The document discusses the evolution and functionalities of graphics processing units (GPUs) in gaming and computational tasks, highlighting their transition from software rendering to advanced parallel processing capabilities. It details historical milestones, such as the introduction of the 3dfx Voodoo 1 chipset, and how modern GPUs like Nvidia's CUDA enhance computational power available to users. Additionally, it addresses the social and cultural impacts of GPUs, particularly their contributions to scientific research and gaming experiences.

1. GPU’s
Graphics Processing Units
IN THE FIELD OF
ENTERTAINMENT AND
SIMULATION
By Amrik Sadhra

2. GPU’s: What are they?
Accelerate 3D Graphics Decode Media Formats
Can decode HD video on the
Draws polygons
fly for a smooth media
(shapes)
experience
Applies Textures
Maps high resolution
Images to 3D polygons
Speed Up Rendering
They are massively parallel
compared to
CPU’s, speeding up a
number of tasks

6. Evolution of the GPU
3Dfx ignited the gaming
market in 1996 by introducing
its Voodoo 1 chipset. Games
moved from software
rendering on the CPU at 320
x 200 @15fps to 800 x 600
@60fps. The card had a
revolutionary 4mb of RAM
allowing the majority of
textures to be stored locally
on the card for higher speed
access

8. Fun Facts
Uses customized version of 8
year old GPU by AMD
ATI Radeon x1900.
Titled ‘Xenos’.
Computers now 6 Generations ahead:
X1000<X2000<HD3000<HD4000
<HD5000<HD6000<HD7000 Series
Nvidia GeForce 7800.
Titled ‘Reality Synthesizer’.
The only ‘Reality’ being that it was low end
when it was released.
7 Series<8 Series<9 Series<GT200 Series
<GT400 Series<GT500 Series<GT600 Series

9. Shift from Gaming to
GPGPU work

10. Nvidia CUDA
GPU’s are optimized for massively parallel tasks due to their large number of
cores. A traditional CPU features 2-4 powerful cores, whereas a GPU can
have thousands of smaller cores, ready to crunch large volumes of data at
staggering rates.
CUDA allows
universities or the
standard home user to
recompile their code to
use the GPU’s
power, and has
therefore put
supercomputers in the
hands of millions.

11. Folding@Home
Intel CPU Fold point time-30 minutes
AMD GPU Fold point time-12 minutes

12. Social Impacts
Great
Means… Looking
Games
Which means…

13. Economical Impacts
Good Great
Graphics Looking
Cards Games
Are expensive.

14. Cultural Impacts
The power of GPU’s is being harnessed for great good;
their immense computing potential has worked towards
cures for Alzheimer's, Huntington's, and many
cancers, whilst also helping in the search for
extraterrestrial life.

15. Finito,
Fini,
Finished.