Graphics Card Usage

[ACRking]

What all uses the GPU when the computer is running multiple tasks?
Let's say I am running BF4. If I minimize it, will the GPU still have to maintain the games data or will it only have to process my desktop?
Simplified: Will minimizing BF4 reduce GPU comsumption?

 

[cookybiscuit]

If BF4 is like 99% of other games, yes. Also Nvidia/Intel have the greatest market share.

 

[Blaise170]

It depends on the game. A lot of games will stop rendering once you have it minimized.

As for popularity, I prefer AMD just because of it's price/performance. If I was choosing from a best of its class standpoint, probably Nvidia/Intel.

 

[Mattyice47]

Short Answer: Theoretically it should.

Long Answer: The lowered resolution of BF4 and the window will allow the GFX Card some slack due to the GFX processing unit not being so strained upconverting the game to a higher resolution.

Answer: Yes

I believe the new Mac OS X Mavericks does what your talking about, when the window is not being viewed it allocates the bare minimum to the program and when in use it allocate the amount it needs to view it essentially saving memory and increasing performance and battery life.