settings to increase gpu usage ?

[Bman123]

What in game settings will increase gpu usage but not tax the CPU?
I'm currently using a Pentium d 930 at 3ghz with a 512mb 8800gt, I haven't used any gpu usage monitor program yet but I'm sure this gpu can't be getting taxed using this CPU.

I'm gaming at 1280x720 BTW, I know the res is low but its hooked up to a hdtv that's only 720p. What program should I use to monitor gpu usage? What settings can i turn up in fallout 3 to increase gpu usage? It defaults to high settings with no AA, no AF, and the rest of the settings off/ turned down to low.

Outside the lowest I've seen is 29fps, avg 35-45 max at 60 due to v sync being on. Any help would be appreciated. Please no build a new rig your pc sux comments, I already know this and I'm piecing a new rig together now anyways. Thanks in advance

 

[Throckmorton]

Your TV is probably 1366x768, so set your resolution to that.

 

[BFG10K]

What in game settings will increase gpu usage but not tax the CPU?

Resolution, AA, shader quality.

 

[Concillian]

You can increase video options to get the best visual experience from your CPU, but you can't "shift" load from the CPU to GPU.

 

[Bman123]

I'm not trying to shift the load, I just don't know what settings the gpu strictly handles. The last thing I want is to add more load on this cpu that's why I asked for help to see what settings the gpu handles.

 

[pandemonium]

What program should I use to monitor gpu usage?

GPU-z is about as simple as it gets when it comes to monitoring. If you want a more inclusive program that does everything, I like AIDA64 (trial version still works for the most part).

Otherwise I'm constantly using MSi's Afterburner (since I use it for clock and fan adjustment anyways with my MSi cards).

 

[Bman123]

I installed the gpu z program and it works very well. I got the 8800gt to hit 76% in fallout 3 with everything maxxed out at 1360x768

 

[skipsneeky2]

Op you mentioned in another thread about a e6600 to replace the pentium d i believe that is the best thing.

Had a e6750 and a 8800gts myself and the two worked well together and the 6750 isnt worlds better then a e6600 so i would drop the pentium d in favor of the e6600.

 

[Bman123]

Im gonna try to find some stuff around the house to sell on craigslist so I can get a E6600, I am sure that will give me a lot better performance, probably twice as much