100% GPU Useage with Multicore Rendering Enabled (GTX670 2GB)

Jekt

Pretty much the topic title really. With multicore rendering enabled my GPU usage rockets to 90 - 100% and stays there. Even in an empty server with no infestation on screen. With multicore rendering off it sits around 50 - 70% at all times in the same conditions.

Both circumstances seem high to me for NS2 on a GTX670 with all options disabled expect high quality textures. I need multicore rendering enabled since I get a very substantial performance increase from it.

Is this expected behavior? I thought the setting was related to the CPU.

Desther

Unless you cap your FPS your GPU will always be working as fast as it can. Enabling options just gives it more to do.

Jekt

I just found it particularly strange in NS2, since it's generally accepted that the CPU is the limiting factor. It is OCd to 4.4Ghz, but I still expected it to be the bottleneck, thus leaving my GPU with plenty of breathing room.

It gets damn hot in my PC corner ya'know.

Ironsoul

NS2 will utilise as much CPU as it can (100% if it's allowed) and as much GPU as it can (100% if it's allowed).

My 7970 cranks up to 99 (100)% in ns2.

While the CPU in NS2 for the most part is indeed the bottleneck, the GPU still has plenty of stuff to do.

As the name "Multicore Rendering" implies, it is to do with using the CPU to give the GPU more stuff to do by taking advantage of multiple CPU cores. I won't go into details, but for everything rendered by the GPU, the CPU tells it to render that stuff.

So to answer your question: Yes, turning multi core rendering on will increase your GPU usage.

There are a few tools out there, but I have found MSI afterburner to be useful as a FPS capper tool, use google for instructions on how to limit fps. If you run into trouble after an hour of trying, post back here and I'll try to help.

FPS capper tools will force your gpu to render at a particular max fps (60 for example) which means they'll work less hard(assuming they're capable of higher). Particularly useful for situations where you get coil whine at high framerates (as I do) or for saving electricity. It's different to Vsync, and I won't explain why.