No doubt you will have been hearing a lot about the new big thing in technology – artificial intelligence – but did you know that the advent of this rapidly emerging technology has led to the introduction of new hardware? Yep, NPUs (Neural Processing Units) will eventually become ubiquitous with all new PCs shipped with NPUs as standard equipment. Possibly by late 2024 and almost certainly by 2025.
What Is An NPU
NPU stands for Neural Processing Unit – a specialized type of processor for accelerating machine-learning tasks. In other words, it’s a dedicated AI chip specifically designed to reduce load on the computer’s CPU and GPU when running AI-related workloads. NPUs work with AI in much the same way as GPUs work with graphics.
Microsoft has been investing heavily in machine learning, working with silicon vendors to support running AI models on PCs as soon as possible. Intel has already announced that its new Meteor Lake CPU series will come with an integrated NPU as standard. Qualcomm is also promising AI support with its upcoming CPU range and, while I haven’t heard anything definitive about AMD’s plans, it is also bound to follow suit.
In short, NPUs are set to become ubiquitous, with the next generation of PCs certain to come with NPUs built-in.
NPUs & Requirements
Unlike the ridiculous mandatory Windows 11 requirements, NPUs will almost certainly not be a mandatory requirement. NPUs are not security related and, at this time, neither are they considered essential.
While we are reading a lot about AI and now, by association, NPUs, what hasn’t been properly explained is exactly under what circumstances an NPU comes into play. We all know that it’s possible to play basic games on a PC without a dedicated GPU but when it comes to more complex games with high-end graphics, a GPU is essential equipment. What we are not being told is under what circumstances an NPU will become a similar piece of essential equipment.
BOTTOM LINE:
I am of the opinion that NPUs are currently being somewhat overhyped and that most existing modern PCs will handle AI functions fine without the need for an NPU. However, as the emphasis on AI increases, that is a situation that’s open to change.
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Interesting article Jim. The person who came up with the term NPU clearly had an excellent sense of humour. Naming Neutral, not Male nor Female, allowing the AI (an it) in this IT industry and I will stop here (laughing to hard to continue), Mindblower!
It’s “neural” MB, not neutral. Neural, as in relating to the nervous system.
That said, the first time I read up on NPUs, I read it as “neutral” too. The brain and familiarity fooling the eyes.