Microsoft had been providing support for Intel processors only in Windows Task Manager for NPUs. However, support for AMD NPUs, which are crucial for artificial intelligence technology, has finally arrived. Especially in recent years, AMD has been making significant investments in NPU units.
What does the AMD NPU support mean for Windows Task Manager?
In computer technology, we are familiar with CPU (processor) and GPU (graphics processor). However, in recent years, both Intel and AMD have begun incorporating NPU (artificial intelligence) units. Especially after the surge in artificial intelligence following 2023, the importance of NPU units has increased.
Microsoft, however, had not been providing AMD NPU support for Windows 10 and 11. Windows Task Manager now has support for AMD NPU. Of course, AMD NPU units can perform artificial intelligence tasks even without this support. However, for the processor and operating system to work together smoothly for artificial intelligence tasks, this support was necessary.
As you know, artificial intelligence tasks are gradually becoming prevalent in smartphones and computers. In this sense, NPU units will become more prominent. The NPU unit support for Windows Task Manager is significant in this regard.
Microsoft Edge is adding the second search bar feature to its application. You will no longer have to leave the tab to make another search.
In this regard, AMD NPU units will operate on the Microsoft Compute Driver Model (MCDM). This will allow you to see how the NPU unit works and how much processing power it uses through the Windows Task Manager.
Although NPU units are important for artificial intelligence, ChatGPT, Google Gemini, and similar conversational AI bots use processors specifically designed for artificial intelligence. So, it seems that performing productive artificial intelligence tasks on our own computers is not yet possible. Nevertheless, the increasing competition for artificial intelligence and emerging technologies are likely to increase the importance of NPU units.
Microsoft has been continuing to protect Intel, its long-time collaborator, in this regard. AMD, as you know, has narrowed the gap with Intel with its Zen architecture. Currently, AMD and Intel are fiercely competing in the field of artificial intelligence. However, Nvidia has significant advantages in this race. Especially with the Nvidia H100 processor, the company’s value has multiplied. In this regard, Nvidia, with a value of $1.79 trillion, has surpassed Amazon and Google.
