[tavavex]

GPUs are already relatively fixed-function though - they're already designed with only graphics goals in mind, which is why they're so efficient at them. The reason why they were so suitable for AI was kind of a happy coincidence, because the way they work as processors and their high memory bandwidth (both required for good graphics performance) was also perfect for AI.

[taneq]

“An array of programmable CPUs with instruction sets tailored towards vector operations” might be specialised but it isn’t fixed function. “Insert vertices, indices, and 2-4 textures. Receive image on screen.” DX7 style is fixed function.

[tavavex]

Hence "relatively". Specialized is the more succinct way of describing it though, yes.