CPU vs. GPU: What’s best for machine learning?

The global GPU shortage has created significant challenges for businesses and individuals relying on high-performance computing, particularly in machine learning (ML) workflows. While GPUs offer unparalleled performance due to their parallel processing capabilities, they are not always the most cost-efficient solution, especially with the current scarcity. Many organizations are now looking for alternative ways to continue scaling their ML projects by leveraging central processing units (CPUs), which are often more readily available and cost-effective for specific tasks like real-time inference. Understanding the architectural differences between CPUs and GPUs is crucial in choosing the right hardware for your ML workflow, with CPUs exceling in sequential tasks and GPUs being optimized for high-throughput parallel processing. To optimize performance and accelerate model training and inference, organizations can integrate an ultra-low-latency database like Aerospike, which minimizes data transfer times, reduces latency, and increases scalability, cost-efficiency, and real-time updates.