GPUs
Parallel computing hardware
GPUs, or graphics processing units, are specialized computer chips originally designed to render images, video, and animations.
Unlike general-purpose CPUs that handle tasks sequentially, GPUs excel at parallel processing—performing thousands of calculations simultaneously.
This capability has made them essential far beyond gaming: GPUs now power machine learning, cryptocurrency mining, scientific simulations, and AI training.
The new AI model required hundreds of GPUs to train.
The global chip shortage made GPUs notoriously difficult to buy at retail prices.
Images shown per second
- FPSVideo smoothness metric
- ray tracingRendering via light physics
- 1080pVideo resolution standard
- 4KHigh-resolution video standard
refresh rate · bottleneck · stuttering · screen tearing · V-sync · benchmarks · rasterization · anti-aliasing
Component processing visual output
- VRAMGPU-attached storage for images
- heatsinkPassive heat dispersal device
- coolerInsulated storage container
- backplateArmor for the spine
die · clock speed · framebuffer · thermal paste · power connector · aftermarket · overclocking · binning
Simultaneous computational operations
- workloadsAmounts of assigned tasks
- accelerationRate velocity changes
- floating pointVariable-precision number format
- throughputProcessing rate over time
simulations · video encoding · transcoding · cryptocurrency · mining · data center · batch processing · number crunching
Developing abilities through practice
- deep learningLayered neural network methods
- neural networksLayered computational learning systems
- machine learningAlgorithms that improve from data
- TensorFlowMachine learning computation library
transformers · LLMs · inference · epochs · hyperparameters · fine-tuning · embeddings
Processor and GPU manufacturer
Deficient supply of necessities
- scalpingResale at inflated prices
- MSRPSuggested retail abbreviation
- pricingEstablishing monetary amounts charged
- stockGoods kept for sale
availability · eBay · secondhand · tariffs · supply chain · launch day · markup · depreciation
framerates
Images shown per second
- FPSVideo smoothness metric
- ray tracingRendering via light physics
- 1080pVideo resolution standard
4K · refresh rate · bottleneck · stuttering · screen tearing · V-sync · benchmarks · rasterization · anti-aliasing · shadows
video card
Component processing visual output
- VRAMGPU-attached storage for images
- heatsinkPassive heat dispersal device
- coolerInsulated storage container
backplate · die · clock speed · framebuffer · thermal paste · power connector · aftermarket · overclocking · binning
parallel processing
Simultaneous computational operations
- workloadsAmounts of assigned tasks
- accelerationRate velocity changes
- floating pointVariable-precision number format
throughput · simulations · video encoding · transcoding · cryptocurrency · mining · data center · batch processing · number crunching · inference
training
Developing abilities through practice
- deep learningLayered neural network methods
- neural networksLayered computational learning systems
- machine learningAlgorithms that improve from data
TensorFlow · transformers · LLMs · inference · epochs · hyperparameters · fine-tuning · embeddings
AMD
Processor and GPU manufacturer
shortage
Deficient supply of necessities
- scalpingResale at inflated prices
- MSRPSuggested retail abbreviation
- pricingEstablishing monetary amounts charged
stock · availability · eBay · secondhand · tariffs · supply chain · launch day · markup · depreciation · resale value
- technologyelectronics, computing, computer, internet, social media
- computingcomputer, computers, software, hardware, code
- electronicscomputer, resistors, capacitors, TVs, TV
- tech equipmentcomputers, laptops, desktops, monitors, keyboards
- Electronics Manufacturingcircuit board, assembly lines, PCB, semiconductors, semiconductor
- Frontier Techquantum computing, AI, nanotechnology, biotechnology, robotics