What is GPU? Difference between CPU and GPU. CPU and GPU
CPU and GPU are very similar to each other. They are both made of millions of transistors, capable of performing thousands of operations per second, amenable to . But what is the difference between CPU and GPU?
What is CPU?
CPU (Central Processing Unit) is the central processing unit, in other words, the “brain” of the computer. It is a collection of several million transistors that can perform complex calculations. A standard processor has one to four cores with clock speeds ranging from 1 to 4 GHz, although recently .
The CPU is a fairly powerful device that can perform any task on a computer. The number of cores and CPU clock speed are some of the key
What is GPU?
GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) is a specialized type of microprocessor that is optimized for displaying graphics and solving specific problems. The clock speed of a GPU is significantly lower than that of a CPU, but it usually has more cores.
What is the difference between CPU and GPU?
The GPU can only perform a fraction of the CPU's many operations, but it does so at incredible speed. The GPU uses hundreds of cores to perform real-time calculations to display thousands of pixels on a monitor. This allows complex game graphics to be displayed smoothly.
However, CPUs are more flexible than GPUs. Central processing units have a larger set of instructions, so they can perform a wider range of tasks. CPUs operate at higher maximum frequencies and can control the input and output of all computer components. CPUs are capable of working with virtual memory, which is needed for modern operating systems, but GPUs are not.
A little about GPU computing
Even though GPUs are the best for video rendering, they are technically capable of doing more. Graphics processing is just one type of repetitive and highly parallel task. Other tasks, such as Bitcoin mining or password cracking, rely on the same types of large data sets and mathematical operations. This is why many people use GPUs for “non-graphics” purposes.
Bottom line
CPUs and GPUs have similar goals, but are optimized for different computing tasks. This is the difference between CPU and GPU. To operate properly and efficiently, a computer must have both types of microprocessors.
The motherboard contains many important components of the computer, which have their own unique names: CPU, GPU, HDD, SSD, RAM, and so on. Each of these abbreviations has its own meaning, but at the moment what matters is what is it - GPU?
There is a similar name to this term - it is CPU. Many inexperienced users confuse these names, which is incorrect. To begin with, it is worth explaining that the CPU is the central processing unit, which is the brain of the entire system. This abbreviation stands for Central Processor Unit.
However, it is worth knowing that a GPU is also a processor, only a graphics solution. Its task is to process and display images on the screen. The full name of the abbreviation looks like this - Graphic Processing Unit.
With these explanations, you can understand that the GPU is not a central processing unit that only processes graphics-type data. It obeys the protocols of the central processor and, unlike it, has its own logical device. Just like the main processor, the graphics processor has cores, only there are not tens of them, but thousands. Such a large number of cores is necessary to receive and process data associated with rendering and temporary multiple tasks.
Now that we already have a general idea that the GPU is a graphics processor and its task is to process graphic data, we can proceed to the enumeration.
At the moment, there are two types of integrated graphics processors - those integrated into the motherboard and those integrated into the processor.
In the first version, the graphics processor chip is soldered directly onto the motherboard PCB, and few people know that it is a GPU. It looks like an ordinary black chip, on which there is a brand name, a serial number and a combination of numbers that indicates some parameters. Since such graphic solutions do not have their own memory capacity, they borrow this parameter from RAM, using its capacity.
In the case of a chip built into the processor, it is difficult to see; this can only be done by disassembling the central processor itself. Almost all new generation processors have an additional core, which is called a graphics core. At the same time, the price of the processor does not increase much, but it eliminates the need for a discrete video card.
Built-in graphics processors allow you to save on energy consumption by several tens of percent, which has a positive effect on heat transfer. However, there are also significant disadvantages, and one of them is low performance. Such economical graphics are well suited for working with office programs and applications that do not require large amounts of power.
GPU in a computer - what is it and how to identify it? If previously two types of graphics processors were presented in an integrated form, then you can then consider the option of a discrete video card. Based on this, you can understand that GPU is just a designation for a processor, one of the parts of which is a video card. However, this detail is the most important. The video card board also contains memory chips, capacitors, a connector or connectors for power, a protective casing, a radiator and a cooler.
The difference between an integrated and a discrete video card is that the second one is much more powerful and productive than the built-in version. Firstly, it has its own amount of memory, which directly affects the speed of drawing objects. Secondly, its parameters include an expansion bus, the bit depth of which allows you to increase the throughput for data transfer.
Such graphics adapters require additional power to simply start up and produce high-quality images. Despite all the power, there are also office options for discrete video cards, which are not much different from their integrated counterparts. Gaming options are more powerful in structure and potential, but consume much more energy.
