What does a graphic processing unit (GPU) primarily handle?

A graphic processing unit (GPU) primarily handles image and video rendering, making it essential for delivering high-quality graphics and visual experiences in digital devices. The GPU is specifically designed to process vast amounts of data related to images and video, enabling the rendering of complex graphics in real-time. This capability is crucial in various applications, including video games, 3D modeling, and video playback, where high performance and visual fidelity are key.

The architecture of a GPU differs significantly from that of a central processing unit (CPU), as it consists of many small cores that work simultaneously on multiple data points. This parallel processing ability makes GPUs particularly well-suited for processing the intricate calculations required for rendering images and videos more efficiently than CPUs, which typically handle general-purpose tasks.

In contrast, other functions such as audio signal conversion, data storage, and network traffic management are handled by dedicated components or systems that are optimized for those specific tasks. Each of these areas requires distinct processing capabilities that do not align with the GPU's primary design and function. Thus, the correct answer highlights the GPU's specialization in managing image and video rendering.