What component handles the processing of graphics and images in a computer?

The component that handles the processing of graphics and images in a computer is the GPU, or Graphics Processing Unit. The GPU is specifically designed to accelerate the rendering of images and videos, making it essential for tasks that require high-quality graphics, such as gaming, video editing, and 3D rendering.

Unlike the CPU, which is optimized for general-purpose processing tasks and executes instructions in a linear fashion, the GPU can process many operations simultaneously, making it much more efficient for parallel processing tasks like rendering complex visuals. This specialization allows the GPU to handle large amounts of data related to graphics and images more effectively than other components.

The other components mentioned play different roles: the CPU manages overall system operations and performs calculations, RAM provides temporary storage for data that the CPU needs quickly, and the motherboard connects all components together and facilitates communication between them, but none of them specifically handle graphic processing like the GPU does.