Skip to content

Gpu Vs Cpu Encoding (Expert Answers)

    ✅ Fact Checked
    Updated on January 30, 2023
    John Chad, Bachelor Computer Science Degree & Computer Engineering.
    Written by
    John Chad, Bachelor Degree in Computer Science & Computer Engineering.
    Russel Collins
    Fact Checked by
    Russel Collins
    John is a certified IT & Computer Engineer with a Bachelors Degree. He has worked for a International Insurance Company in the IT department before deciding to become a full time blogger to help his readers. Holds a Bachelors Degree in Computer Science from Stanford University.

    Fun Fact
    The first CPU (Central Processing Unit) was created in 1971 by Intel and was called the Intel 4004. It was only the size of a fingernail and had a processing speed of just 740kHz. That’s over 1,000 times slower than the average modern CPU!
    Encoding video is essential for making sure that the video can be played on various devices and platforms. It’s the process of converting video files from one format to another. However, the question is how to choose between GPU encoding and CPU encoding? The short answer is that it depends on your specific needs and resources.

    GPU encoding is faster and more efficient than CPU encoding. It uses the power of a dedicated graphics card to handle the encoding process, allowing for faster processing speeds. This makes GPU encoding ideal for real-time applications, such as live streaming and video conferencing.

    CPU encoding, on the other hand, is more flexible and compatible with a wider range of systems. It doesn’t require a dedicated graphics card, and can be done using a standard computer processor. This makes it more accessible for a broader range of users.

    In this article, we’ll dive deeper into the differences between GPU and CPU encoding and help you understand which one is the best fit for your specific needs.

    1 Overview

    Encoding is the process of converting video files from one format to another. It’s essential for making sure that the video can be played on various devices and platforms. When a video is encoded, it’s compressed and the file size is reduced, which makes it easier to store, transmit and share. The process of encoding involves a variety of tasks, such as transcoding, transrating, and transsizing.

    Transcoding is the process of converting a video from one format to another. For example, converting a .mov file to a .mp4 file. Transcoding is important because not all devices support all video formats, and it ensures that the video can be played on a wide range of devices and platforms.

    Transrating is the process of changing the bitrate of a video. Bitrate is the amount of data that is used to represent a second of video. A higher bitrate results in a higher-quality video, but also results in a larger file size. Transrating is important because it allows you to adjust the quality of the video to match the specific needs of the end user.

    Transsizing is the process of changing the resolution of a video. Resolution is the number of pixels in a video. A higher resolution results in a higher-quality video, but also results in a larger file size. Transsizing is important because it allows you to adjust the video to match the resolution of the device that it will be played on.

    There are two main methods for encoding video: GPU encoding and CPU encoding.

    GPU encoding uses the power of a dedicated graphics card to handle the encoding process, allowing for faster processing speeds. This makes GPU encoding ideal for real-time applications, such as live streaming and video conferencing.

    CPU encoding, on the other hand, is done using a standard computer processor. It’s more flexible and compatible with a wider range of systems. This makes it more accessible for a broader range of users.

    So essentially, encoding is the process of converting video files from one format to another, it’s essential for making sure that the video can be played on various devices and platforms. It involves a variety of tasks such as transcoding, transrating and transsizing. There are two main methods for encoding video: GPU encoding and CPU encoding. GPU encoding is faster and more efficient than CPU encoding but CPU encoding is more flexible and compatible with a wider range of systems.

    2 GPU Encoding

    GPU Encoding is a method of video compression that utilizes a computer’s graphics processing unit (GPU) to perform the encoding process. It is a highly efficient method of encoding that allows for faster processing speeds and improved efficiency compared to traditional CPU encoding.

    How GPU Encoding works, it works by offloading the encoding process from the CPU to the GPU. This allows the CPU to focus on other tasks while the GPU handles the encoding. This parallel processing approach is what allows for the improved efficiency and faster processing speeds. The GPU is also designed to handle large amounts of data and perform repetitive tasks, making it well suited for the encoding process.

    Advantages of GPU Encoding include faster processing speeds, improved efficiency, and the ability to handle multiple encoding tasks at once. This can greatly reduce the time it takes to encode a video and also allows for the encoding of multiple videos at once. Additionally, GPU encoding can also lead to better video quality as the GPU is able to handle more complex compression algorithms.

    Examples of software and hardware that support GPU encoding include popular encoding software such as Adobe Premiere, Handbrake, and Sorenson Squeeze. These software programs are designed to take advantage of the GPU’s power to speed up the encoding process. Hardware that supports GPU encoding includes dedicated video encoding cards and motherboards with built-in GPU encoding capabilities. Many modern computers also come with built-in GPU encoding capabilities as well.

    As such, GPU encoding is a powerful method of video compression that can greatly improve the speed and efficiency of the encoding process. It is supported by a wide range of software and hardware, making it a great choice for anyone looking to improve their video encoding workflow. With the advancements in technology the use of GPU encoding will become even more prevalent in the future.

    3 CPU Encoding

    CPU encoding refers to the process of converting raw video footage into a compressed digital format, such as H.264 or H.265, using a central processing unit (CPU). This process is crucial for creating smaller, more manageable video files that can be easily shared and stored.

    When it comes to encoding video using a CPU, the main advantage is flexibility. Because CPU encoding relies on the processing power of the CPU, it can be done on a wide range of systems, including both desktop and laptop computers. Additionally, many software programs support CPU encoding, making it a versatile option for encoding video.

