Oh My! GPU utilization on this game is insane!

[PSUHammer]

I just noticed how clunky this game makes my PC. Keep in mind I have a relatively modern gaming rig that handles most modern games at 1440p and high quality settings with 50+ fps. Look at this game, which I would call "low end" graphic intensive (see attachments).

panzercorp.jpg (57.51 KiB) Viewed 3470 times

This was just at the deployment screen of the standard campaign. That's 99.9% GPU utilization for an Nvidia GTX 1070!!! Latest drivers and Windows updates all included. Here are my PC specs:

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System Information
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Time of this report: 1/26/2021, 12:16:12
Operating System: Windows 10 Pro 64-bit (10.0, Build 19042) (19041.vb_release.191206-1406)
Language: English (Regional Setting: English)
System Manufacturer: Custom
System Model: Asus Rampage Formula III motherboard
BIOS: 2401 (type: UEFI)
Processor: Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-8700 CPU @ 3.20GHz (12 CPUs), ~3.2GHz
Memory: 16384MB RAM
Available OS Memory: 16320MB RAM
Page File: 15035MB used, 17667MB available
DirectX Version: DirectX 12



Additionally, my in game graphics settings are:

panzercorp2.jpg (148.18 KiB) Viewed 3468 times

[PSUHammer]

Sorry, the forum posting preview does not match what actually posted so I doubled up the settings screenshot.

Regardless, is this game poorly optimized for graphics?

[zakblood]

Increasing resolution doesn't lower CPU load, it increases GPU load. CPU only has to work a little harder at higher resolutions, and only because the GPU is asking for more data.

At 4K/2160p, CPU matters much less than it does at 1080p, especially since most GPUs are hard pressed to get more than 60 frames at 4K. Enough that almost any CPU can game at 4K 60Hz.

CPU usage has no impact on resolution whatsoever & vice versa. Resolution is entirely GPU dependant. Yes CPU usage will remain the same at 1440p as it is at 1080p for you with a 1070, GPU usage will increase exponentially . 1440p has close to 2x the pixel count of 1080p.

Resolution is not really dependent on the RAM but mostly the GPU. Video memory and faster GPU timing memory speed is more important, with slower causing more issues and lag.

just to quote a few online posts on anything above normal and going into higher res area's.

[PSUHammer]

Thanks, I understand all of that. What I am amazed at is that I have no other game that tops almost 100% utilization of the GPU on this system. I am talking about graphically intensive games like Doom Eternal, Total War games, Tomb Raider, etc. 3D graphics intensive games running at 1440p.

I would think this game should be low on the scale of needing a high end GPU to make it run. It's not that graphically intensive!

[zakblood]

running everything at max on the res scale your using and wanting a high end FPS, will make most GPU's run a higher load,

run less in the background may help at startup

changing the FPS down to just 60 should help and then see how it goes

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https://www.bluecinetech.co.uk/what-is-a-good-fps-for-gaming/#:~:text=Most%20gamers%20agree%20that%20a,than%2030%20FPS%20is%20unplayable.

[PSUHammer]

Thanks. I think this game just is poorly optimized. If Doom Eternal can run at 75fps on 1440p on all high settings, I find it hard to believe that Panzer Corps could not. Hopefully some patches look at performance.

[zakblood]

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https://www.slitherine.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=582&t=97529

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https://www.slitherine.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=582&t=99950

game engine plus background apps MSI afterburner types cause issues with engine, some AV scanners etc etc

optimization could always be better with any game, add in one patch, and all the work done can be then undone, so hardly ever the first thing for most, advice is always the same,

if you have issues with the game, turn a item down, until you don't

then not a issue, spending 20k on a car doesn't mean you drive it like a pro can, having everything run at max and if any issues are present, answer is the same, turn something down, it's only a button in the end and then problem solved for now

game will evolve and as engine is updated, game like any other will be more optimized

developers guide,

GPU is running at 100% all the time

Running the game at 100% GPU load can lead to random crashes, overheating and even shutting down the PC. Even if the game itself is stable, reducing the load on your video card can be a good idea. Most controls which can help with this are located in Options -> Video.

The most efficient methods to reduce the load on the GPU are:

- Target FPS rate. Tick the checkbox and adjust the slider to the minimum level which is still comfortable to play.

- Tessellation level. Use the lowest setting which is still acceptable for you. The most drastic effect from this setting is on minor rivers, so check how they look when you tweak this setting.

- Shadows Quality. Once again, use the minimum setting which still looks acceptable.

- Resolution. If other options don't help, reducing your screen resolution to the minimum comfortable level can also be a good idea.

[PSUHammer]

For a testing comparison, I lowered the FPS slider to 45 and the GPU utilization is holding steady at 99% for me. Even though I was targeting 75 FPS, I was consistently in the 60s. I thought the slider was a cap and created a ceiling to map to your monitor's capabilities to avoid potential screen tearing.

I then took some similar tests with a few games:

Total War: Thrones of Britannia - Max graphical settings in game. During a medium sized battle, I am able to keep a steady 45 fps with GPU utilization around 70%.
Shadow of Tomb Raider - 3rd Person 3D intensive game. I am able to maintain consistent 50 fps using max settings. GPU utilization is about 74% while in game.

Running all games with no background apps running (other than Windows services and Steam, obviously). I am using Steam's built in FPS counter.

Having been a PC gamer and Technology professional for decades, tweaking INI files and playing with graphical settings, etc. is part of my life so I fully know I can improve performance by turning off options.
I guess my original point was to say that a game like Panzer Corps would be on the low end of taxing for a modern system and the GPU utilization is extremely high for what it is doing compared to other, more graphically intensive games. Just interesting information for those looking to tweak the game settings.