[SOLVED] How does Minecraft utilize the CPU & GPU?

[Guest]

So I've noticed while playing Minecraft (Java) under load (meaning I'm not getting the max framerate) my GPU (RX 5700 XT) is utilizating about 60-77% while my CPU (R5 3600) is at about 20%.

 

I've heard that Minecraft is CPU heavy, which got me wondering why it's only at 20%, while my GPU isn't even on full load. Can someone give me some clarity on this? Is there a way to make the game make push the CPU/GPU a bit more for better performance?

 

EDIT: So it seems the game isn't very well optimized and doesn't use a whole lot of CPU cores and leaving little to the GPU unless you run shaders or something.

Edited August 11, 2020 by RonnyDouglas
put in some answers for future folks reading this

[Guest]

Just now, BlueScope819 said:

Because after a certain point minecraft becomes very poorly optimized. Anything beyond what your spec is is basically meaningless for stock operation (no shaders)

Forgot to mention that I am using shaders, which I thought would push my GPU to 100%, but it's not.

[Enderman]

CPUs have multiple cores, MC uses mainly one so even though it says 20% CPU usage that's because most of the other cores are idle.

[startrek03]

Do you use shaders or similar stuff? They can be resource hungry af.

Possible ways to get higher FPS:

- OptiFine

- more RAM (might help, but not for sure)

- turn off shader (if you have those)

[Jurrunio]

because it only loads up a few CPU threads in singleplayer (maybe more for servers). If you check per CPU thread usage, you'll see much higher numbers

 

the graphics API (OpenGL) is also no good at loading up GPUs fully

[DotzHyper]

4 minutes ago, RonnyDouglas said:

So I've noticed while playing Minecraft (Java) under load (meaning I'm not getting the max framerate) my GPU (RX 5700 XT) is utilizating about 60-77% while my CPU (R5 3600) is at about 20%.

 

I've heard that Minecraft is CPU heavy, which got me wondering why it's only at 20%, while my GPU isn't even on full load. Can someone give me some clarity on this? Is there a way to make the game make push the CPU/GPU a bit more for better performance?

definitely a software issue. Try other games and check if it's being utilized better. If yes, you're fine.

[Guest]

Just now, Enderman said:

CPUs have multiple cores, MC uses mainly one so even though it says 20% CPU usage that's because most of the other cores are idle.

That makes sense, I didn't even think of that.

[startrek03]

3 minutes ago, RonnyDouglas said:

Forgot to mention that I am using shaders, which I thought would push my GPU to 100%, but it's not.

Could you tell us which shader?

Even the shader can be poorly coded. You have to remember that shader are usually coded by modders and hobbyist.

[BobVonBob]

Java Minecraft is very poorly multi-threaded. It's using so little of your CPU because it's maxing out one core and using a second core for everything else. Your GPU is just rendering whatever comes its way, and not enough is coming its way to go above 70% utilization. What this means is you could either raise your framerate cap (or disable vsync), or add more shader effects.

[Guest]

Just now, startrek03 said:

Could you tell us which shader?

 

I am using BSL Shaders (and Optifine). I know shaders are resource hungry. I'm not necessarily looking for ways to get better performance, I just want to make sure my CPU/GPU are being used properly.

[startrek03]

1 minute ago, BobVonBob said:

Java Minecraft is very poorly multi-threaded. It's using so little of your CPU because it's maxing out one core and using a second core for everything else. Your GPU is just rendering whatever comes its way, and not enough is coming its way to go above 70% utilization. What this means is you could either raise your framerate cap (or disable vsync), or add more shader effects.

More shaders wouldn't help with your FPS, though. Mainly they would inncrease your electricity bill.

[startrek03]

I am trying it myseld right now. Gimme a sec.

[BobVonBob]

1 minute ago, startrek03 said:

More shaders wouldn't help with your FPS, though. Mainly they would inncrease your electricity bill.

It wouldn't help FPS, but if the GPU isn't being fully loaded then the GPU isn't the limiting factor, so you can add more effects for the same FPS.

[startrek03]

Just now, BobVonBob said:

It wouldn't help FPS, but if the GPU isn't being fully loaded then the GPU isn't the limiting factor, so you can add more effects for the same FPS.

Besides the fact that Optifine only allows for one shaderpack to be loaded, Optifine might be the limiting factor as well. We can't tell for sure unless somebody tested it.

[Guest]

12 minutes ago, BobVonBob said:

Java Minecraft is very poorly multi-threaded. It's using so little of your CPU because it's maxing out one core and using a second core for everything else. Your GPU is just rendering whatever comes its way, and not enough is coming its way to go above 70% utilization. What this means is you could either raise your framerate cap (or disable vsync), or add more shader effects.

 

7 minutes ago, BobVonBob said:

It wouldn't help FPS, but if the GPU isn't being fully loaded then the GPU isn't the limiting factor, so you can add more effects for the same FPS.

I did increase some graphical effects in the shader settings and now my GPU is at 100%.

[startrek03]

Just now, RonnyDouglas said:

 

I did increase some graphical effects in the shader settings and now my GPU is at 100%.

I think that makes clear that the shader isn't programmed in a good way. In other words: The FPS will always suck because of the shader.

[Guest]

Just now, startrek03 said:

I think that makes clear that the shader isn't programmed in a good way. In other words: The FPS will always suck because of the shader.

At least I know I could pump up some effects and not lose a whole lot of performance and let my GPU work as if it's actually running a game! 

[startrek03]

6 minutes ago, startrek03 said:

I think that makes clear that the shader isn't programmed in a good way. In other words: The FPS will always suck because of the shader.

To correct myself: It's probably a comination of the codes of Minecraft, OptiFine and the shaderpack. They're neither made by the same team nor known to be coded well. Pumpin in resoureces might not help. And there might even be a system in place that prevents excessive hardware use somewhere. Wouldn't know why, but hey. What we can say for sure, is, that it's the game's fault and not yours.