Temperature
For better functioning, you need to know what the GPU in the computer is and its temperature. How to cool the integrated and discrete GPU? To cool the integrated GPU, you just need to place fans in the case, and discrete options have their own cooling system. Depending on how many fans are placed above the chip will tell you how well the chip is cooled.
The cooling system of the video card is quite simple - the chip, with the help of thermal paste applied to it, comes into contact with the heat sink tubes, they go to the radiator, which is cooled using a cooler.
The operating temperature of the chip is no more than 70 degrees; a further increase in temperature can be considered overheating. To prevent the video card from overheating, it is enough to promptly clean the video card from dust and change the thermal paste. In order to find out the current state of the temperature in the video card, just run the appropriate programs, for example, AIDA 64. There you can see the temperature of not only the graphics adapter, but the entire system.
GPU-Z is a free program for obtaining information about the technical characteristics of a video adapter (video card, graphics processor) in the Windows operating system. The GPU-Z program displays complete information about the video card installed on the computer.
A video adapter (graphics accelerator) can be a video card, a video controller, or a built-in (integrated) video module. The TechPowerUp GPU-Z program will determine the model of the graphics device and show its characteristics, which the user can use to diagnose or overclock the video adapter (overclocking).
Main features of the GPU-Z program:
- support for NVIDIA, AMD (ATI), Intel video cards
- Comprehensive information about the video card, GPU, frequency, memory type, etc.
- output of sensor characteristics in real time
To download the GPU-Z program, go to the official website of TechPowerUp, the manufacturer of the utility.
gpu z download
The program does not require installation on a computer; GPU-Z can simply be launched on a computer using the utility as a portable application. If necessary, it is possible to install the program on a computer.
After launching the utility, in the “Install GPU-Z?” select “No” to use the program without installing it on your computer.
Video card parameters in GPU-Z
The GPU-Z program has three tabs: “Graphic Card”, “Sensors”, “Validation”. In the upper right corner there are two buttons: a button for taking snapshots of the program window (screenshots), and a button for entering the utility settings.
After launching the utility, the TechPowerUp GPU-Z program window will open in the “Graphics Card” tab. Here you can find all the information about your computer's video adapter in detail.
My computer has an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 750 Ti video card. The program window displays detailed characteristics of the video card: name, type of graphics processor, its revision, what technological process it was manufactured by, memory type and frequency, bus width, Device ID, processor frequency, default frequency, and other parameters (BIOS version, DirectX version support, etc.).
In order to get detailed information in GPU-Z in Russian, move the mouse cursor to the value displayed by the program. After this, a window with a hint (explanation of this parameter) will open.
At the bottom of the program window the following technologies are displayed: OpenCL, CUDA, PhysX, DirectCompute 5.0, which are supported by this video card.
After clicking on the “Lookup” button, a special web page will open on the TechPowerUp website with detailed characteristics of this video card.
If your computer has several graphics accelerators, then at the bottom of the GPU-Z program window, you can switch between video cards to obtain information about another video adapter.
For example, my computer has an integrated video core (Intel HD Graphics 4400) built into the motherboard (Gigabyte).
This window provides complete information about Intel integrated graphics and supported technologies.
The “Sensors” tab displays information received from sensors in real time: GPU frequency, video memory frequency, GPU temperature, cooler (fan) rotation speed, current video memory load, etc.
In the “Validation” tab you can register to receive an ID.
GPU-Z Settings
In the “GPU-Z Setting” window, in the “General” tab, you can select the language that works in the prompts, enable the launch of GPU-Z along with the start of Windows, select the tab in which the program will open, check for updates, and start installing the program on your computer.
In the “Setting” tab, you can change the number of active sensors (enable or disable), the readings of which are taken into account by the GPU Zet program.
The “ASIC Quality” tab provides information about the quality (total power) of the video card, compared with similar video adapters according to the verification database in GPU-Z, and provides parameters for interpreting this information.
Conclusions of the article
The free GPU-Z program is used to obtain reference information about the video adapter (video card) installed on the computer. The GPU-Z program diagnoses the video card to obtain the necessary information that both the average user and the overclocker need to overclock the video card.
If you can boast of a computer with a good video card, then you can start mining bitcoins right now. However, in order to increase profits and do this professionally, we recommend purchasing several video cards (optimally from 4 to 6) and assembling your own.
By installing several video adapters, you can increase the performance level of your computer, which will count much faster because... It is video cards that provide all the computing power for mining (for most algorithms).
