GRAPHICS PROCESSING UNITS (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Sci and Tech)

Context: India recently announced plans to potentially partner with Nvidia, sourcing GPUs to provide subsidized access to local startups, researchers, and academic institutions as part of its ₹10,000 crore Artificial Intelligence Mission.

Graphics Processing Units (GPUs)

• About: It is a specialized processor originally designed to accelerate graphics rendering.
• Parallel Processing Power: GPUs can process many pieces of data simultaneously, making them useful for machine learning, video editing, and gaming applications.
• Integration Options: GPUs may be integrated into the computer’s CPU or offered as a discrete hardware unit.
• Types of GPUs: GPUs are categorized into two main types: integrated and discrete, each with distinct characteristics and applications.

What Does a GPU Do?

• Powerhouse of Parallel Processing: GPUs excel at parallel processing tasks, handling numerous calculations simultaneously, making them ideal for applications demanding high computational power.
• Cornerstone of Graphics and Video Rendering: Primarily recognized for their role in rendering graphics and videos, GPUs are pivotal in delivering high-quality visuals and smooth animations in various multimedia applications.
• Evolving Beyond Gaming: While initially prominent in gaming, GPUs are increasingly finding utility in diverse fields such as creative production, where they accelerate tasks like video editing and 3D modeling.
• Catalyst for AI Advancements: With their ability to handle vast amounts of data in parallel, GPUs have become indispensable in accelerating AI training and inference tasks, powering advancements in machine learning and deep learning algorithms.