Neural Magic Reviews

What is Neural Magic?

Graphics Processing Units (GPUs) are adept at quickly handling data transfers but face challenges with limited locality of reference due to their smaller cache sizes, making them more efficient for intense computations on smaller datasets rather than for lighter tasks on larger ones. As a result, networks designed for GPU architecture often execute in sequential layers to enhance the efficiency of their computational workflows. To support larger models, given that GPUs have a memory limitation of only a few tens of gigabytes, it is common to aggregate multiple GPUs, which distributes models across these devices and creates a complex software infrastructure that must manage the challenges of inter-device communication and synchronization. On the other hand, Central Processing Units (CPUs) offer significantly larger and faster caches, alongside access to extensive memory capacities that can scale up to terabytes, enabling a single CPU server to hold memory equivalent to numerous GPUs. This advantageous cache and memory configuration renders CPUs especially suitable for environments mimicking brain-like machine learning, where only particular segments of a vast neural network are activated as necessary, presenting a more adaptable and effective processing strategy. By harnessing the capabilities of CPUs, machine learning frameworks can function more efficiently, meeting the intricate requirements of sophisticated models while reducing unnecessary overhead. Ultimately, the choice between GPUs and CPUs hinges on the specific needs of the task, illustrating the importance of understanding their respective strengths.