Central Processing Units
Central Processing Units (CPUs) are general-purpose processors that serve as one of several hardware backends supported by the Nexa SDK for running AI models locally. Unlike specialized accelerators such as GPUs or NPUs, CPUs are universally available components present in virtually all computers, making them an accessible option for users without dedicated AI acceleration hardware.
CPU-Based Model Execution
The Nexa SDK provides native support for CPU-based model execution, enabling users to run compatible AI models directly on their system’s processor. This approach prioritizes accessibility and compatibility over raw computational speed, allowing a broader range of users to deploy and experiment with AI models on standard hardware without requiring specialized components or drivers.
Trade-offs and Use Cases
Running AI models on CPUs typically results in slower inference speeds compared to GPU or NPU acceleration, but offers important advantages including broader hardware compatibility, lower cost, and no dependency on specialized accelerators. CPU execution is suitable for applications where inference latency is less critical, such as batch processing, development and testing environments, or systems where GPU resources are unavailable or impractical.
Source Notes
- 2026-04-12: Nvidia CUDA GPU Parallel Computing for AI Advancement · ▶ source
- 2026-04-25: Google · ▶ source