← Years 5–6 Digital Systems

Graphics processing unit (GPU)

Graphics processing unit: a part that quickly processes images and video to show on a screen. It can be built into the CPU (integrated) or separate (dedicated).

Part of: 5-6 Digital Technologies Vic Curric - Digital Systems & Security — Module 13, 7-8 Digital Technologies Vic Curric - Digital Systems and Security — Module 11, ACARA Digital Technologies Years 7–8 — Hardware and Performance — Module 25

Understanding Graphics processing unit (GPU) in Years 5–6 Digital Systems

What it does: An integrated GPU shares the chip with the CPU, so it uses less power and costs less but is less powerful. The CPU handles general instructions while the GPU is specialised for images and video, so they work as a team. A GPU is a hardware component. It helps the computer create and display graphics quickly. A dedicated GPU is a separate component made just for graphics, so it can handle harder graphics jobs than an integrated GPU. Detailed games and video editing need lots of graphics processing, so a dedicated GPU helps a lot. Many computers use an integrated GPU built into the CPU. It handles everyday graphics like web pages and videos.

Common mistakes: A single = assigns a value. To compare gpu_type with 'dedicated' in the if statement, use ==. The print call is missing its closing bracket. It should be print('Use the GPU').

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This module's key terms are also in a printable crossword (Modules 11–20) and word search (Modules 1–20).

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Learning
Duo
What does a GPU mainly process?
Images and video to show on a screenPasswords for online accounts
Matches
The GPU stores all of your files and photos permanently.
↓
A GPU does not store files. Storage devices do that. The GPU processes images and video to show on the screen.
Applying
Meanings
Term
GPU
Meaning
Graphics processing unit: a part that quickly processes images and video to show on a screen. It can be built into the CPU (integrated) or separate (dedicated).
Practice
GPU <- graphics processing unit
Testing
Gaps
A processes images and video fast
Check Answer
Spots
1gpu_type = 'dedicated'
2if gpu_type = 'dedicated':

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Quick Questions

1. What does a GPU mainly process?
A. Images and video to show on a screen ✓
B. Passwords for online accounts
A GPU (graphics processing unit) is specialised for processing images and video so they can be displayed on a screen.
2. Which statement about a GPU is true?
A. It is a program that protects against phishing
B. It is a component that speeds up graphics work ✓
A GPU is a hardware component. It helps the computer create and display graphics quickly.
3. What is an integrated GPU?
A. A GPU built into the CPU ✓
B. A GPU stored in the cloud
An integrated GPU is built into the CPU, so it shares the same chip. A dedicated GPU is a separate part.
4. What is a dedicated GPU?
A. A tiny part inside every USB cable
B. A separate graphics part with its own power for graphics ✓
A dedicated GPU is a separate component made just for graphics, so it can handle harder graphics jobs than an integrated GPU.
5. Which job would benefit most from a dedicated GPU?
A. Playing a detailed 3D game ✓
B. Reading a short text message
Detailed games and video editing need lots of graphics processing, so a dedicated GPU helps a lot.

Match the Pairs

GPU → Graphics processing unit: a component specialised for processing images and video to display on a screen
dedicated GPU → A separate graphics component with its own power and memory, good for games and video editing
A GPU built into the same chip as the CPU, used for everyday tasks like browsing and watching videos → integrated GPU
The part of the computer that does the main thinking and general tasks, while the GPU focuses on graphics → CPU vs GPU
The GPU stores all of your files and photos permanently. → A GPU does not store files. Storage devices do that. The GPU processes images and video to show on the screen.
A GPU is only needed for typing and not for games or video editing. → Games and video editing need lots of image processing, so they rely on the GPU the most.

Key Term

GPU
Graphics processing unit: a part that quickly processes images and video to show on a screen. It can be built into the CPU (integrated) or separate (dedicated).

Fill in the Blanks

1. A GPU processes images and video fast
Hint: Type the three-letter name of the component that handles images and video
2. GPU stands for graphics processing unit
Hint: Type the middle word of the full name
3. An integrated GPU is built into the CPU
Hint: Type the word for a GPU that is built in to the CPU
4. A dedicated GPU is separate and more powerful
Hint: Type the word for a GPU that is a separate part for graphics only
5. CPU = general tasks, GPU = graphics tasks
Hint: Type the kind of work the GPU is specialised for

Spot the Error

Question 1
A gpu_type = 'dedicated'
B if gpu_type = 'dedicated':
C print('Separate card')
Line B — A single = assigns a value. To compare gpu_type with 'dedicated' in the if statement, use ==.
Question 2
A task = 'video editing'
B if task == 'video editing':
C print('Use the GPU'
Line C — The print call is missing its closing bracket. It should be print('Use the GPU').
Question 3
A gpu = integrated
B if gpu == 'integrated':
C print('Inside the CPU')
Line A — The text integrated needs quotes to be a string. Without them Python looks for a variable called integrated. It should be gpu = 'integrated'.
Question 4
A gpu_ready = True
B game = 'racing'
C if gpu_ready:
D print('Smooth graphics)
Line D — The string is missing its closing quote. It should be print('Smooth graphics').
Question 5
A def render(frames)
B for f in frames:
C print('Draw frame', f)
D render([1, 2, 3])
Line A — A function definition must end with a colon. It should be def render(frames):.

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