Basic Questions About Coprocessing, GPUs, etc.

[Urzu1000]

Hi, thanks for clicking this thread. I hope you'll be able to help me out.

What I'm trying to figure out, (after basic googling), is what exactly is a coprocessor like a Xeon Phi useful for? I'm aware that it's meant more for video rendering and other CPU intense issues, but would this hold any practical application (no pun intended) for a high-end gaming/do it all PC?

From what I understand, GPUs are also a type of coprocessor, but meant specifically for graphics, and I also understand that sound cards are another type.

Would the Xeon Phi work like a GPU? Nvidia makes a separate co-processing GPU line, why?

Can a (for example) Xeon Phi run alongside a GPU for separate tasks?

I'm somewhat confused how this all works, as this is the first time I've really "delved" into this subject.

Thanks in advance for your help answering all my newbie questions!

 

[badboyrog2]

co-processing is designed for professional who use `` CFD `` or heavy rendering softwares ( video/photo/mixed etc)
and multitasking ...for their job and use everyday everytime ...usualy they have a great cooling solution

co-procesing give more bandwith for more multitasking and drive more information between components at the same time

the Xeon Phi simply have more cores built inside then the other one

 

[Urzu1000]

So, would it have any practical application outside of those areas, and could it be used alongside a GPU separately.