Note that, taking into account the current prices for video cards, in 2019 cloud GPU mining has become more profitable, which is more profitable than buying your own equipment, much more flexible in the amount of investment and does not require maintenance of your farms. We have done a rating of the best services based on the results of the last few years.
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How much can you earn on one video card?
Having some idea of how, you should know which video adapters are best for mining. An excellent option would be AMD Radeon series 5 and higher. Since the final amount of your earnings will depend on the performance of this device, it is recommended to acquire flagships.
There is an opinion that when using video cards manufactured by AMD, the calculation speed is slightly higher than that of analogues under the nVidia brand. But this greatly depends on the calculation algorithm on which each specific cryptocurrency is built. Accordingly, the more calculations per second, the more significant your earnings.
It is important to remember that if you decide to mine using one, even the top-end video card, its performance will not be enough. You will spend a lot of time before you get 1 BTC. For example, if the Radeon HD 7970 GPU is used, your result will be about 555 MH/s, and the daily production will be at the level of 0.0031 BTC, or 80 cents. It is worth considering that during mining, electricity consumption increases. Therefore, this method of mining cryptocurrency is considered inappropriate.
Which video card to choose - performance on different algorithms
Knowing how to make money on a video card, the future miner faces a difficult choice between one or another video adapter, which must be purchased for a homemade farm.
GTX 1080
GTX 1050
The models shown in the table pay for themselves much faster than their analogues and, judging by the reviews of experts, are the best choice for mining in 2019. For example, GTX 1070/1060 and RX 480/470 will pay for themselves in 5-6 months. Also, do not forget that mining cryptocurrency is becoming more and more difficult every day, but its value is constantly growing, which allows you to maintain the necessary balance, attracting new people to mining.
The most popular solutions for cryptocurrency mining are those from the red camp - AMD. This is due to the design features of video cards, which is why users primarily buy solutions such as Radeon RX 470 and higher. However, today the gap in mining power for video adapters from Nvidia is not colossal, so popular models such as the GTX 1060 and higher are selling like hot cakes.
By the way, there is a conspiracy theory about increased interest in cryptocurrency on the part of video card manufacturers, since Nvidia is preparing specialized video cards for mining called P104-100 and P106-100. These solutions differ from classic video adapters in that they do not have video outputs, are equipped with poor cooling and have a limited warranty. That is why it is still more cost-effective for an ordinary user to purchase a top-end solution in the form of the same GTX 1070, because it can always be sold to a gamer, thereby partially recouping its initial cost.
Calculation of the payback of video cards
| GPU: | Payback: | Without taking into account electric energy: |
|---|---|---|
| Radeon RX 470 | 183 days. (16% per month) | 145 days. (20.6% per month) |
| Radeon RX 480 | 193 days (15.5% per month) | 156 days (19.2% per month) |
| GeForce GTX 1060 | 154 days (19.4% per month) | 130 days (23% per month) |
| GeForce GTX 1070 | 185 days (16.2% per month) | 162 days (18.5% per month) |
| Radeon Fury X | 278 days (10.7% per month) | 213 days (14% per month) |
As you may have noticed from the table above, the most profitable for mining at the moment are the Nvidia Geforce GTX 1060 3gb and Radeon RX 470 4gb video cards. It is worth noting that this is only true at the moment and on the currently most profitable Equihash algorithm; what will happen next, what algorithms will appear in the future and how these video cards will behave on them is not known.
If you are interested in mining profitability right now, then you can choose the Geforce GTX 1060 if you are a fan of Nvidia or the Radeon RX 470 if you prefer AMD GPUs. They are used to calculate the profitability of mining (the data in them can vary greatly even within one day, since the exchange rate can change dramatically).
Overclocking video cards to increase hashrate during mining
Increasing the performance of GPU cards for mining is an integral part of setting up a farm. Overclocking can be done using special programs running from the operating system; for this we recommend MSI Afterburner. It can also be achieved by flashing the BIOS.
In detail, there are also video instructions for AMD and Nvidia cards (the principle of overclocking them is slightly different).
It is worth noting that the warranty on these video cards is only 3 months.. The launch of video cards for mining on Nvidia GTX is expected in mid-June, but the timing may vary among different suppliers. The P104-100 graphics chip is claimed to have increased performance/watt by 30% compared to the GTX 1060 3GB. And the P106-100 chip gives a 10% increase in comparison with the same video card. Both video cards are released without video interfaces.
