{"id":881,"date":"2021-08-23T15:38:00","date_gmt":"2021-08-23T15:38:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pcgearhead.com\/?p=881"},"modified":"2022-05-24T17:17:30","modified_gmt":"2022-05-24T17:17:30","slug":"what-is-the-difference-between-a-cpu-and-a-gpu","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/pcgearhead.com\/what-is-the-difference-between-a-cpu-and-a-gpu\/","title":{"rendered":"CPU or GPU for Gaming: What Matters the Most for Giving You the Best Experience?"},"content":{"rendered":"

When it comes to the most important and impactful hardware for gaming, CPU and GPU are the top options that come to mind. But there’s a fierce war on “CPU vs GPU for gaming?”<\/p>\n

So, really, which one of these affects the gaming performance more? That you’ll find out in a moment. For instance, this guide thoroughly explains the difference between CPU and GPU and which component helps more in gaming.<\/p>\n

With that said, let’s get started.<\/p>\n\n

What is the Core Difference Between CPU and GPU?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Here I explain both CPU and GPU in detail to help you identify the difference between the two.<\/p>\n

What is the CPU?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

\"What<\/p>\n

CPU is the central processing unit of a computer, also known as the processor. The major function of the processor, as the name shows, is to process data and perform operations. In simple words, all the different calculations made for performing various operations are handled by the CPU.<\/p>\n

The processor, in fact, is the most important part of a computer and hence also known as the brain or heart of the computer. When it comes to gaming, a powerful CPU is equally important and impactful to smoothly perform the intricate in-game calculations.<\/p>\n

Now, where is the CPU located on the computer?<\/p>\n

Well, you’ll find it on the motherboard separate from the GPU and mostly under a heat sink. The processor performs operations by billions of transistors yet is a tiny chip.<\/p>\n

Summary: <\/strong>CPU, processor, or central processing unit is the most important part of a computer and is responsible for processing the input data and converting it into information.<\/p>\n

What is the GPU?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

\"What<\/p>\n

GPU, on the other hand, is the graphics processor also known as the graphics card. It is a specialized chip that accelerates the creation of visuals including videos, audio, and animations, etc.<\/p>\n

The GPU serves up to perform the graphics calculations and frees up the load of the CPU for higher overall performance. Now, does every computer have a GPU?<\/p>\n

Yes, every computer does. The reason is, a GPU is crucial for the display. There are, however, two main types of GPU:<\/p>\n

Integrated GPU: <\/strong>The integrated GPU is basically a built-in card or chip attached to the motherboard. Most of the computers have an integrated GPU for proper display even when you don’t have a dedicated graphics card.<\/p>\n

While an integrated display may be able to support a high-resolution display, it cannot offer a smooth gaming experience, especially when running AAA titles.<\/p>\n

\"Integrated<\/p>\n

Dedicated GPU: <\/strong>As the name shows, the dedicated GPU is the dedicated graphics card. Regarding the design, you’ll usually see it in a tiny motherboard form factor, more of a circuit.<\/p>\n

\"Dedicated<\/p>\n

Compared to the standard integrated GPUs, a dedicated GPU is more powerful and offers a better gaming experience. Also, you can have both integrated and dedicated GPUs on your computer or laptop at a time.<\/p>\n

\"dedicated<\/p>\n

Summary: <\/strong>A graphics card or GPU is the graphics chip used to improve visuals. The two mains types of GPUs are integrated and dedicated GPU.<\/p>\n

What Sets CPU and GPU Apart?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

\"Difference<\/p>\n

As you’ve seen, it won’t be wrong to say that CPU and GPU are entirely different hardware parts. Both are designed for their own functions. The CPU processes the data while the GPU improves and renders the visuals. What’s the same, however, is that both perform calculations for the operations.<\/p>\n

For easy understanding, see it this way:<\/p>\n

The CPU or processor performs all the tasks and operations on your computer. It manages basic arithmetic, logic, controlling, and input\/output (I\/O) operations according to the instructions of the programs.<\/p>\n

The GPU, on the other hand, is designed to quickly render images and video. Furthermore, it also performs some non-graphical operations like machine learning and scientific computation.<\/p>\n

Got the picture, right?<\/p>\n

Now, with the detailed information of what the GPU and CPU serve for, let’s jump into the main query.<\/p>\n

CPU vs GPU for Gaming?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

\"CPU<\/p>\n

From an overall perspective, the GPU is more important and impactful for gaming. “Why?” Because regardless of how powerful CPU you have, the games won’t run smoothly as long as you don’t install a powerful GPU as well.<\/p>\n

However, it doesn’t mean the CPU serves no purpose, it’s equally important but the reason we’ve put GPU more impactful for gaming is that it’s designed that way. The CPU, on the other hand, is responsible for the fastest processing of data (either for an in-game operation or a general one).<\/p>\n

The ideal way to go, after all, is pairing up a powerful CPU with a compatible GPU to make the most out of your computer during gaming.<\/p>\n

Do Games Depend on GPU or CPU?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

\"Do<\/p>\n

Games depend on both GPU and CPU. Speaking of the power-hungry AAA titles<\/a> like Destiny 2, neither having a powerful GPU with a mediocre CPU can offer smooth gaming nor a powerful CPU with no GPU.<\/p>\n

In simple words, smooth gaming requires a combination of both powerful CPU and GPU. But when it comes to how much the CPU and GPU impact gaming, well, it depends on the game you’re playing.<\/p>\n

If a game gives a more simultaneous performance with a powerful CPU and no GPU compared to a powerful GPU with a mediocre CPU, the case could be entirely different with the other games.<\/p>\n

For instance, Minecraft highly depends on the processor<\/a> compared to the GPU. So, higher processor power is what ensures smooth gaming in Minecraft.<\/p>\n

On the other hand, the Shadow of the Tomb Raider is an example of games that require the GPU more.<\/p>\n

Here we discuss the CPU-intensive games in detail:<\/p>\n

Which Games Depend on CPU More?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

\"Which<\/p>\n

Image credit: Venturebeat.com<\/span><\/p>\n

Following are some examples of the games that very much depend on the CPU for smooth FPS:<\/p>\n