Autosave: 2024-09-22 18:00:03

zk/GPU_versus_CPU.md

@@ -0,0 +1,26 @@
+---
+title: GPU_versus_CPU
+tags: [computer-architecture]
+created: Sunday, September 22, 2024
+---
+
+# GPU versus CPU
+
+- GPU stands for _Graphics Processing Unit_. Originally designed for rendering
+  graphics and video but now used for other applications of parallel computing
+  eg. machine learning.
+
+- The standard CPU uses sequential processing whereas the GPU is designed for
+  parallel processing, specialising in performing many simple calculations
+  simultaneously.
+
+- Harnessing the GPU requires specialised programming approaches.
+
+- Most standard laptops and desktops (if they are not designed for
+  graphically-intensive tasks) incorporate graphics processing within the CPU.
+  The CPU chip is on the same chip as the CPU chip. This is called _integrated_
+  graphics processing.
+
+- Some laptops, especially those marketed for gaming or professional work, have
+  a separate GPU chip. This is a more powerful graphics processor, separate from
+  the CPU.

zk/The_History_of_Computing_Swade.md

@@ -444,3 +444,5 @@ variety of different electronic methods for memory:
   given how powerful it would need to be. Instead a smaller prototype was made,
   the Pilot ACE. It used vacuum-tubes for logic, and mercury delay lines for
   memory. Data and memory was input via punched cards.
+
+### Further applications of the EDSAC architecture