The Nvidia P104-100 graphics card uses the same design as the Nvidia GeForce GTX 1080. But it provides much more performance per watt of power consumption, since the adapter is specially modified for mining on Nvidia GTX. Cards from different manufacturers come with different chip frequencies, while this base model runs at a base frequency of 1607 MHz. The boost frequency is 1733 MHz with 10 GB/s GDDR5X memory bandwidth and a 256-bit bus width.
Power is supplied via a single 8-pin connector and power consumption is approximately 180 W. The basic model of the graphics adapter is planned to be shipped at a price of $350, but a model from the manufacturer Inno3D is announced at a price of $370 - Inno3D P6D-N104-1SDN P104-100 Twin X2 8GB GDDR5X. These prices are significantly less than their gaming counterparts ($499).
The stated mining performance on the Nvidia GTX P104-100 will be approximately 60 MH/s, but this performance will only be achieved after updating the adapter BIOS to the new firmware.
The Nvidia P106-100 model uses the same design as the Nvidia GeForce GTX 1060. This made it possible to configure the graphics adapter for mining on Nvidia GTX much more efficiently. The adapter operates at a base frequency of 1506 MHz, the turbo frequency is 1708 MHz, and the memory bandwidth is 8 GB/s GDDR5 with a 192-bit bus. Power will be transmitted through a 6-pin connector, and power consumption will be 120 W.
The price of the base model in the US market will be $200, which is $49 cheaper than the gaming analogue GeForce GTX 1060 6 GB. Here is the price of a specific Inno3D adapter (N5G-N106-4SDN P106-100 Twin X2 6GB GDDR5) – $235.
We all know that a video card and a processor have slightly different tasks, but do you know how they differ from each other in the internal structure? Like CPU central processing unit), and GPU (English - graphics processing unit) are processors, and they have a lot in common, but they were designed to perform different tasks. You will learn more about this from this article.
CPU
The main task of the CPU, in simple terms, is to execute a chain of instructions in the shortest possible time. The CPU is designed to execute several such chains at the same time, or to split one stream of instructions into several and, after executing them separately, merge them back into one, in the correct order. Each instruction in a thread depends on the ones that follow it, which is why the CPU has so few execution units, and the entire emphasis is on execution speed and reducing downtime, which is achieved using cache memory and a pipeline.
GPU
The main function of the GPU is rendering 3D graphics and visual effects, therefore, everything is a little simpler: it needs to receive polygons as input, and after performing the necessary mathematical and logical operations on them, output pixel coordinates. Essentially, the work of a GPU comes down to operating on a huge number of tasks independent of each other; therefore, it contains a large amount of memory, but not as fast as in a CPU, and a huge number of execution units: in modern GPUs there are 2048 or more of them, while like a CPU, their number can reach 48, but most often their number lies in the range of 2-8.
Main differences
The CPU differs from the GPU primarily in the way it accesses memory. In the GPU it is coherent and easily predictable - if a texture texel is read from memory, then after a while the turn of neighboring texels will come. The situation is similar with recording - a pixel is written to the framebuffer, and after a few clock cycles the one located next to it will be recorded. Also, the GPU, unlike general-purpose processors, simply does not need a large cache memory, and textures require only 128–256 kilobytes. In addition, video cards use faster memory, and as a result, the GPU has many times more bandwidth available, which is also very important for parallel calculations that operate with huge data streams.
There are many differences in multithreading support: the CPU executes 1 – 2 threads of calculations per processor core, and the GPU can support several thousand threads for each multiprocessor, of which there are several on the chip! And if switching from one thread to another costs hundreds of clock cycles for the CPU, then the GPU switches several threads in one clock cycle.
In a CPU, most of the chip area is occupied by instruction buffers, hardware branch prediction, and huge amounts of cache memory, while in a GPU, most of the area is occupied by execution units. The above described device is shown schematically below:
Difference in computing speed
If the CPU is a kind of “boss” that makes decisions in accordance with the instructions of the program, then the GPU is a “worker” that performs a huge number of similar calculations. It turns out that if you feed independent simple mathematical tasks to the GPU, it will cope much faster than the central processor. This difference is successfully used by Bitcoin miners.
Mining Bitcoin
The essence of mining is that computers located in different parts of the Earth solve mathematical problems, as a result of which bitcoins are created. All bitcoin transfers along the chain are transmitted to miners, whose job is to select from millions of combinations a single hash that matches all new transactions and a secret key, which will ensure that the miner receives a reward of 25 bitcoins at a time. Since the calculation speed directly depends on the number of execution units, it turns out that GPUs are much better suited for performing this type of task than CPUs. The greater the number of calculations performed, the higher the chance of receiving bitcoins. It even went so far as to build entire farms out of video cards.