    One of the main advantages of using a CPU for encoding is that it is compatible with a wide range of systems. For example, a CPU can be used on a desktop or a laptop computer, which makes it a versatile option for encoding video. Additionally, many software programs support CPU encoding, such as Handbrake, Adobe Media Encoder, and FFmpeg. This makes it easier for users to find a program that works for their specific needs and preferences.

    Another advantage of CPU encoding is that it allows for more fine-tuned control over the encoding process. Because the CPU is handling the encoding, users have the ability to adjust settings such as bitrate, resolution, and frame rate to achieve the best possible results. This is especially useful for professionals and enthusiasts who are looking for maximum quality and control over their video files.

    In summary, CPU encoding is a powerful and versatile option for encoding video. It offers flexibility and compatibility with a wide range of systems, as well as the ability to fine-tune the encoding process for maximum quality and control. With many software options available, it is easy to find a program that works for specific needs and preferences. CPU encoding is perfect for professionals and enthusiasts who are looking for maximum quality and control over their video files.

    4 Comparison of GPU and CPU Encoding

    When it comes to encoding video, there are two main methods: GPU encoding and CPU encoding. Both have their pros and cons, and the right choice for a particular use case will depend on the specific requirements of the project.

    GPU encoding is known for its high speed and efficiency. Because a GPU has many more cores than a CPU, it can handle the complex mathematical calculations required for encoding much faster. This means that encoding a large amount of video footage can be done in a fraction of the time it would take using a CPU. Additionally, many modern GPUs have specialized hardware for video encoding, which further improves performance. However, GPU encoding typically requires specialized software and hardware, and may not be compatible with all systems.

    CPU encoding, on the other hand, is more flexible and compatible with a wider range of systems. Because a CPU is the primary processor in a computer, any system with a CPU can handle encoding. Additionally, CPU encoding can be done with a variety of software, including open source options. However, encoding with a CPU can be slower and less efficient than encoding with a GPU.

    In terms of use cases, GPU encoding is often the best choice for high-volume, time-sensitive projects, such as live streaming or video production for a major studio. The improved efficiency and speed can save a significant amount of time and resources. However, for smaller projects, or for those that are not as time-sensitive, CPU encoding may be a more suitable option. Additionally, for projects that require compatibility with a wide range of systems, or that need to be done on a budget, CPU encoding may be the better choice.

    Ultimately, the choice between GPU and CPU encoding will depend on the specific requirements of the project. Both methods have their strengths and weaknesses, and it’s important to weigh the pros and cons of each before making a decision. It’s also worth noting that there are software and hardware solutions available that can take advantage of both GPU and CPU encoding, such as hybrid encoding, which can provide the best of both worlds.

    5 FAQ

    Is it better to use CPU or GPU for encoder?

    It depends on the specific use case. Both CPU and GPU have their own set of strengths and weaknesses in encoding.

    CPU offers the advantage of flexibility and compatibility with a wider range of systems. They also offer better single-threaded performance and are better suited for tasks that require a high amount of sequential processing.

    GPU, on the other hand, excels in parallel processing and can handle a large number of concurrent threads, making them well suited for tasks that involve heavy data manipulation such as video encoding.

    In general, if the use case involves a high amount of sequential processing, it may be more beneficial to use CPU for encoding. On the other hand, if the use case involves heavy data manipulation, it may be more beneficial to use GPU for encoding.

    It’s important to keep in mind that the specific use case, the type of workload, and the available hardware resources should be taken into consideration when deciding which encoding method to use.

    Does h264 use CPU or GPU?

    H.264 video compression standard can be encoded by both CPU and GPU. The choice of which one to use depends on the specific use case and the available hardware. In general, GPU-based encoding is faster and more efficient for real-time applications, while CPU-based encoding is more flexible and can handle a wider range of video codecs and resolutions. It is important to note that modern CPUs have specialized instruction sets optimized for video encoding, such as AVX, AVX2 and AVX-512, which can improve the performance of CPU-based encoding.

    Is GPU used for video encoding?

    Yes, GPU is used for video encoding. The parallel processing capability of GPUs allows for faster and more efficient video encoding compared to using a CPU alone. Additionally, many video encoding software specifically utilizes the CUDA or OpenCL framework to leverage the power of a GPU. This allows for real-time video encoding or faster encoding of large video files.

    6 Conclusion

    Lastly, it’s clear that both GPU and CPU encoding have their own unique strengths and weaknesses. GPU encoding offers faster processing speeds and improved efficiency, making it ideal for tasks that require high-performance computing such as video rendering and gaming. On the other hand, CPU encoding offers flexibility and compatibility with a wider range of systems, making it suitable for tasks that require more general-purpose computing such as data encoding and compression.

    When deciding which encoding method to use, it’s important to consider the specific requirements of your task and the resources available to you. For tasks that require high-performance computing, GPU encoding is the way to go. However, for tasks that require more general-purpose computing, CPU encoding may be a better fit.

    In summary, both GPU and CPU encoding have their own unique advantages and it’s important to consider the specific requirements of your task before deciding which method to use. It’s also worth noting that advancements in technology are constantly pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with both GPU and CPU encoding, so it’s important to stay informed about the latest developments in the field.