Why isnt my GPU at full usage? Low framerates?

reflix · Oct 29, 2014

Hi, I've recently built a new pc and have been playing Star Wars: Old republic (ultra settings), however I noticed my computer is not using all resources, and I am getting low framerates (down to 30fps at times but very fluctuating).

MY spec:
AMD FX 8350 4Ghz
Gigabyte GTX 760 OC version 2GB
Corsair Vengeance 1x8GB 1600Mhz
Gigabyte 970A-UD3P motherboard
Corsair 600W PSU

There seems to be no ram, cpu or gpu bottleneck after observing stats? Temps seem ok too.

Game screenshots with stats:
Screenshots

Any ideas whats causing the problem? GPU does full usage on L4D2.

cowboydude99 · Oct 29, 2014

Have you made any changes to the game ini files for tweaks? Any modifications?

I am not familiar with the game, so I don't even know if that is possible.

derekullo · Oct 29, 2014

Even if your gpu is not at its max utilization that does not mean it isn't the bottleneck.

For example you may have enough gpu processing power to get 60 fps but because you choose 16 times anti-aliasing your video card ran out of video memory and caused your fps to sink.

This may not be your exact case but running any semi modern game at ultra with a geforce 760 at 1080p at 60 fps or higher is just not going to happen.

cowboydude99 · Oct 29, 2014

derekullo :

+1

derekullo · Oct 29, 2014

Looking over your screenshots your GPU utilization was around 70% as long as there was 1 or less people in the scene.
As soon as more people start to join your gpu utilization starts to drop while the cpu usage stays around 24-30%.
This points to a cpu bottleneck.

derekullo · Oct 29, 2014

In other words the bottleneck lies with both the gpu and cpu.
The cpu is the most apparent.

reflix · Oct 29, 2014

No modifications or tweaks made to game.

I guess good consideration about gpu still bottlenecking while not at full utilisation.

I have made a few more discoveries to help:

* Changing the resolution from 1080p to 800x600 makes almost no difference to fps
* CPU was at constant 24-30% usage regardless of graphics settings

Ultra 1080p - 35fps, 50-60% GPU usage
Ultra 800x600 - 30fps (actually slightly worse??) 50-60% GPU usage
V.low 1080p - 45fps 12% GPU usage
V.low 800x600 - 48fps 7% GPU usage

Does any of this point to a bottleneck? And if not, how can I increase usage? Thanks.

Although I can accept not being able to play on max with good fps, yes ok fine, but lowest settings, only 45fps??? No way, it's weird.

reflix · Oct 29, 2014

derekullo :

ahh yes the classic "your entire pc is a bottleneck"

How can a cpu bottleneck at 24-30% ;p

btw thanks for all responses!

cowboydude99 · Oct 29, 2014

Check the NVIDIA CONTROL PANEL.
The latest driver enabled DSR- do you have it ON or OFF?

reflix · Oct 29, 2014

cowboydude99 :

Under global:
DSR - Factors - off
DSR - Smoothness - off and greyed out

Under game cant see any DSR options. This help?

All other options should be pretty much standard, except from power options changed to "prefer max performance"

cowboydude99 · Oct 29, 2014

Maybe you mentioned this but I didn't find it...

Have you removed the drivers and reinstalled them?

if DSR isn't on, then I don't know why you would see the same FPS on max and low settings...

reflix · Oct 29, 2014

Havent tried a driver reinstall, although only had this pc a couple of weeks, you think its worth doing?

cowboydude99 · Oct 29, 2014

Yes. Since I have no other conclusions! It doesn't hurt, just make sure to do it the way I listed.

If it still isn't working right- try another GPU.

derekullo · Oct 29, 2014

"How can a cpu bottleneck at 24-30% ;p"

If you have an 8 core cpu and the game only uses 2 cores and maxes out those 2 cores you will have a total utilization of 25% and a cpu bottleneck.

derekullo · Oct 29, 2014

V.low 800x600 - 48fps 7% GPU usage

This alone points to a CPU bottleneck.

Your GPU is basically doing nothing while the CPU is trying to catch up.

derekullo · Oct 29, 2014

"ahh yes the classic "your entire pc is a bottleneck""

An AMD chip paired with a last generation mid-range card ... I'm a technician not a magician lol

reflix · Oct 29, 2014

More screenshots showing each CPU core usage - seems like its using enough of them, and none are maxing out. CPU bottleneck still possible??

derekullo · Oct 29, 2014

Install Geforce Experience.
Let it update your drivers and change the game settings.

derekullo · Oct 29, 2014

From looking at other benchmarks with lesser equipment something does look off with your setup.

http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/star-wars-gaming-tests-review,3087-8.html

From this chart it's as if your game was performing like it had a dual core chip, although it could be a graphics card issue.

coolcole01 · Oct 29, 2014

sounds like adaptive vsync turn it off

derekullo · Oct 29, 2014

Also try this just for some insight.

Find an area in the game with nobody in it, like a small hut or similar sized room, and stare straight at a wall so you are unable to see anything else and let us know what your fps is.

reflix · Oct 29, 2014

derekullo :

Already installed, drivers updated. Tried Choosing "optimum settings", seems that it just maxed the game out. No difference playing with these settings sadly.

derekullo · Oct 29, 2014

Do try disabling adaptive v-sync if it was turned on. You said this was a fresh install so i did not think that would be turned on.
To disable goto the nvidia control panel and the setting is under vertical sync. Set it to "use application setting". But this setting should be turned off by default.

derekullo · Oct 29, 2014

Staring at a wall was gonna be my test to see if your fps was artificially limited in some way. You should get 60+ fps staring straight into a wall. If not than something is limiting your fps.

reflix · Oct 29, 2014

derekullo :

Played around with V sync with no success.

FPS staring at wall climbs to a peak of 110fps

FPS in room of around 7 people gives me around 80fps

Why isnt my GPU at full usage? Low framerates?

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