Troubleshooting Low GPU Utilization on RTX 3080 FTW3: Seeking Solutions

Recently, I acquired the RTX 3080 FTW3 through EVGA’s queue system, eagerly anticipating a significant boost in gaming performance. However, I’ve encountered a frustrating issue: my GPU usage remains consistently low across numerous games, even though my CPU is not reaching its maximum capacity. Below, I will detail my current setup and the performance discrepancies I’ve noticed, hoping to find insights or possible solutions from the community.

My System Specifications:

• Processor: Ryzen 3600
• Graphics Card: RTX 3080 FTW3
• Memory: 16GB 3600MHz RAM
• Power Supply: Corsair RM750x
• Storage: NVMe SSD and SATA SSDs

I typically game on a 1440p 144Hz monitor, and here’s a summary of GPU utilization in several titles I’ve tested:

• Control: 99%
• Monster Hunter World: 99%
• Horizon: Zero Dawn: 60-70%
• Jedi: Fallen Order: 50%
• Witcher 3: 50-60% (70% in wilderness)
• Baldur’s Gate 3: 78%
• GTA5: 55-90%
• Sea of Thieves: 75%
• Red Dead Redemption 2: 70-90%
• AC: Origins: 75-95%

While I expected a significant leap in performance, I’m disappointed to find that my graphics card is not being fully utilized. For example, Jedi: Fallen Order only yields 70-85 FPS in certain enclosed areas, barely reaching 110 FPS at times, whereas benchmarks indicate figures over 140 FPS. Similarly, my experience with Witcher 3, despite slight modifications, matches the FPS I received on my previous card, the 2070 Super.

Interestingly, stress tests using Furmark produced expected results, with GPU loads consistently hitting 99% during benchmark runs, such as Time Spy and Fire Strike Ultra.

Troubleshooting Steps Taken

Upon installation of the 3080, I completely uninstalled previous software, performed a DDU on the NVIDIA drivers, and installed the latest drivers. I ensured that all GPU settings in the NVIDIA Control Panel and Precision X1 were left at their default values, with no overclocking or frame limiters