers, the CPU was spread across multiple chips. However, to improve efficiency and reduce manufacturing costs, the CPU is now contained on a single chip. These smaller CPUs are also referred to as microprocessors. Reducing the footprint of the CPU has also enabled us to design and produce smaller, more compact devices. Desktop computers can be found as all-in-one devices, laptops continue to get thinner yet more capable, and some smartphones are now more powerful than their traditional counterparts.

The CPU performs the core computing processes for your computer. This is a three-part system consisting of Fetch, Decode, and Execute stages. Broadly, this means receiving inputs, understanding what they are, and creating the desired output. Using this, your CPU aids everything from loading your operating system, opening programs, and even performing spreadsheet calculations.

Resource-heavy operations like video games place the most significant load on your CPU. This is why benchmarking tests are usually performed against gaming standards. CPUs are available in many variants ranging from energy-efficient single-core chips to top performance octo-cores.

This helps to squeeze the most power and efficiency from your CPU. If this has piqued your interest in learning more, check out our guide to the CPU and its functions. For all the advances made with CPUs, they still have shortcomings; namely, graphics. CPUs take input and work through it in linear steps. However, graphics processing requires multiple data to be processed simultaneously.