Nvidia introduced the GeForce 256 in 1999, widely described as the world’s first GPU.
Nvidia announced the GeForce 256 in August 1999 and marketed it as a graphics processing unit. The term emphasized that the chip could handle parts of the transformation and lighting workload that had traditionally relied more heavily on the computer’s central processor.
The company had been founded in 1993 by Jensen Huang, Chris Malachowsky, and Curtis Priem. It first became known for graphics processors used in personal computers and later expanded into artificial intelligence, data centers, gaming, and automotive computing.
“First GPU” refers to Nvidia’s naming and product positioning; earlier graphics accelerators existed. The GeForce 256 is notable because it helped establish GPU as a distinct category and term.