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With NPUs enabling on-device AI tech on the SoC (System on Chip) designs used in laptops, smartphones, and single-board computers, it’s important to understand and compare their specifications to optimize performance and make informed purchasing decisions.
But how do you compare the specs of an NPU like other computer hardware?
What Is an NPU?
A neural processing unit (NPU is a special kind of processor that handles tasks related to artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning. In devices like smartphones and laptops, an NPU makes processor-intensive tasks such as image processing, real-time video filters, voice recognition, augmented reality, and object recognition much more efficient.
You can find NPUs on some of the most popular handheld devices today. For example, Apple’s latest iPhones and M-Series laptops all come integrated with their own NPU called ANE (Apple Neural Engine).Google uses a proprietary NPU called TPU (Tensor Processing Unit)on its Pixel devices and Coral prototyping kits, and Qualcomm is integrating its ARM NPUs into their latestSoCs for smartphones and laptops.
NPUs are becoming more common because we use AI in many devices, from smartphones to large data centers. As AI grows, we need hardware that can handle it better, and NPUs are the answer.
How NPUs Differ from CPUs and GPUs
For modern handheld, wearables, and other portable devices, the NPU, CPU, and GPU are integrated into a single SoC for faster data transfer, lower power consumption, and a smaller footprint.
Essentially, CPUs are great at handling many different applications but are not optimized for graphics and AI tasks. GPUs are better for graphics and AI tasks than CPUs because they can do many things simultaneously. NPUs excel at high-level parallel computations like GPUs but with lower power requirements, making them ideal for bringing the demanding calculations of AI processing to mobile devices.
How to Compare NPU Specs
When comparing NPUs, it’s important to understand the key specifications that affect their performance. Here are some of the most important specs to look out for:
But as with most bits of computer hardware, higher is better. An NPU capable of 40 TOPS, like Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Elite chips, will have better AI capabilities than NPU capable of 10 TOPS, like Intel’s Meteor Lake chips.
How an NPU Will Make Your Next Laptop or PC Better
Buying a laptop or PC with an NPU will have several key benefits:
NPUs are transforming the way AI tasks are handled in modern devices, and their role in computing will only grow as AI becomes an essential part of our daily lives. With NPUs gaining wider adoption, understanding and comparing NPU specifications can help you make informed decisions to optimize performance and future-proof your devices.
