Question about GPU usage

[Tamtran293]

Hi guys. I just downloaded MSI Afterburner to monitor my GPU usage since I noticed in Tomb Raider, I get 40-50 fps at fighting scene outside (I use vsync). Otherwise I get constant 60 fps in almost 95% of the game.
My question is: is this normal for a card to spike up and down?. Shouldn't it be at 100% to have better performance?.
My specs:
CPU: i5-4590 3.3 GHz
Mobo: Gigabyte GA-H97M-D3H Micro ATX LGA1150
GPU: R9 290 Powercolor
PSU: SeaSonic S12II 620W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply
Here is the graph.

 

[turkey3_scratch]

...So. I don't see what you're asking.

 

[Tamtran293]

Sorry I forgot to add the question. Is this normal for a GPU to go up and down like this? My maximum temp is around 85C (only when I play Witcher 3)

 

[turkey3_scratch]

Yes it is normal if you have Vsync enabled.

 

[JUICEhunter]

Looks normal, the FPS dips when you're @ 100% because that is the fastest the GPU can go and the games still needs more to get more.

Those non 100% areas are still up there but you're prob getting 60fps when that's happening and V-sync doesn't make the GPU work harder, it works less hard when the load is easier and it stops @ 60fps anyway. When you max out again during a taxing part are the slight dips you're seeing.

 

[turkey3_scratch]

Looks normal, the FPS dips when you're @ 100% because that is the fastest the GPU can go and the games still needs more to get more, those non 100% areas are still up there but you're prob getting 60fps when that's happening and V-sync doesn't make the GPU work harder, it works less hard as it stops @ 60fps.

That's my point, when GPU usage is under 100% he has 60FPS, when it's at 100% he is under 60FPS.

 

[BrandonYoung]

If you are not running 100% GPU usage, its typically because you either:
1) limited by your CPU (check CPU usage here as well, if a single core is near 100%, this is the issue)
2) limited by your refresh rate/display (60FPS cap when vsync is enabled for example, which is not your case here)
3) GPU is attempting to lower its temperature (I'm not sure of the thermal headroom on your card, but my Nvidia GTX 980 starts slowing down before 80C)

If you are running 100% GPU usage, your card cant get higher FPS because its doing everything in its power to provide you with your current FPS. If you want more fps here, lower your graphics detail settings within the game, or buy a new video card.

I find it unnecessary to use anti-aliasing settings when running at higher resolutions, and disabling these can improve performance quite a bit depending on the game and graphics card.

 

[Tamtran293]

Your answers just fully clarified my inquiry. Really appreciate all of your help