Usage stays low at 60% CPU and just 20% GPU during gameplay
Usage stays low at 60% CPU and just 20% GPU during gameplay
When using a multicore processor, even with only one core or thread active, the overall usage will appear lower than 100%. This happens because, for instance, on a 4c/4t CPU, if one core is at full use but the others are idle, the system shows just 25% utilization. While this is technically correct, it doesn’t help pinpoint performance issues. In Windows 10, you can view thread-level usage by right-clicking the CPU graph in Task Manager and choosing 'Change graph to --> Logical processors.' This reveals which threads your CPU is handling. If any thread is stuck, that’s likely the bottleneck. Other scenarios exist, such as games that don’t fully utilize a thread but still stress the GPU, but this method remains one of the most common ways to identify bottlenecks. Regarding your GPU, 20% utilization is generally low. Could you share your system specs, the resolution you play at, and your average FPS? How consistent are these numbers across different games?
I don't see any problems on the CPU side. Based on the appearance, your GPU drivers might need an update. From your past posts, you experienced issues with Valorant after updating a GPU driver. Have you tried removing the current driver using DDU and then reinstalling it via GeForce Experience? I can't clearly identify your GPU model, but since your CPU is powerful, Valorant should run well. It's possible the driver is the main concern. Also, consider checking if power and thermal settings are limiting performance—look at your Windows power plan. If you're not connected or using the wrong plan, the system might be throttling power. Cheers.
Review your changes. I have additional thoughts on power throttling, but it would need the software ThrottleStop to test for restrictions. Example:
It might be more effective to complete this task prior to removing and restoring drivers.