4870 X2 , low GPU Utilization

[crawlgsx]

I use Everest combined with my G15 to watch GPU utilitzation as well as temps etc..

I have noticed that during all too many games my GPU's never pass 50% usage.

Even running things such as 3dmark06 my GPU's do not hit 100% on that many of the benchmarks. I was playing GRID again just for fun and my GPU never went above 50% usage on either core. The game runs fine but it still kind of bothers me.

Anyone else notice this?

 

[hmmmmm2]

thats probably because you're resolution is too low to really stress the card.

try running furmark

 

[crawlgsx]

I run 1920x1200 with all graphics maxed. I'll run Furmark later just ooc.

 

[ellover009]

Is there a mod to see the GPU status on the G15? Mine only shows CPU and ram usage.

 

[necrophile]

I think you can set it up through another program, not sure although does it support dual gpu cards?

 

[Ravynmagi]

Yeah, my 4870X2 also acts like a $500 4870 in most of the games I play. My guess is this is what it looks like when a game doesn't support Crossfire or have a profile in the drivers. This has unfortunately made me very disappointed with my purchase. Oh well, live and learn.

 

[necrophile]

Which games?

Unfortunately it is often the case, ATI's attempts to correct it by using methods such as forcing AFR as the default mode where no profile exists for some reason haven't panned out.

However, unless you have been living under a rock you couldn't buy such a card and not be aware of it.

 

[crawlgsx]

Is there a mod to see the GPU status on the G15? Mine only shows CPU and ram usage.

Everest has it built in, lets you show "whatever you want" on the LCD. I chose to view Time, date, CPU core 1 and 2 util, Mem util, GPU1 and GPU2 util, core 1 cpu temp, and core 1 GPU temp. All on 1 screen is very convenient.

 

[crawlgsx]

This isn't a crossfire issue. If the game did not support crossfire GPU2 would be at 0% usage.

I just have to wonder if the games are even coming close to taking advantage of what the X2 has to offer (or even a 4870 1gb for that matter).

 

[heatsinker]

Most games I've played fully utilize both GPUs, all of the 3DMark programs included. Fallout 3 and X3: TC are some of the games that don't use 100% of the card. I've seen X3 use as little as 35% in some areas and this is at 2560x1600 with 4xAA.

 

[ellover009]

you wanna test your cpu and gpu get gta 4 pc. It makes crysys look like a walk in the part. Hmm maybe it will be taken care of in the future. On the plus side I think ATI has a nicer multicore card support than NV, and this is coming from an NV user.

How do you like that 4870x2? and was it worth it?

 

[crawlgsx]

you wanna test your cpu and gpu get gta 4 pc. It makes crysys look like a walk in the part. Hmm maybe it will be taken care of in the future. On the plus side I think ATI has a nicer multicore card support than NV, and this is coming from an NV user.

How do you like that 4870x2? and was it worth it?

Love it, hate it, yes and no .

I tried GTA4, it runs like complete butt!! It obvious is poorly coded and takes no advantage what so ever of the video card.

To be clearer on the card, I have been unimpressed by ATI's drivers and the random games I run into that do not support Crossfire. I also think the heatsink/fan design is horrible (reference).

Past that, the card is fantastic and a great performer. I paid too much as I bought it the day it was released, at the price it sells for now I wouldn't hesitate to do it again. (and I might when I find a game that maxes out 1 4870 X2 )