One of the more perplexing aspects of a GPU is when it’s used and what it’s for. For example, the GPU helps display an image on your screen, but it isn’t responsible for the quality and appearance of all the pictures you see.
The CPU often takes a load off the GPU and is prioritized for specific functions. If your GPU utilization seems lower than it should be, troubleshoot to ensure that it’s working correctly and there are no issues.
Your GPU doesn’t perform at its highest settings all the time. Instead, it adjusts to what you’re doing and optimizes its performance. When it’s running at its highest speed, it gets scorching. Over time, that heat can damage the card.
Keeping temperatures low and extending the life of your GPU is one reason why it isn’t always as high as you might expect. You’ll notice if you keep an eye on your GPU utilization that your computer works fine most of the time when you keep it low.
For example, when I check mine on Task Manager, it’s operating below 15 percent while I have Discord, MSI Afterburner, two web browsers, a game launcher, and Spotify open.
The core clock on my 3080TI registers at 210 MHz in MSI Afterburner. When I opened Elder Scrolls Online at the highest settings and jumped into a vet dungeon, it jumped up to 45 percent and 1995 MHz.
Do I Want High GPU Utilization?
You don’t want high GPU utilization all the time, but there are situations where it’s appropriate, and you want to see it. For example, if you’re playing a demanding game, you would usually expect to see more usage of the GPU than you would in certain other tasks.
If your GPU is constantly showing low usage, something might be wrong. The alternative is that you aren’t doing anything to tax the GPU. However, if the GPU isn’t working correctly, you might notice signs of it, and that’s a signal something needs to be fixed.
Signs that Low GPU Use isn’t Normal
There are a few things to look out for when you notice your GPU isn’t operating at the levels you expect.
The only way to find out what issue is creating problems for you is to start troubleshooting.
How Do I Check My GPU Usage?
There are two ways to go about it. you may see what percent your GPU is operating at in theTask Manager.Just open it and look at the Performance tab.
you may also use a program that monitors your GPU and see theclock speed, memory speed, temperature, and voltage on the screen.It’s good to have both. Few GPU enthusiasts rely on Task Manager alone because some say it doesn’t report as accurately asGPU-specific programs.
