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AMD’s Stream Processors and NVIDIA’s CUDA Cores serve the same purpose, but they don’t operate the identical way, primarily due to differences in the GPU architecture.
These specifications aren’t perfect for cross-brand GPU comparison, but they can provide a performance expectation of a specific future GPU.
When looking at two different graphics cards from two separate brands such as AMD and NVIDIA (there aren’t really any other major companies), it can be challenging to compare them and develop a precise estimate of their performance.
There is an enormous amount of available information, such as GPU core clocks, memory clocks, VRAM, transistors, etc., but it’s unlikely that you will find much use for this. Another piece of information you might come across regularly is Stream processors or Parallel Processing cores.
What exactly do these terms mean? Can you compare one against the other? Do more Stream processors mean enhanced performance than fewer CUDA Cores? In short, no.
These two perform the same or quite similar tasks in a graphics card, but they are each notably different from one another. You can’t directly compare an AMD and NVIDIA GPU solely based on that data, as the two characteristics are not identical.
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What Are GPU Cores?
To further grasp the meaning of these two terms, you will need to understand what GPU cores are.
If you are familiar with PC tech, you have probably heard of computer processors or CPUs with multiple cores. In most cases, CPUs have between two and eight cores. Intel and AMD offer multi-core processors: Intel i5, i7, or AMD R5, R7, etc.
There are also so-called “threads,” but those are a separate matter.
These cores are what allow computer processors to multitask efficiently. The more cores a computer has, the more things it can process simultaneously. A contemporary, high-end 16-thread CPU can run several games and programs at the same time without breaking a sweat.
GPU cores work similarly to those found on a CPU, but those are not as potent or intuitive. A graphics card requires a substantial amount of raw power to process a massive amount of tasks. Instead of focusing the power of just a few cores on running an operating system or software, multiple cores often work on millions of tasks.
For example, a 1920×1080 resolution display has more than two million pixels. To form an image on a 1080p display, the cores of the GPU need to process those countless pixels. This procedure is repeated innumerable times each second to ensure a fluid viewing experience.
This is a simplified description of what Stream processors or CUDA Cores are. The technology behind GPUs is far more complex.
They Aren’t Equal
AMD’s Stream processors and NVIDIA’s CUDA Cores are neither identical nor analogous. This is because the two brands have their own unique GPU architectures.
The manufacturing process is entirely different because both sides have a confidential formula.
These two terms are brand names to enhance recognition among consumers. CUDA cores are what NVIDIA decided to name their GPU processors. The same applies to AMD.
What’s The Point Of Branded GPU Cores?
If these two types of GPU cores can’t be compared, why were they given branded names at all? Why should average consumers worry about CUDA cores or Stream processors?
One benefit is that it allows for comparisons of same-brand graphics cards.
For instance, the RTX 3080 and the RTX 3070 are both made by NVIDIA and use the same Ampere design. The first one has 8704 CUDA Cores while the second has 5888. With these figures, it’s safe to say that the RTX 3080 is swifter, and you would be accurate.
However, the knowledge you can gain from this type of specification is not very precise. If you are unfamiliar with past or present GPU lineups and releases, these numbers will not do you much good. Investing excessive time focusing on the official specifications is not recommended.
How To Compare GPUs
Understanding how graphics cards operate and how they are constructed is not easy. It is a complex matter. This is why most casual consumers and gamers shouldn’t worry about it too much.
There is a straightforward solution if you are looking for a dependable way to compare the performance of graphics cards. Forget about specs, numbers, or other similar information.
You should instead look at official or third-party benchmark results. Benchmarks will give you an insight into precisely how much FPS you can expect in specific games. With this information, it is much easier to compare GPUs from both AMD and NVIDIA.
Finding these benchmarks is now exceedingly easy as countless articles, videos, and websites provide such information.
