Unlike their commercial counterparts, rugged computers for military or industrial applications have traditionally not required a standalone graphics card, with inbuilt CPUs providing more than enough processing power. There are now instances where a graphics card can be installed, however it comes with challenges that need to be weighed up when deciding whether to include one. So how do we overcome them, and what is the best graphics card to use for rugged requirements?
What does a graphics card do?
It is possibly one of the most well-known components of a computer, but many still ask the question “What is a graphics card?” and “What does it do?”.
The graphics card, also known as a graphics processing unit (GPU), is a crucial component in a modern commercial computer, enabling the display of images, video and other visual elements. In simple terms, the GPU is a ‘close cousin’ of the CPU but is specifically designed to accelerate computer graphic workloads, according to Intel.
In the commercial world, graphics cards are a central part of powerful computers that can run intensive home or business applications such as high-end games, video production software, computer-aided design programmes and other data-heavy operations, including artificial intelligence-based processing.
The graphics card can offload complex processing tasks from the computer’s CPU, increasing system efficiency and processing times.
Do I need a graphics card?
The answer to that question really depends on what you want to do with your computer – if it’s play the latest video games or run high-end software, then the answer is most likely yes, but if you want to perform simpler tasks including using the computer as a human-machine interface (HMI) for a wider system, then most modern CPUs are more than capable.
Many computers, especially those in the laptop and tablet range, will often not come with a dedicated graphics card, sometimes called a discrete graphics processing unit. Instead, they will use the integrated GPU that comes with the CPU for any display requirements.
It might surprise many that for lots of applications, this is perfectly fine (especially as CPUs have become more advanced) and a laptop or tablet will run with no problems. Even simulation tools that require a higher fidelity output can run with this configuration.
Read more: Military processors – selecting the right CPU for demanding defence needs
This is particularly the case for rugged computers in the military and industrial space, where most applications – such as sensor interface or running a bespoke application – will normally not require a discrete GPU to run.
Many GRiD customers, who at first thought they would need a GPU, have in fact been surprised to learn that the CPU will be more than sufficient to run their applications or programmes.
What are the challenges with graphics cards?
Highly rugged computers such as those manufactured by GRiD have to meet stringent military standards for environmental factors, such as water and dust ingress and extreme temperature ranges, as well as strict drop and shock requirements. This presents challenges for integrating discrete graphics cards, which are often power hungry and create heat as a result.
Unlike commercial computers and servers that are optimised for air flow in and out of the case, rugged systems are sealed to guarantee they meet the aforementioned military standards. In a sealed rugged system, this heat has to be managed and this becomes increasingly challenging as more powerful GPUs are added.
Another challenge is that typical graphics cards require a motherboard/carrier board with a 16-lane PCIe slot, which has the advantage of more data pass through but requires more space. This design element would need to be carefully considered when integrating a GPU into a rugged military device.
Luckily there have been developments in both of these areas, which we will explain in more detail below.
What next for GPUs in military tablets and laptops?
While most military tablets and laptops do not require a GPU as per the reasons discussed above, there are times when including one can be advantageous, and as graphics card technology has developed, this has become more of a reality for military applications.
Typically a power-hungry GPU produces too much heat for a rugged (and in turn sealed) system to be able to handle, but recent developments have seen graphics cards with lower power requirements come to market.
Read more: The heat is on: dealing with heat in military and industrial computing
One example of note is the small form-factor NVIDIA T400, built on NVIDIA’s Turing architecture, which requires only a fifth of the power consumption of a typical GPU, and the heat produced can be managed through the computer chassis rather than using air flow.
We have now integrated this into a computer for a customer, which will use it to carry out advanced calculations, which marks the first GPU integration for GRiD. The T400’s 384 CUDA cores – which can perform multiple tasks at once – is optimised for this purpose.
As for the PCIe lane requirement, GRiD was able to integrate the card using fewer lanes than, say, a commercial power-intensive graphics-based application would require. This is a testament to GRiD’s engineering know-how, as well as to the development of the newer GPUs that are less power hungry and allow data to be carried over fewer lanes.
Conclusion
GRiD computers are already very capable of displaying the visuals required for typical military applications, including mapping, sensor data, and simulations, and CPUs are now able to handle increased resolutions (Intel Xe offers up to 8K) that GPUs would previously have been required for.
Until recently we have therefore not needed to include graphics cards in our devices, which would only have added to the heat that needed to be managed by the computer. Now that our heat management technology has developed, however, and new GPUs have been introduced to market, this has opened up the possibility of integrating a discrete GPU without degrading the performance of the computer.
At GRiD we embrace technological developments when they arise, and look at ways of incorporating new features into our computers when they enhance our products and offer increased capability to our customers.
Drop an email to sales@griduk.com if you want to learn more.
