GTX 970 Low Usage?

[Downies]

Hello! I just recently bought a gtx 970. I decided to launch it up and benchmark some games. When I did I noticed my GPU usage not getting up to the 90's and only staying in the range of 50-80 and it fluctuates. I do not know what is causing it and am starting to believe Nvidia has garbage drivers set out for it right now. I have no clue what could be causing this.

What I have tried:
-Ran PC in safe mode and used DDU
-Downgraded to multiple driver versions

Specs:
AMD FX 8350
EVGA Superclocked GTX 970
Corsair 750m PSU
Gigabyte ga-78lmt-usb3 Motherboard
8gb Ram
Hyper 212 EVO CPU Cooler

 

[Downies]

But just adding onto this. Would this motherboard be limiting/damaging my cpu because in that case I will upgrade sooner. I just ordered this CPU and don't want it to be shot in less than a month after I had it. My temps seem fine (Roughly 35-38 idle) and a max of 56 when under load. Is there any way to check if the CPU is unstable or limited?

 

[Downies]

I have finally found out the issue. @unknownofprob you are definitely right with the motherboard I have. I contacted my friend with the same exact CPU, GPU and Drivers, but a different motherboard and he was staying in the 90's and even staying at 100% some times. My final decision is to most likely upgrade to this motherboard (http://www.asrock.com/mb/amd/fatal1ty%20990fx%20killer/) because it has almost everything I need. Thanks for everything guys and trying to help me and I most likely have found the issue. 😀

 

[unknownofprob]

It isn't damaging the cpu just most likely limiting it, though glad to have helped on this issue!

That is an excellent choice of motherboard also!