What is the difference between CPU, GPU and ASIC?

For people not connected with the cryptocurrency world, CPU, GPU and ASIC are obscure abbreviations, the meaning of which they do not know. However, those involved in cryptocurrency mining are well aware that these three concepts, although they are completely different in structure and the way they achieve their goals, have something in common. Namely, all of them can be involved in mining. But how to understand what is the difference between them? First, let's figure out what each of them means individually. 

What is CPU, GPU and ASIC?

CPU is a general purpose central processing unit. In other words, it can be called the “brain” of your phone, computer or TV. Its strength is multitasking - it can quickly switch from one task to another. But in the case of cryptocurrency mining, this cannot be attributed to an absolute advantage, since searching for a block does not require frequent switching between tasks. Therefore, from the point of view of a mining hardware, the CPU can be called a relic of the past: now almost no one uses it due to the fact that specialized chips work much faster and more efficiently. 

GPU is a graphics processing unit. In fact, it has the form of a microcircuit, but from a technical point of view, it can be called a flexible processor that runs on a program that is loaded into it by the user. That is, the function of this microcircuit is laid not during its production, but during operation - by installing the appropriate program. A distinctive feature of the GPU is the presence of a huge number of computing units that work simultaneously. At the same time, the GPU is universal and suitable not only for mining, but also for training neural networks, artificial intelligence, calculating aerodynamic blocks and much more. In terms of cryptocurrency mining, the GPU is a much more efficient hardware than the CPU. 

ASIC is an application specific integrated circuit. Absolutely any microcircuit focused on solving one specific problem can be called ASIC. She is unable to perform other tasks. One of the most efficient and powerful mining hardware is the ASIC miner, which has become widespread relatively recently. It was created specifically for cryptocurrency mining and provides more computing power, thereby significantly surpassing the GPU in terms of technical characteristics. This advantage is achieved due to the narrow specialization of ASIC: it is focused on mining only a specific cryptocurrency, and this makes it faster and more energy efficient.

The history of mining in terms of the use of hardware

What is the difference between CPU and GPU?

The peculiarity of the CPU is that it is able to make decisions based on the instructions given to it by the program - this causes its slowness in mining. While the GPU can perform a large number of the same type of calculations, therefore it is better and more efficient in solving simple mathematical problems. 

What is the difference between GPU and ASIC?

To fully analyze the two main hardware for cryptocurrency mining, we compare them in terms of the following indicators:

• Ease of maintenance. Like any high-tech hardware, ASICs and GPUs need regular maintenance. And in this matter, GPUs have a certain advantage. Since ASICs need cooling systems much more, besides, it is actually impossible to use them at home due to the heat generated and the high noise during operation. While the GPU can be placed right in the apartment. However, asics also have advantages - for example, they are much easier to install and maintain. If the ASIC is easy enough to turn on, then the GPUs need fine-tuning, which not everyone can do on their own;

• Price. Asics and GPUs have many models with different technical characteristics, so it is not possible to determine their exact cost in comparison. But if we take an average, then ASIC is an order of magnitude more expensive than a GPU, but at the same time, one ASIC is ten times more efficient and faster than a GPU;

• Versatility. As mentioned above, ASIC is only suitable for mining a certain cryptocurrency, and this is its biggest limitation. The GPU in this matter is much more versatile - you can mine absolutely any coins on it;

• Relevance. The competition in the market of ASIC manufacturers is much greater than that of GPU manufacturers. From this we can conclude that new, more advanced ASIC models appear very quickly. As a result, the old ones become obsolete - therefore, they become practically useless, and it is not possible to sell them due to the price drop and the narrow profile of the hardware itself, which is focused only on cryptocurrency mining. In this matter, a clear advantage is on the side of the GPU, which, in the event of the closure of your cryptocurrency business, can be both sold and used in other areas;

• Availability. When purchasing hardware, it is very important to have the necessary hardware in your country or city. If we compare the GPU and ASIC, then the first one will definitely be the most affordable hardware. Video cards are sold in almost all hardware stores, while ASICs are much more difficult to get. But with our help, this task becomes much easier - just go to our website, select the appropriate ASIC model and contact the manager who will guide you on the availability and delivery time of the product you are interested in. 

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