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Started by ProjectParadigm | | 5 answers
GPU not using its full potential (Not 100% Usage)
So just a few days ago, I had built my first gaming computer. Everything was fine on the system besides Windows 8.1 breaking some software (which I have fixed now) and in that process of checking my system, I've noticed that my GPU (MSI R9 280) has rarely reached 90% usage with my CPU (AMD FX-8320 @ 3.5GHZ). On most game it would stay on 60%-80% with dipping to 20%-40% every so often (sometimes even played at that speed for minutes). The only time that it actually reached 100% was once for a second on DayZ SA. I tried using benchmarking tool called MSI Kombuster and stood around 80%-90%. I don't believe this is bottlenecking as my CPU (FX-8320) is recommended with my GPU (MSI R9 280) by several people on this forum and people on Google, Youtube etc. I've tried to fix it by downloading beta drivers, Mobo drivers, installing Windows 8 updates etc.

Mobo: Asrock 970 Pro3 2.0
CPU: AMD FX-8320 @ 3.5GHZ
GPU: MSI R9 280 3GB

Any solution?

Thanks in advance. Please help!
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September 25, 2014 1:58:07 AM

ProjectParadigm said:
Ah, I see. I do indeed have V-sync off. Thank you for the comments. I'll just leave the thread open a bit longer before I chose a solution.


OK Sure.But Please do try all methods suggested Sir.Also Please inform me if it fixes the Problem.Thank you
September 25, 2014 1:44:08 AM

Ah, I see. I do indeed have V-sync off. Thank you for the comments. I'll just leave the thread open a bit longer before I chose a solution.
September 25, 2014 1:33:42 AM

Just checking, you have V-Sync switched off?

Best solution chosen by ProjectParadigm

September 25, 2014 1:18:54 AM

If the FPS is dipping below what you would like, then the only solution is going to be to improve your execution performance available to the workload by either overclocking the CPU or switching to a CPU with more execution resources available to your specific workloads. DayZ, an Arma engine game, is notoriously compute intensive because it has large numbers of units. Unfortunately, the game does not scale well into many threads, so the best way to give that game more access to compute resources is with a CPU that has "bigger" cores, like a Haswell chip from Intel. Sorry to have to break it to you, but the FX-8320 is probably the worst value CPU imaginable for playing that game. An i3-4150 would have been better.

If your FPS is acceptable, then the best way to achieve better GPU usage would be to increase the visual quality settings. This will increase the render workload, giving your GPU more work to do.
September 25, 2014 1:06:56 AM

Hi Sir,I am Bharath from India.This means,There is defenitly a Bottleneck.An FX 8320 can be compared to an i5 2500K and which the i5 2500K will Kick it's Butt ! So even the i5 here,Is a Bottleneck to your GPU.ee if you have enabled all those 8 cores.The Perfect match for an R9 280 will always be an i7So,I highly suspect there is a Bottlenecking.Try OCing your CPU so It can keep up and also make the GPU perform it's fullest ! Recommended OC is Under 4.5 Ghz on an Air-Cooling System.Get a good CPU Air-Cooler like the Cooler Master 212X and Start to OC it.Please inform me the result.If it works,Please don't forget to make mine as your Best Answer.Thank you

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