What is the primary function of a Graphics Processing Unit (GPU)?

The primary function of a Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) is to accelerate graphic rendering. A GPU is specifically designed to handle the complex calculations and rendering tasks associated with graphics display, making it much more efficient at processing images, animations, and videos than a central processing unit (CPU). This capability allows for smoother gameplay in video games, faster rendering of 3D models in design software, and improved performance in tasks that require high-resolution graphics.

In contrast, managing data storage pertains to hard drives or solid-state drives, where data is physically stored and retrieved, and is not a role associated with the GPU. Enhancing network performance relates to network interface cards and connectivity components rather than graphical computations. Monitoring system temperature is a function typically handled by sensors and monitoring software, not by a GPU. Thus, the focus of a GPU on rendering graphics distinguishes its primary function from these other tasks.