Alex Hudak, an offering manager at IBM, explains what a GPU is and how it differs from a CPU. While CPUs have few cores and handle computations serially, GPUs have hundreds of cores and process computations in parallel, making them ideal for intense computations. NVIDIA and AMD are the main GPU providers, offering optimized solutions for various industries like virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) and high-intensity graphic applications. For example, GPUs support 3D CAD programs for construction workers in remote locations and are crucial for movie animation and rendering. Initially associated with the gaming industry, GPUs have evolved to serve a wide range of industries and use cases, providing additional computational power beyond what CPUs can offer.