gpu performance at 1080p

VeganJoy · September 9, 2020

how are my gpu's resources so poorly utilized at 1080p? with my 980ti i barely go over 70% tdp (100% usage but i'm not sure how much different that is) in games, same with my 1080ti, and each is set to be able to go up to 130%/120% respectively. i'm running a 3600 which i know doesnt perform great at 1080p but is this normal?

games played, at 1080p with all settings maxed:

Just Cause 3

Rise of the Tomb Raider

Titanfall 2

i have the witcher 3 which i'll try later on tonight for variety's sake

cpu usage isnt very high, i run gimps in the background as benchmarks show like a 1% difference either way

monitor is 1080p 144hz, adaptive sync runs like shit on it and that doesnt work with the 980ti anyways but i don't get any tearing or anything so i'm pretty sure i'm pegged at 144 fps all the time. some suggestions for framerate counters are welcome, rivatuner breaks my stuff sometimes so i dont run that

i've got a 1440p monitor coming in tonight as well that i plan on testing with to see the difference, im expecting higher gpu power usage hopefully

SkilledRebuilds · September 9, 2020

It's not a bad curiosity to have... but happy to report, all is normal, and efficient.

GPU Power percentages are (Rated GPU for eG 250w (100%), Power Target might allow 10% 275w) however....like a Power supply Wattage... You don't use it all, all the time, maybe only 190-220w ranges,.. only what the GPU needs for MaxTurbo variables,.. It's actually quite efficient (given the expectation of 250w all the time but you see less), your getting the near Max out of your card prior to an overclock (or with one) using less than the (Total Power Available), not poorly utilized at all.

TL:DR Your's can go to Sustained Turboboost (For the Temp/Voltage conditions) and pull less than the AIB/Nvidia Max Board Power (set in Bios) available through the Plugs available)

GPU Usage itself staying 100% is great, your power usage doesn't have to be 100%.
There would be higher power usages at extremely higher temps than a cool GPU (small power leaking in heated conditions) so some headroom is nice for Summer. But you are good.