Many expressions in the English language have come to signify the identical thing as others. In the technological domain, this is the case with GPU and graphics card.
Still, there are some individuals who get upset when someone fails to differentiate them, so let’s take a closer look at what’s what.
Not that you need to justify your choice of words to anyone else.
However, it’s always advantageous to acquaint oneself with the technicalities, particularly in the GPU and technology realm. It’s also useful to understand how this confusion started and why it’s generally acceptable to interchangeably use these terms.
Let’s first investigate what these terms mean.
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GPU (Graphics Processing Unit)
We can only assume that if you have heard of a GPU, you have also heard of a CPU. You might also have contemplated why these two names are so similar.
In fact, they are quite comparable in terms of what they can do. It could be said that they are two sides of the identical coin.
Generally speaking, the CPU or Central Processing Unit is in charge of processing information from the entire PC, including the GPU. It essentially retrieves data and instructions on what to do with that data, does some complex Boolean algebra, and delivers the requested result.
The GPU is very similar, other than its main purpose. The GPU is intended for graphics processors, so it is designed and optimized to operate more efficiently with visual data.
Just as the CPU uses RAM (random-access memory), the GPU comes with VRAM (video random-access memory). Similarly, the motherboard connects the RAM and CPU, while the graphics card links the GPU and VRAM.
iGPU
We’ve reached perhaps the most perplexing part of the entire discussion. Even manufacturers call their iGPU (Integrated Graphics Card) an Integrated Graphics solution, further diluting the two terms.
Plot twist: The Integrated Graphics Unit is actually a GPU and not a graphics card. It utilizes the system memory alongside the CPU and is not especially adept at producing high-quality graphics.
To be fair, some recent iGPUs are more competent and are suitable for some modern games, even if they must be played at a reduced resolution and lowered visual quality.
Graphics Card
The primary cause of the confusion surrounding the terms GPU and graphics card is that the graphics card is also known by several other names, including video card, video adapter, graphics adapter, and others.
Although technically, these terms all describe what the card does, the term graphics card is the most commonly accepted one. However, it’s easy to see why people might get confused when discussing this hardware.
A graphics card can be seen as a distinct computer as it possesses its own processing unit and dedicated memory. Although it lacks storage capacity, it does include ports for video output. Typically, it connects to the motherboard through a PCIe slot and receives power from the power supply unit (PSU) through power connectors.
This microsystem within a system of microprocessors is rounded off with its own caloric solution, usually in the form of a heatsink and a particular fan. There are also other cooling options, such as water cooling, but those usually operate on the system level.
Can GPU And Graphics Card Be Used Interchangeably?
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Sure, some people insist on being fastidious, but the fact is that if you say “GPU” to refer to a “graphics card”, you will probably be understood by the overwhelming majority of people.
Curiously, it doesn’t really work the other way around; you will probably never say “graphics card” and mean “GPU”. This is because the complexities of the processing unit are seldom discussed in everyday conversation.
Essentially, if you’re talking to people who take their computer technology seriously and want to appear informed, it might be prudent to say “GPU” simply.
