I have a question; does a GPU have to TOTALLY rely on a CPU to complete stuff? I mean can a GPU become totally independent and focus on mainly the rendering and the CPU just works on AI and whatnot w/o having to also do instructions to the GPU? 
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Graphics Processing Units
- Thread starter CptFalcon
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HaMMerHeD
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Basically the whole point of a GPU is that it keeps the CPU from having to do graphics processing, thereby tossing a lot more dedicated, purpose-built graphics processing horsepower at games (and other 3D apps), which makes them run faster and look better.
No, the GPU can't function independantly. Right now, 3D rendering still depends heavily on the CPU for relaying data between the game/renderer and the video card. DirectX 10, which is coming out next year, will remove this limitation and allow direct communication with the graphics card and the renderer. However, this will only work on DirectX 10 cards, such as the current nVidia 8800 series and the upcoming ATI card(s) based on the R600 chips.