In terms of performance, what is a notable difference between a GPU and a CPU?

The notable difference between a GPU and a CPU, particularly in terms of performance, lies in the optimization of the GPU for parallel processing. A GPU, or Graphics Processing Unit, is specifically designed to handle multiple tasks simultaneously by utilizing hundreds or thousands of smaller cores. This architecture allows it to excel in processing large blocks of visual data, making it invaluable for graphics rendering, simulations, and tasks that can be performed concurrently.

In contrast, a CPU, or Central Processing Unit, is optimized for sequential processing. It is capable of managing and executing a wide variety of tasks, but it typically does so one at a time, focusing on speed and efficiency for general computing tasks. While the CPU is versatile and handles a broad range of instructions, it does not match the GPU's ability to handle numerous operations at once, particularly in scenarios that require processing large volumes of data, such as 3D rendering and scientific calculations.

Therefore, the GPU’s design for parallel processing is a key performance difference that enables it to outperform the CPU in specific tasks that benefit from simultaneous execution.