ELI5- Why are Graphics cards getting so big & power hungry when other electronics are getting smaller and use less power?

Question

In the past we put graphics cards in a PC now we put a PC in a space heater

In: 14

Answer 1

Computing power has advanced to the point that most of the things the average person want to do only take a fraction of the available power. So you can have a small processor that isn’t pushed very hard, making it run cool and use less electricity

Gaming graphics are an exception. They are still pushing levels that even the best hardware available can struggle (at hugest resolutions/quality). So there is a market for the biggest, fastest processors. These draw lots of electricity and generate a lot of heat, necessitating big heat sinks and fans which make the cards even bigger