The graphics processing unit (GPU) is a specialized processor that handles the graphical rendering of 3D images. The GPU is an integral part of any modern computer and it’s responsible for displaying all your favorite games, videos, photos, and other visual content on your screen. It also plays a vital role in many other aspects of computing such as video editing, gaming, and scientific research. 

A graphics processing unit or GPU is a special type of microprocessor designed to handle the graphic rendering of 3-dimensional images. GPUs are used by game developers to create realistic visuals for their games. They can be found inside most high end computers and they are often paired with CPUs to help speed up certain tasks. 

How Do I Know If My Computer Has A GPU? 

If you have a new PC, chances are good that it has a built-in GPU. However, if you want to know whether your old laptop has one, there's no easy way to tell without opening it up. You could try looking at the back of the machine, but this isn't always reliable. Some laptops use integrated graphics chipsets while others use dedicated GPUs. 

What Are Integrated Graphics Chips? 

Integrated graphics chips are usually smaller than discrete GPUs and they're used in laptops instead of dedicated GPUs because they require less power. These chips are generally slower than dedicated GPUs and they don't support DirectX 11. 

What Are Discrete Graphics Cards? 

Discrete graphics cards are much larger than integrated graphics chips and they're used in desktop PCs. They offer better performance and they can support more advanced features like DirectX 11. Most gamers prefer these types of graphics cards over integrated ones. 

What Is A Dedicated GPU? 

A dedicated GPU is a separate chip that's specifically made to handle graphics rendering. This means that it doesn't need to share resources with anything else. In fact, it works independently from the CPU so it can run its own programs. 

What Is An APU? 

An AMD Accelerated Processing Unit (APU) is a combination of a CPU and a GPU. It's similar to a traditional CPU/GPU hybrid except that it uses a single chip rather than two separate components. APUs are typically faster than regular CPUs and they can perform some tasks that would normally be handled by a GPU.