You finally got a new graphics card upgrade for your PC. You pop it in, connect all the cables, install the latest drivers, launch your favorite game, and there it is – you’re getting 15 FPS because the GPU is running at 5%.

There’s nothing more frustrating than hardware issues when you want to game. This article covers all the possible causes of GPU usage and the solutions to each of them.

Understanding Low GPU Usage

Low GPU usage occurs when your graphics card isn’t being utilized to its full potential during tasks that should be demanding, like gaming or graphic-intensive applications. This can result in poor frame rates and sluggish performance despite having a capable GPU.

Common Causes and Fixes for Low GPU Usage

1. Integrated Graphics Taking Over

Sometimes, your system may default to the integrated GPU instead of the dedicated graphics card. This often happens after upgrading your GPU or in systems that default to integrated graphics to save power.

How to Switch to Dedicated GPU

Enter BIOS setup during boot.
Navigate to the graphics configuration settings.
Disable the integrated graphics or set the primary display adapter to PCIe/PEG.
Save and exit BIOS, ensuring your monitor is connected to the dedicated GPU.

2. Outdated or Corrupted GPU Drivers

Out-of-date or corrupted drivers can lead to poor GPU performance. Ensuring your graphics drivers are up-to-date is crucial.

Updating Drivers

Uninstall current drivers using software like DDU (Display Driver Uninstaller).
Visit the official website of NVIDIA or AMD to download and install the latest stable drivers.

3. Inadequate Power Settings

Power-saving modes in Windows or in the GPU control panel can limit the performance of your graphics card.

Adjusting Power Settings

Go to Windows Control Panel > Power Options.
Set the power plan to ‘High Performance’.
In your GPU’s control panel, set the power management mode to ‘Prefer Maximum Performance’.

4. CPU Bottleneck

A CPU that can’t keep up with the GPU can also cause low GPU usage. This is often evident in CPU-intensive games or applications.

Mitigating CPU Bottlenecks

Upgrade the CPU to a more powerful one that matches your GPU’s capabilities.
Increase the resolution or graphics settings in games, which can shift some load from the CPU to the GPU.

5. Software Conflicts or Background Processes

Other programs or background processes can interfere with your game or application, diverting resources away from the GPU.

Resolving Software Conflicts

Use the Task Manager to close unnecessary applications running in the background.
Check for malware or other harmful software that might be consuming system resources.

6. Thermal Throttling

If your GPU overheats, it may throttle down to reduce heat, leading to lower usage and performance.

Preventing Thermal Throttling

Ensure your PC case has adequate cooling.
Clean dust from vents and fans.
Consider improving thermal paste application or upgrading your GPU cooler.

7. Game or Application Issues

Sometimes, the problem lies within the game or application itself. Poorly optimized games or software may not utilize your GPU properly.

Dealing with Game Issues

Check for game patches or updates that might improve performance.
Adjust game settings or lower graphic details to see if GPU usage improves.
Consult online forums or communities for specific fixes or settings.

Tools for Monitoring and Diagnosing GPU Performance

Tools like MSI Afterburner or GPU-Z can be helpful in effectively diagnosing and monitoring your GPU usage. They provide real-time data on GPU usage, temperature, and other critical metrics. Use these tools to test different scenarios and settings to find what best improves your GPU’s performance.

Conclusion

Low GPU usage can be frustrating, especially when you expect top performance from your setup. By systematically checking the potential issues listed above and applying the recommended solutions, you can enhance your system’s GPU utilization and overall performance. Remember, sometimes the solution is as simple as updating a driver or switching a setting.