The Xbox Series X has its CPU and GPU on a single chip, but the CPU runs at 3.8 GHz and the GPU runs at only 1.8 GHz. Why can’t the GPU run at 3.8 GHz too?

Question

This also applies to the PS5, why can’t the GPU run as fast as the CPU?

In: Technology

Answer 1

The CPU is like a fast sports car. If you’re trying to get a vial of anti-venom from the lab to the hospital as quickly as possible, you want the car to be able to go as quickly as possible.

The GPU is like a big truck. If you’re trying to get a huge shipment of anti-venom from LA to NY, a truck is going to be far more practical. It has much more cargo space and it can go many more hours without needing a refill, even though it doesn’t travel as fast.

The CPU and GPU are good for different things. They work together. The CPU needs to be as fast as possible. The GPU needs to have high throughput, not raw speed.