Comparative performance evaluation between CPU and GPU processors for the traveling salesman problem

a computational benchmarking study using brute-force algorithm

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47385/cadunifoa.v21.n56.5758

Keywords:

Traveling Salesman Problem, CUDA, Parallel Computing, GPU, Combinatorial Optimization

Abstract

The Traveling Salesman Problem (TSP) is one of the most studied combinatorial optimization problems in computer science and belongs to the NP-hard class. This work presents a comparative analysis between sequential CPU implementations and parallel GPU implementations using CUDA to solve the TSP through the brute-force algorithm. The study was conducted using Python with the NumPy and CuPy libraries in the Google Colab environment. For a graph with 10 vertices, totaling 362,880 permutations, the GPU implementation showed a speedup of 1.30x compared to the CPU, reducing execution time from 1.3622 seconds to 1.0450 seconds. The results highlight the potential of GPU parallel computing for combinatorial optimization problems, especially when the computational volume justifies the data transfer overhead between CPU and GPU.

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Author Biography

Professor, Centro Universitário de Volta Redonda UniFOA

PhD candidate in Defense Engineering (IME), MSc in Physics (CBPF), and specialist in several fields, including: Robotics Eng., Electrical Eng., Electronic and Electromechanical Eng., Telecommunications Eng., Control and Automation Eng., Biomedical Eng., Instrumentation Eng., Industry 4.0 Eng., Data Eng., Computer Eng., Software Eng., Networks and Data Security Eng., DevOps Eng., Mechatronics Eng., Embedded Systems Eng., Mechanical Manufacturing Eng., Reliability Eng., Maintenance Eng., Quality Eng., Materials Eng., Production Eng., Product Eng., Packaging Eng., Transport Eng., Highway Eng., Supply Chain Eng., Knowledge Eng., Business Eng., Project Eng., Renewable Energy Eng., Process Eng., Metallurgical Eng., Chemical Eng., and Environmental Eng.

Also specialized in Software Architecture, Cloud Computing, Machine Learning and AI, Internet of Things, Data Science, Full Stack Development, Applied Statistics, Biostatistics, and Project Management. Holds an MBA in Engineering Economics, Data Analysis, and Web 3.0.

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering and licensed to teach Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and Philosophy. Also certified as a Systems Analyst and Technician in Electronics, Electrotechnics, Telecommunications, IT, Logistics, Commerce, Business Administration, and Environmental Management.

Professional experience spans several years in electrical, electronic, automation, embedded systems, firmware, and software projects. Develops hardware and software solutions for industrial, automotive, medical, scientific, and commercial automation sectors.

University professor and administrator at Cerne Tecnologia, a company focused on embedded systems development, educational kits, and technological education in areas such as MCUs, FPGAs, programming languages, project design, and PCB layout.

Author of a vast technical and scientific body of work and member of the Brazilian Computer Society (SBC).

Main topics of expertise include: DFT, FFT, PSD, CAN, MODBUS, LIN, TCP/IP, digital filters, digital systems, power systems, Big Data, graphs, PID, fuzzy logic, FPGA, VHDL, Verilog, PLC, DSC, DSP, ARM, frequency inverters, soft starters, solar energy, IoT, LoRa, Java, PHP, JS, REST, Spring Boot, Spark, CSS, SQL, VB, VC#, perceptron, NAO robot, UML, React, among others.

Complete catalog available at Clube de Autores: http://bit.ly/4gwnt78

References

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Published

2026-03-06

How to Cite

SOUZA, Vitor Amadeu. Comparative performance evaluation between CPU and GPU processors for the traveling salesman problem: a computational benchmarking study using brute-force algorithm. Cadernos UniFOA, Volta Redonda, v. 21, n. 56, p. 1–10, 2026. DOI: 10.47385/cadunifoa.v21.n56.5758. Disponível em: https://revistas.unifoa.edu.br/cadernos/article/view/5758. Acesso em: 7 mar. 2026.

Issue

Section

Tecnologia e Engenharias