Advantage of GPU Enabled Machines for Machine Learning, Deep Learning and Neural Networks Tasks on

Muhammad Rashid, PHD
3 min readJun 20, 2023

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CPU vs. GPU for Machine Learning

Machine learning is a branch of artificial intelligence that leverages algorithms and historical data to detect patterns and make predictions with minimal human intervention. To enhance algorithm accuracy, machine learning relies on large continuous datasets as input.

Although CPUs are not as efficient for data-intensive machine learning tasks, they remain a cost-effective option when GPU usage is not feasible. For instance, machine learning algorithms that deal with time series data and do not necessitate parallel computing can be effectively executed on CPUs. Similarly, recommendation systems that require ample memory for embedding layers may opt for CPUs. Certain algorithms are also optimized to perform better on CPUs compared to GPUs.

The volume of data plays a crucial role in the effectiveness and speed of machine learning algorithms. GPUs have evolved beyond their traditional role in high-performance graphics processing and are now utilized for high-speed data processing and massively parallel computations. Consequently, GPUs provide the parallel processing capabilities essential for supporting the intricate multistep processes involved in machine learning.

Deep Learning
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CPU vs. GPU for Neural Networks

Neural networks aim to replicate the functions of the human brain by learning from extensive data. During the training phase, neural networks analyze input data, compare it with standard data, and generate predictions and forecasts.

The training time of neural networks tends to increase as the size of the data set grows. While it is feasible to train smaller-scale neural networks using CPUs, CPUs become less efficient when processing large volumes of data. Consequently, as more layers and parameters are added, training time increases.

Deep learning, which refers to neural networks with three or more layers, heavily relies on neural networks as its foundation. These networks are designed to operate in parallel, enabling each task to run independently. This parallel processing characteristic makes GPUs more suitable for handling the immense data sets and intricate mathematical computations involved in training neural networks.

CPU vs. GPU for Deep Learning

A deep learning model refers to a neural network consisting of three or more layers. These models possess flexible architectures that enable them to learn directly from raw data. The utilization of large datasets during training can enhance the predictive accuracy of deep learning models.

When it comes to deep learning, CPUs are less efficient compared to GPUs. CPUs process tasks sequentially, one at a time, making it challenging to manage the increasing number of tasks associated with larger data inputs and predictions.

Deep learning demands speed and high-performance capabilities, and models learn more rapidly when all operations are processed concurrently. GPUs are optimized for training deep learning models due to their numerous cores, enabling them to handle multiple parallel tasks. In fact, GPUs can process these tasks up to three times faster than CPUs, making them the preferred choice for deep learning applications.

Reference:

  1. https://blog.purestorage.com/purely-informational/cpu-vs-gpu-for-machine-learning/#:~:text=While%20CPUs%20can%20process%20many,processes%20required%20for%20machine%20learning.
  2. https://www.gigabyte.com/Article/cpu-vs-gpu-which-processor-is-right-for-you

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Muhammad Rashid, PHD

Explainable AI and Computer Vision based PHD Student at University of Turin, Italy and RuleX Innov, Genova, Italy.