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VoiceTypr uses hardware acceleration to dramatically speed up transcription. GPU acceleration can make transcription 5-10x faster than CPU-only processing.
GPU acceleration is automatic - VoiceTypr detects and uses your GPU if available. No manual configuration required.

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Windows GPU Support

VoiceTypr supports three major GPU vendors on Windows:

NVIDIA

GeForce, RTX, QuadroMost commonBest performance

AMD

Radeon seriesGood supportSolid performance

Intel

Iris Xe, Arc seriesNewer GPUsGood for laptops

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How It Works

  1. Automatic Detection: VoiceTypr checks for compatible GPUs on startup
  2. Automatic Selection: If a GPU is found, it’s used automatically
  3. CPU Fallback: If no GPU is available, CPU processing is used
No user intervention needed - VoiceTypr handles everything automatically.

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Driver Requirements

Up-to-date graphics drivers are critical for GPU acceleration:

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NVIDIA Drivers

1

Check Current Version

Right-click desktop → NVIDIA Control Panel → Help → System Information
2

Download Latest Drivers

Visit NVIDIA DriversSelect your GPU model
3

Install and Restart

Run the installerRestart your computer
Recommended versions:
  • GeForce Game Ready Driver 500+
  • Studio Driver 500+

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AMD Drivers

1

Check Current Version

Right-click desktop → AMD Software → Settings → System
2

Download Latest Drivers

Visit AMD SupportAuto-detect your GPU or select manually
3

Install and Restart

Run AMD Software InstallerRestart your computer
Recommended versions:
  • Adrenalin 22.0+
  • PRO Driver 22.0+

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Intel Drivers

1

Check Current Version

Right-click desktop → Intel Graphics Command Center → System
2

Download Latest Drivers

Visit Intel Graphics DriversUse Driver & Support Assistant for auto-detection
3

Install and Restart

Run the installerRestart your computer
Recommended versions:
  • Intel Arc Graphics Driver 30.0+
  • Intel Iris Xe Graphics Driver 30.0+
Enable Windows Update to automatically receive driver updates for Intel integrated graphics.

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macOS Metal Acceleration

All Macs include automatic hardware acceleration:

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Metal GPU Acceleration

  • All Macs: Whisper models use Metal GPU acceleration
  • Automatic: No configuration needed
  • Performance: 3-5x faster than CPU on Apple Silicon, 2-3x on Intel

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Apple Neural Engine

  • Apple Silicon only: Parakeet models use the Neural Engine
  • Ultra-fast: Optimized specifically for Apple Silicon
  • Automatic: Activated when Parakeet models are selected
macOS users always have hardware acceleration - Metal is built into every Mac.

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Performance Expectations

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With GPU Acceleration (Windows)

ModelCPU TimeGPU TimeSpeedup
Tiny2.5s0.3s8x faster
Base4s0.5s8x faster
Small8s1s8x faster
Medium18s2.5s7x faster
Large35s5s7x faster
Times shown for 30-second audio recording. Actual performance varies by GPU model.

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Metal Performance (macOS)

Mac TypeModelSpeedup vs CPU
Apple Silicon (M1/M2/M3)Whisper4-5x faster
Apple SiliconParakeet6-8x faster
Intel MacWhisper2-3x faster

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CPU Fallback

If GPU acceleration is unavailable, VoiceTypr automatically uses CPU:

When CPU is Used

  • No compatible GPU detected
  • Graphics drivers are outdated or missing
  • GPU is busy with other tasks
  • GPU memory is insufficient
Still fully functional, just slower:
  • Tiny/Base: Acceptable for short recordings
  • Small: Noticeable delay on longer recordings
  • Medium/Large: Can take 30-60 seconds for transcription
  • Use smaller models (Tiny, Base, Small)
  • Close other applications during transcription
  • Upgrade to a system with GPU support
VoiceTypr always works - it automatically falls back to CPU if GPU is unavailable. You’ll never see an error.

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Troubleshooting GPU Issues

Symptoms: Transcription takes longer than expectedSolutions:
  1. Update graphics drivers (see links above)
  2. Check if GPU is being used by other apps (games, video editing)
  3. Restart VoiceTypr to re-detect GPU
  4. Verify GPU is enabled in Device Manager (Windows)
Symptoms: CPU fallback being used despite having a GPUSolutions:
  1. Update graphics drivers (most common fix)
  2. Check GPU is enabled in BIOS/UEFI
  3. Verify GPU appears in Device Manager (Windows)
  4. Ensure GPU has sufficient memory (2GB+ recommended)
Symptoms: Can’t install or update graphics driversSolutions:
  1. Uninstall old drivers completely first (use DDU tool)
  2. Download drivers directly from manufacturer (not Windows Update)
  3. Disable antivirus temporarily during installation
  4. Check Windows Update for chipset driver updates

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Verifying GPU Acceleration

How to confirm GPU is being used:

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Windows

1

Open Task Manager

Press Ctrl+Shift+Esc or right-click taskbar
2

Go to Performance Tab

Select GPU section
3

Start Transcription

Trigger a recording in VoiceTypr
4

Watch GPU Usage

GPU usage should spike during transcriptionLook for “CUDA” or “Compute” activity

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macOS

1

Open Activity Monitor

Applications → Utilities → Activity Monitor
2

Select GPU History

Window → GPU History
3

Start Transcription

Trigger a recording in VoiceTypr
4

Watch GPU Usage

GPU usage should increase during transcription

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Best Practices

1

Keep Drivers Updated

Update graphics drivers every 2-3 monthsEnable automatic updates if available
2

Close Heavy Apps

Pause games or video rendering during transcriptionEnsures GPU resources are available
3

Use Larger Models

With GPU acceleration, you can use Large models without performance penaltyBetter accuracy at similar speeds to CPU+Small
4

Monitor Temperature

Ensure GPU cooling is adequateOverheating can reduce performance
With GPU acceleration enabled, the Large model transcribes faster than the Tiny model on CPU. Take advantage of better accuracy!