Only 53% GPU activity?

[Keph]

Hey, guys. First post here.

Anyhow, here's my problem:

I just built a new rig, pretty good hardware, and I expected, reasonably enough, to be able to play older games with absolutely stellar framerates, no issues.

The game I'm having an issue with is Everquest 2 using my new ATI HD 4870.

Now, don't get me wrong, I get good framerates (EQ2 appears to be limited to 60 FPS, but we all know that's plenty good) most of the time, but get stuttering/framerate drops around lots of particle effects.

Ok, fine, I said, since I'm running the game on extreme quality settings, though I thought I'd be fine, anyhow.

However, I noticed that my GPU activity is only 53%, max.

So, is there something I can do to force my GPU to utilize more of its power? Or am I out of luck?

Thanks for your time, guys.

- Keph

 

[Keysplayr]

What CPU do you have? Mobo?

 

[Keph]

MSI P45 Platinum with a Q9550, not overclocked (yet).

Lil' more info:

I played Mass Effect at 1900x1200 at max settings and it ran perfect, so... *shrug*

I suppose it could just be an issue with EQ2. The engine not being optimized to take advantage of newer hardware, maybe.

Another 4870 would probably solve the problem, and I don't mind spending the money, but I'd hate to if it's not necessary. Plus I'm not sure if my Corsair TX 750W is enough to run two of them. I hadn't planned on running CrossFire.

 

[Soccerman06]

turn vsync off

 

[brandonb]

Chances are you have vsync on, which is limiting the FPS. Now if you think about it, since vsync is on, the graphics card has to wait and sync with your monitor. If you monitor is 60hz (60fps), in order to be synced, you can only run at the following speeds. 60, 30, 15, 7.5 fps (or lower).

Chances are, if you are between 30 and 60 fps (my guess is you are), the GPU has to slow down and wait for your monitor since it has to be either 30 or 60 fps... If you are running 58fps, it slows down to 30fps, or about 53% activity.

Turn vsync ON, and then also turn ON triple buffering in EQ2. That should allow your video card to start rendering the next frame (the 3rd frame) while the 2nd frame is waiting on the monitor.

 

[LOUISSSSS]

However, I noticed that my GPU activity is only 53%, max.

what are you using to monitor GPU activity?

 

[Modular]

Originally posted by: LOUISSSSS

However, I noticed that my GPU activity is only 53%, max.

what are you using to monitor GPU activity?

Rivatuner does this

 

[LOUISSSSS]

Originally posted by: Modular

Originally posted by: LOUISSSSS

However, I noticed that my GPU activity is only 53%, max.

what are you using to monitor GPU activity?

Rivatuner does this

how?

 

[Samalama]

Originally posted by: Modular

Originally posted by: LOUISSSSS

However, I noticed that my GPU activity is only 53%, max.

what are you using to monitor GPU activity?

Rivatuner does this

I'm curious about this as well. I've done a bit of research and the little I've found points to the possibility that only certain video cards are capable of reading their GPU activity. That would explain why only some people have been able to use RivaTuner to monitor GPU activity, however I would love to have some sort of confirmation on that. I've also been trying to find a list of cards that support this, but with no luck.

 

[Spike]

Just the basic catalyst drivers show your gpu % activity, right above the temperature. I display mine in the second monitor and noticed last night that my 4870 was only hitting ~64% in medieval 2 total war even though I occasionally have stutters during huge battles. Not a big deal at all, just odd that it was not at 100%. I guess I should be happy since with the fan at 30% it hits in the mid 70's C, if it had been at 100% who knows how hot it could have gotten...

 

[schneiderguy]

Originally posted by: Samalama

Originally posted by: Modular

Originally posted by: LOUISSSSS

However, I noticed that my GPU activity is only 53%, max.

what are you using to monitor GPU activity?

Rivatuner does this

I'm curious about this as well. I've done a bit of research and the little I've found points to the possibility that only certain video cards are capable of reading their GPU activity. That would explain why only some people have been able to use RivaTuner to monitor GPU activity, however I would love to have some sort of confirmation on that. I've also been trying to find a list of cards that support this, but with no luck.

3xxx and 4xxx cards have GPU usage monitoring capabilities

 

[LOUISSSSS]

damn thats a pretty hot feature (to be able to monitor GPU activity, similar to CPU&task manager). nvidia doesn't offer this tech.

 

[Spike]

In case anyone is curious here is a pic showing my non overclocked 4870 sitting at 0% utilization. The cool little display is like a speedometer and is kinda fun to watch when playing... at least if the game itself is getting kinda boring

PS. Yes, that is my idle temp... 60c seems kinda crazy, even at 30% fan. I'm thinking soon it will be time for some after market cooling.

 

[masterbm]

I can not wait for my 4870 to come it replacing my x1950 i

 

[LOUISSSSS]

Originally posted by: Spike
In case anyone is curious here is a pic showing my non overclocked 4870 sitting at 0% utilization. The cool little display is like a speedometer and is kinda fun to watch when playing... at least if the game itself is getting kinda boring

PS. Yes, that is my idle temp... 60c seems kinda crazy, even at 30% fan. I'm thinking soon it will be time for some after market cooling.

thats a pretty cool feature. nvidia control panel doesn't offer anything like that. how can i view my GPU activity on the 8800gt?