GPU - What it is and why it forms the foundation of modern technologies

Graphics Processing Unit, or GPU, is a specialized electronic chip designed to perform many calculations simultaneously. Originally used to accelerate image rendering in games and graphic applications, today GPUs are an indispensable component driving transformation in artificial intelligence, scientific computing, and blockchain ecosystems.

What exactly is a GPU and how does it work

GPUs differ fundamentally from traditional processors (CPUs) in the way they process data. While CPUs handle tasks sequentially, one after another, GPUs are capable of performing thousands of operations at the same time. This parallel architecture is the secret to the extraordinary performance of GPUs in compute-intensive tasks.

Modern graphics processors from global leaders—NVIDIA, AMD, and Intel—offer immense parallel processing capabilities. For example, the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090, released in 2024, has over 16,000 CUDA cores, enabling groundbreaking achievements in machine learning and real-time ray tracing.

From gaming to artificial intelligence – the evolution of GPUs

The history of GPUs dates back to the late 1990s, when they were created as accelerators for rendering 3D graphics in video games. Breakthrough innovations such as programmable shaders and advanced parallel architectures transformed GPUs into versatile processors capable of solving the most complex computational problems.

This technological leap opened up entirely new possibilities. GPUs became essential in matrix operations, deep machine learning, and data processing on unprecedented scales. Their advantage over traditional CPUs in these tasks is decisive and continually increasing.

Practical applications of GPUs in today’s world

Although video games remain a significant market for GPUs, their applications extend far beyond. In the financial and technology sectors, GPUs accelerate data analysis, algorithmic trading, and risk modeling, providing institutions with a crucial competitive edge.

In the cryptocurrency market, GPUs are widely used for mining coins such as Ethereum Classic and Ravencoin. Mining operations rely on GPUs to provide the computational power needed to efficiently solve complex cryptographic puzzles.

Cloud platforms are actively developing GPU-based services. They offer artificial intelligence as a service (AI-as-a-Service), enabling developers to train and deploy advanced machine learning models at an enterprise scale. This fundamentally changes access to AI technology.

GPU market – growing importance and investment prospects

The global GPU market is experiencing dynamic growth driven by increasing demand from data centers, autonomous vehicles, and edge computing. Market analysts forecast that the GPU industry will surpass $200 billion by 2027, supported by widespread adoption of artificial intelligence and blockchain technology.

Investors see GPUs as strategic assets within the tech ecosystem. The manufacturing capacity of GPUs influences the valuations of semiconductor companies and mining operations. Supply chain constraints and chip shortages in recent years have clearly demonstrated the critical importance of secure GPU production for the entire technology industry.

GPUs have surpassed their original purpose as simple graphic accelerators, becoming catalysts for innovation in technology, finance, and science. Their unmatched parallel processing capabilities continue to open new horizons in artificial intelligence, blockchain, and other breakthrough technologies.