[Performance/GPU][0.86] GPU usage low - possible engine issue

from Elemental Forums

When running FE 0.86 on a GTX 460 card, the GPU usage often drops into the 25-33% range, resulting in a very low FPS. I’ve attached a screenshot to illustrate. While taking the screenshot, FE was running at 15 FPS with 33% GPU usage. This means that 67% of the GPU was not used by FE! If the GPU was used 100% the FPS would have been a smooth 45 instead of the current almost unplayable 15. It looks like an engine issue, with a bottleneck preventing the full usage of the GPU.

So, the point is that FE currently isn’t using all GPU resources available, often resulting in an almost unplayable level of FPS. Had the GPU been used 100% while giving me a FPS of 15, the solution would have been to lower the graphics settings or the resolution, in order to raise the FPS. But since the issue is that FE isn’t using the GPU resources available, I would say that the solution lies on Stardocks side, probably with the guy responsible for the 3D engine, and not on my side with lowering the settings. If Stardock can get a GPU usage of close to 100% like most other games, FE would play smoothly on my current settings and resolution.

Screenshot: http://dl.dropbox.com/u/40547970/Games/FE/FE_GPU_usage.jpg

Debug file: http://dl.dropbox.com/u/40547970/Games/FE/debug.err

 

2,773 views 2 replies
Reply #1 from Elemental Forums Top

I don't understand the concern over FPS.  This isn't a first person shooter.  I get 3-5 FPS late game which I will say is too sluggish, but 15 seems very playable to me.

In my opinion saying 15 FPS is unplayable is an exaggeration.  Maybe other things are going on that are making it unplayable for you?

Reply #2 from Elemental Forums Top

Brad has made several statements suggesting that the game should run at 30fps.  The OP's point seems perfectly reasonable.  If the GPU is not being taxed, then why is the game running below the 30fps target?

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