Troubleshooting Low GPU Usage on the RTX 3080 FTW3: Possible Solutions

Update: See the latest developments at the end of this article.

Recently, I acquired the much-anticipated RTX 3080 FTW3 through EVGA’s order queue, eager to experience optimal gaming performance. However, after testing a variety of titles, I noticed consistently low GPU usage, which has left me somewhat perplexed. In this post, I will share my system specifications, outline my findings, and seek insights from fellow gamers who may have faced similar challenges.

My System Specifications

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

I play on a 1440p monitor with a 144Hz refresh rate. Despite this capable setup, the GPU performance has been underwhelming across various games. To illustrate, only Control and Monster Hunter World maintained a steady 99% GPU load during gameplay. In sharp contrast, my CPU usage has not peaked significantly; single-thread performance rarely exceeds 85%, often hovering between 40% and 60%.

Here’s a snapshot of GPU utilization across different titles I’ve tested:

• Horizon: Zero Dawn (60-70%)
• Jedi: Fallen Order (50%)
• Witcher 3 (50-60% in Novigrad, 70% in wilderness)
• Baldur’s Gate 3 (78%)
• GTA V (55-90%)
• Sea of Thieves (75%)
• Red Dead Redemption 2 (70-90%)
• Assassin’s Creed Origins (75-95%)

It’s disheartening to see the RTX 3080 underperforming, especially since I’ve anticipated higher FPS rates, based on benchmark results. For example, in Jedi: Fallen Order, I experience frame rates of just 70-85FPS, with occasional spikes to 110FPS—far below the 140FPS+ cited in benchmarks. Interestingly, Witcher 3, even with minor mods, yields comparable frame rates to my previous RTX 2070 Super, which is simply unacceptable given the enhanced capabilities of my new GPU.

I did run