What is a CPU? Central processing units are the bare bones of computer hardware, integrated logic circuits whose configuration is set by their manufacturer. The computer on which you are reading this is probably running on two to four CPUs threaded together. If you’re reading this on a gaming desktop, there could be six or even eight CPUs being used as your computer’s processors.
When it comes to data analytics and computer processing units, graphics processing units (GPUs) and field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) are bringing new capabilities to the table, but the field is still primarily CPU-driven. CPUs can operate at the high clock speeds necessary for rapid-fire number crunching. With low latency and widespread ability, they are the workhorse of the data analytics industry.
Let’s take a look at the main functions of CPUs and cover new developments in the industry that improve their interoperability with other computer processing units.
How are CPUs used in data analytics?
The objective of data analytics is to process raw numbers into a coherent narrative. Preparatory to the final analysis, the data must be collected, processed, and cleaned. Storage of data on server racks in data centres, where CPUs are the primary computer processing unit, enables each step in the data analysis process. Their high clock speeds position them as the ideal data flow manager, sifting through stored information at lightning speed.
Accelerated computing is a relatively new development in data analytics that couples the speed of CPUs with the parallel processing ability of GPUs. With a GPU setup, analysts can train machine learning applications on datasets to achieve ground-breaking insights. However, these computer processing units are costly. Their size and limited availability poses barriers to colocation within server farms and workplaces.
By producing CPU workstations with drivers on which GPUs can be installed, the accelerating computing industry is increasing accessibility and flexibility for smaller data analytics professionals. The question is no longer whether to invest in GPUs for heavy workloads or CPUs for high clock speed. When asking yourself what a CPU means for your business, you can take into account its capabilities for accelerated computing as well as its basic functions.
Benefits of high-powered CPUs for your business
Telling a compelling data story can clarify an enterprise’s vision, increase customer engagement, and streamline the quality improvement process. The data analytics applications of CPUs are a major consideration for incorporating them into your IT infrastructure. There are also financial and logistic benefits to using CPUs:
Cost. GPUs and cryptocurrency have become so intertwined that that GPU prices follow crypto trends. For new adopters of the technology, dropping thousands of dollars on a single hardware component can be a major barrier. If you are not currently working on image rendering or processing extremely heavy workloads, you can invest in a cheaper higher-frequency CPU workstation to manage your data needs.
Availability.
In 2021, the crypto boom drove thousands of entrepreneurs worldwide to snap up GPU components as quickly as possible. This led to a global shortage of GPUs. The situation is improving as manufacturers ramp up production to meet demand. However, CPUs remain easier to obtain than GPUs at this time.
Accelerated computing capability.
Investing in a CPU model doesn’t limit you to using only CPUs in your business. Accelerated computing, or threading GPUs with CPUs for combining processing power with high clock speed, is increasingly used in business and data analytics applications. A quality CPU setup can be customized for integration with GPUs and FPGAs to adapt to novel business demands.
Which Hypertec CPUs are right for you?
Hypertec offers a line of business desktops that can be customized for your data needs. With tenth to twelfth generation Intel cores and up to 128 GB of RAM, they support data analytics applications as well as day-to-day business operations. Each desktop can be customized for your unique needs by Hypertec’s team of IT experts.
Storage servers from Hypertec can host your data securely and efficiently. Experts from Hypertec will use their years of experience in securing Canadian research data to implement IT solutions for your data flows. A CPU’s function is boosted by a stellar configuration—choosing Hypertec gets you top-of-the-line CPU computer hardware and the right professionals for maximizing that hardware’s data analysis capabilities.
If you are establishing an on-site data centre to manage critical workloads, you can use Hypertec’s rack mount servers to structure your storage architecture. Hypertec also offers rack-and-stack services to optimize the layout of your new centre.
Rack mount or business desktop, Hypertec’s CPUs offer you the versatility and performance of the best processors for data analytics combined with the wealth of knowledge our IT professionals bring to the table. Your journey to a better data story could start today with a quote from the Hypertec team.
CPU processors: The bottom line
Investing in a GPU workstation with customized FPGAs can power heavy workloads and add versatility to your IT infrastructure. But is raw power your primary concern? If you have daily data workflows to manage for your business, an eight-core CPU is going to be cheaper, easier to set up, and faster than a workstation optimized for image rendering or high-frequency trading. Plus, a high-powered CPU workstation will come with drivers that open up your options for further customization with other types of computer processing units when or if they are needed.
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