Publié : 11 January 2026
Actualisé : 3 weeks ago
Fiabilité : ✓ Sources vérifiées
Je mets à jour cet article dès que de nouvelles informations sont disponibles.
📋 Table of Contents
🧠 What exactly is an NPU?
The NPU (Neural Processing Unit) is a specialized circuit designed to accelerate calculations related to AI. Think of it as a co-processor, much like the graphics card (GPU) that manages video games, but dedicated to artificial intelligence tasks. Its role? To offload AI operations from the central processor (CPU) and the graphics card, thereby improving performance and reducing energy consumption. Specifically, the NPU excels in executing machine learning and deep learning models, algorithms that allow computers to learn from data. It is also referred to as “neural silicon.”
🚀 Why is an NPU essential?
With the explosion of AI, the applications that leverage it are becoming increasingly resource-intensive. Natural language processing, image recognition, augmented reality… All these tasks heavily load the CPU and GPU. Integrating an NPU allows addressing these needs more efficiently. The arrival of Microsoft’s “Copilot+” PCs marks a turning point. These machines integrate NPUs capable of performing at least 40 TOPS (trillions of operations per second), a measure of AI computing power. This capability allows executing AI models directly on the device, without going through the cloud. And that changes everything.
☁️ Local vs Cloud: The AI Match
Executing AI locally has several advantages. First, reduced latency. No need to send data to a remote server; processing is instantaneous. Second, privacy protection. Sensitive data remains on the device, avoiding the risks associated with its transfer and storage in the cloud. Finally, autonomy. AI applications work even without an internet connection.
This shift towards edge computing is reminiscent of the shift from central servers to PCs in the 1980s. The cloud remains relevant for certain tasks, but the future seems to be shaping up with AI closer to the user.
💻 Copilot+ PC: AI in everyday life
The first “Copilot+” PCs promise a user experience enriched by AI. We are talking about features such as instant translation, real-time video quality improvement, and generating images from text descriptions. Tools that could well transform the way we work and entertain ourselves. Imagine: you are participating in a video conference with a foreign speaker, and the translation appears instantly on the screen. Or, you are editing a photo, and AI automatically suggests the most relevant improvements. The possibilities are vast.
🤔 NPU: Gadget or Revolution?
So, should you opt for a PC equipped with an NPU? The answer depends on your use. If you are a creative professional, an AI developer, or simply anEarly Adopter keen on new technologies, the investment may be justified. For others, we will have to wait and see the real impact of these chips on everyday applications. The PC AI market is still young, but the first signs are encouraging. Microsoft is betting big on Copilot+, and other manufacturers are expected to follow suit. One thing is certain: the NPU is promised a bright future. It remains to be seen whether its integration will be smooth, or whether it will shake up our computing habits.
The arrival of the NPU on PC is a bit like the arrival of the SSD: at first it was a luxury, then it became a standard.
❔ Frequently Asked Questions
Is an NPU really useful for me, a regular user?
About the author: Fascinated by the technologies of tomorrow, I'm Mickaël Rigaud, your guide to the world of Artificial Intelligence. On my website, iactualite.info, I decipher the innovations shaping our future. Join me to explore the latest AI trends!
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