I have a Question About CPU Processing in Games?

Aleksbgbg · January 5, 2016

I always had this thought, but I'm not sure which is true. This might still be a misconception I've had since being a child (or I should say, a lot younger).

Anyway, the GPU processer graphics. Obviously. As far as I know, it does all the AA and renders everything (10/10 explanation).

Here's the part where I'm not sure.

What I thought before, which sound stupid now that I think about it but it also sounds a bit true, is that the CPU would process the graphics and then give it to the GPU to smoothen it out. This was the only way I could explain why a CPU needed to be good when playing games.

What I think now, but I'm not sure which is true, is that the CPU simply processes physics and objects in games, like where everything is; the map; the architecture of the game; etc.

So which one is true, or are they true only to an extent or are they false? If you know about this, you can also explain it in your own words.

C1intFunWood · January 5, 2016

There are physics effects in games that are calculated by the CPU. You would also need a Good CPU for the PCI-E Lane's when needed

Tech N Gamer · January 5, 2016

The CPU is going to process what you don't see and the GPU is going to process the stuff you see. The CPU processes the AI, physics (to a degree), ext. The GPU processes visual physics like ripples in a pond or movement though stuff, stuff like the along with adding textures.

minibois · January 5, 2016

The latter thought is true, but the first is not 100% false. the CPU thinks of the skeleton, structure and collision points of a building and the GPU renders the model and texture of this building.

Anyways, the CPU does all the physics stuff mostly really

Samfisher · January 5, 2016

I always had this thought, but I'm not sure which is true. This might still be a misconception I've had since being a child (or I should say, a lot younger).

Anyway, the GPU processer graphics. Obviously. As far as I know, it does all the AA and renders everything (10/10 explanation).

Here's the part where I'm not sure.

What I thought before, which sound stupid now that I think about it but it also sounds a bit true, is that the CPU would process the graphics and then give it to the GPU to smoothen it out. This was the only way I could explain why a CPU needed to be good when playing games.

What I think now, but I'm not sure which is true, is that the CPU simply processes physics and objects in games, like where everything is; the map; the architecture of the game; etc.

So which one is true, or are they true only to an extent or are they false? If you know about this, you can also explain it in your own words.

Short answer : Half true

Long answer : Quite not true

The GPU obviously (as you mentioned) does the heavy lifting for graphics. AA, AF, textures, SSAO etc are all done on the GPU.

The CPU runs the game engine and deciphers all the code and user input. It also does some shadows in some games, but the CPU has to process basically EVERYTHING. Nothing goes anywhere without first going to the CPU.