Troubleshooting Low and Unstable GPU Usage on Your Gaming Laptop

In today’s gaming world, achieving a seamless and high-performance gaming experience is a common desire among gamers. However, encountering issues such as low and unstable GPU usage can be frustrating, particularly when you’ve invested in a new, seemingly capable gaming laptop. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the causes and potential solutions for this problem, taking a closer look at a real-world scenario involving an ASUS TUF A15 laptop equipped with an RTX 3050 GPU.

Understanding the Gaming Setup

The ASUS TUF A15 laptop in question comes with a solid set of specifications:
– Graphics Card: NVIDIA RTX 3050
– Processor: AMD Ryzen 5 7535HS
– Memory: 16 GB DDR5 (single stick)

With these components, this laptop should theoretically handle most contemporary games at respectable settings. However, persistent issues with GPU usage have made even low settings unplayable. Let’s explore the factors contributing to this problem and how they can be addressed.

Exploring Causes of Low GPU Usage

1. Monitoring System Temperatures

The user reported that both CPU and GPU temperatures remained below 70°C, even during demanding tasks like running Ghost of Tsushima, with temperatures as low as 50°C on both the CPU and GPU. These readings indicate that overheating is likely not the cause of the performance issues.

Troubleshooting Tip:
– Continuously monitor temperatures using Software like MSI Afterburner or HWMonitor to ensure consistent results.
– Ensure the laptop is placed on a hard, flat surface during gaming sessions to promote optimal airflow.

2. NVIDIA Control Panel Configurations

Adjustments in the NVIDIA Control Panel are a common troubleshooting step for resolving GPU-related issues. If you’ve explored options like setting the preferred graphics processor to “High-performance NVIDIA processor” without success, consider examining other settings.

Additional Tweaks:
– Power Management Mode: Switch to “Prefer maximum performance” to ensure the GPU remains actively engaged.
– DSR (Dynamic Super Resolution): Disable this feature, as it can inadvertently increase GPU workload unnecessarily.
– Ensure “CUDA – GPUs” is set to “All” and toggle V-Sync settings, as they can impact frame rates and GPU load.

3. Impact of Frame Rate Caps

Implementing a frame rate cap in certain games seems to stabilize GPU usage, for example capping the frame rate at 60 FPS provided more consistent utilization of around 90%. This suggests a bottleneck elsewhere in the system, likely preventing the GPU from operating optimally.

Considerations:
– CPU Bottlenecking: Given the single-stick RAM configuration, the CPU may struggle to keep up with the GPU, leading to inconsistent frame rendering. Dual-channel memory configurations typically offer better performance; therefore, adding another RAM stick should be considered.
– Background Processes: Ensure no intensive applications are running in the background, using Task Manager to end unnecessary tasks during gaming.

4. High versus Medium Graphics Settings

An interesting observation is that higher graphics settings provide a more stable GPU usage at 100%, while medium settings result in lower and unstable usage patterns. This counterintuitive outcome highlights potential Software optimizations and resource distribution peculiarities.

Details and Examples:
– High Settings: These typically increase the workload on the GPU directly, often balancing the load between the CPU and GPU more evenly, preventing the CPU from being the bottleneck.
– Medium Settings: These may divert more processing to the CPU, especially if games are CPU-bound due to certain graphical effects being handled on the CPU, leading to underutilized GPU capabilities.

5. Manufacturer Support and Warranty Concerns

After attempting several configurations and optimizations, the user in this scenario reached out to ASUS support, only to have a refund request declined since the laptop was deemed to be in “good condition.”

Navigating Manufacturer Support:
– Document Everything: Keep a detailed record of communications and troubleshooting steps taken. This can be helpful for escalation or future warranty claims.
– Explore Alternative Channels: Engage in forums or communities with other users who might have encountered similar issues. Sharing experiences can provide new insights and solutions.

Additional Solutions and Future-Proofing

If after exploring these adjustments you are still experiencing difficulties, consider the following broader strategies:

Windows and Driver Updates

Ensure that your operating system and all drivers, especially the GPU drivers, are up to date. Manufacturers frequently release updates that improve performance and resolve known issues.

BIOS Updates

While often overlooked, a BIOS update can sometimes resolve compatibility issues and optimize hardware performance. Check your laptop manufacturer’s website for any available updates.

Game-Specific Fixes

Sometimes, the problem may be related to the specific game rather than the hardware. Check for patches or updates to the game and search online for any community fixes or recommended settings adjustments.

Investing in External Cooling Solutions

Although temperature readings are currently stable, proactive measures such as using a cooling pad could prevent potential overheating, especially during extended gaming sessions.

Conclusion

Facing low and unstable GPU usage on your gaming laptop can be incredibly frustrating, especially when you’ve invested in a reliable device. By systematically addressing the various potential causes and implementing the suggested solutions, we can often resolve these issues and restore a high-performance gaming experience.

Remember, every gaming laptop is different, and solutions may require a combination of different approaches. Patience and persistence, along with leveraging online communities for additional support, are key to overcoming these challenges and ensuring your gaming experience is as enjoyable as intended.