I'm experiencing a problem where my GPU isn't reaching its full potential during gaming, often staying around 30-40% usage. I built this PC myself, and this issue has been there since I first turned it on. Here are my specs:
- **CPU:** AMD Ryzen 5 9600X
- **GPU:** PNY RTX 5070 12GB
- **RAM:** Corsair Vengeance 32GB (2x16GB) DDR5
- **Motherboard:** Gigabyte B650 Eagle AX
- **PSU:** Corsair RM750e
I've checked the NVIDIA Control Panel and set the power management mode to "Prefer maximum performance." I've tried different in-game graphics settings, but mostly, only RDR2 uses the GPU effectively when it's maxed out. I even used GPU-Z and saw that my GPU power draw was only 21.8 Watts while running GTA 5 Enhanced on max settings. Any ideas on what's going on?
**Update:** I tested RDR2 and Forza Horizon 5, and they utilize the GPU to the max, which is good news, but I'm still curious about my overall situation with other games.
5 Answers
What other games have you tried? Also, are you gaming at 1080p? Are you using any FPS limiting options?
I'm not an expert, but it seems like your CPU or the game might be limiting the GPU performance rather than the GPU itself being faulty. Some games don’t fully utilize the GPU unless you crank up the resolution or settings significantly. GTA 5 is known for being a bit weirdly optimized, so if the gaming experience feels fine and your FPS is good, I wouldn’t worry too much just yet.
I've tried demanding games like Space Marine 2, and my GPU usage still stays around 30-40%. So I’m not quite sure.
It sounds like there might be a few factors at play here. You could try running a benchmark tool to see if your GPU hits 100% usage—this can help isolate whether the issue is game-related or not. Also, if you’re playing at a lower resolution or have a frame rate limit set in the game or in the GPU software, that might explain the lower usage.
Another thing to check is that your game is running in fullscreen mode. Sometimes, it can default to windowed mode, which might hinder performance. And don’t forget to make sure you disabled any integrated graphics in the BIOS, and check that your monitor is plugged into the GPU and not the motherboard—this is a common mistake!
I actually ran a benchmark, and my GPU did hit 100%. I also turned off the integrated GPU, but I realized I haven't switched to fullscreen mode—it could be affecting my performance.
Just a quick check: have you plugged your monitor directly into your GPU?
Yep, my monitor is connected to the GPU.
What’s your CPU usage while gaming? If it's around 80%, that could be the bottleneck limiting your GPU.
Yeah, the CPU is around 80% usage.
I haven't capped the FPS, and I tested games like Space Marine 2, Forza Horizon 5, Helldivers, and War Thunder.