A GPU is the part of your computer that handles intensive graphical processes. It is essential hardware for gamers, video editors, and machine learners as it can process a huge amount of data in less time. But you might be wondering why your GPU sometimes achieves a peak performance of 100% and whether it is something to worry about.
There’s nothing wrong if your GPU is working at 100%. It only means that the GPU is pushing itself to the maximum potential to provide you with a smooth FPS and high performance. There are many reasons for high GPU usage, sometimes even on an idle computer.
Sometimes, certain filters in your PC or a slow CPU don’t allow your GPU to work at its maximum potential. This is a problem that needs to be fixed.
This article will list why your GPU is running at 100% power and how you can best optimize it for your PC.
Remember that a GPU is expected to run at its maximum potential or 100% power. That’s what it is made for to provide as smooth performance as possible. If the GPU is underperforming, that is undoubtedly a concern due to a malfunction.
Reasons Why Your GPU Is Working at 100%
There can be numerous causes of a GPU working at a higher potential. We must address them before evaluating the fixing process.
Unnecessary Background Applications
Simple applications are not made to spike GPU usage. However, sometimes these applications utilize the GPU to improve graphics. These can be any type of process or application; even the default Microsoft apps can sometimes cause high GPU usage.
Malicious Software
Dangerous malicious software in your PC can cause higher GPU usage. They can hide inside your GPU memory, where even an anti-virus cannot detect them. There they can perform demanding tasks like mining cryptocurrency using your machine. It can significantly consume GPU power.
Graphically Intensive Applications
If you’re running demanding titles and graphics-intensive applications on your computer, they will consume your maximum GPU energy. However, it is completely normal. You should only be concerned if the GPU usage is causing overheating issues.
Outdated Driver
A driver is software that keeps your GPU and demanding software like games in sync. If you have an outdated or faulty driver, it can cause unexplainable GPU hikes. Updating or reinstalling the driver might resolve this issue.
Running Demanding Games
Heavy titles are usually the culprit that demands 100% performance from a GPU. It’s because demanding games require a higher FPS to run smoothly, which depends on the GPU. The graphic unit will work at the maximum power to provide as high a frame rate as possible.
High-Performance Mode
Modern computers have different performance profiles such as balanced, power saving, or high performance. Keeping your PC in a high-performance mode will deliver the maximum output at the expense of lower battery life and high GPU consumption.
How To Lower GPU Performance
As mentioned above, a GPU running at 100% potential isn’t something to worry about. However, if it’s causing unnecessary overheating, then you can follow these steps to keep the temperature in check.
Run Games at Lower FPS
If you play your games at a lower FPS setting, they will not put much stress on your GPU. It will make your GPU run much cooler, but you will have to sacrifice the smoothness of your game a little.
Turn Off High-Performance Mode
Performance profiles on your computer work similarly. If you keep it in high-performance mode at all times, your GPU will need to push itself to its limits. Keeping your PC at a balanced profile will give you the best of both worlds.
Boot Your Device in Safe Mode
Booting your PC in safe mode will restrict all the background processes and will turn on only the essential applications. This way, you can easily identify which applications were causing a GPU hike. Boot the PC in normal mode and uninstall such processes.
Check Your System for Malware
Installing high-quality anti-virus software on your PC is important to protect it from malicious software. It will identify significant threats to your private data and prevent unexplainable background GPU usage.
Invest in a System Cooling Fan
Investing in a quality PC fan will be your best bet if you cannot achieve a cooler and stable PC temperature. Heat is the enemy of any hardware. It will decrease the lifespan of your GPU as well. A cooling fan will lower the temperature so your GPU can work at 100% without breaking a sweat.
Disabling Hardware Acceleration
Hardware acceleration is a feature in modern computers that require GPU to speed up web browsing. Usually, browsing isn’t an intensive task, so disabling this feature can give your GPU a little relief.
The Bottom Line
A GPU or Graphics Processing Unit is an essential part of your PC’s hardware that handles highly intensive and demanding tasks. However, the GPU has to push itself to 100% potential in some cases, such as during intensive gaming or video rendering. This isn’t bad for the computer, but it needs to be fixed if that power causes overheating.
Numerous reasons can cause a GPU hike, and you can take several precautions to keep these performance hikes in check. In this article, we have described all of them in detail. We hope that it has helped you understand the working of your GPU.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, if the update size is large, it might be downloading automatically in the background and can result in GPU hikes. However, your PC will return to normal once the update is installed.
If your GPU is overheating, it will make the fans run like crazy, creating a high noise. You may also encounter screen artifacts or performance lags. In all cases, let your GPU cool. Otherwise, you risk damaging it in the long run.
