intermediate · gpu

Why GPUs Win Some Workloads and Lose Others

Why are GPUs dramatically faster than CPUs for some workloads and slower for others?

Practical scenario

A team proposes moving an image filter to the GPU. It runs on 200×200 thumbnails, one at a time, as part of a request path.

What it tests

  • Understanding of throughput versus latency design
  • Awareness that transfer cost can dominate
  • Knowledge of divergence and its consequences

Lessons behind this question