GPU-Z for monitoring GPU usage

[Muhammed_Hamed]

Introduction,

We recommend using an external tool like GPU-Z or MSI AfterBurner for monitoring GPU resources because Task Manager doesn't report GPU Usage or GPU Power Draw.

• Start by downloading GPU-Z from the Techpowerup website.
• Click on Yes to install GPU-Z on your workstation, and finish the installation
  
• Start GPU-Z from Start menu.

GPU-Z UI,



Sensors tab has all the GPU resources, this is what you will use the most.
Graphics Card tab has information about your GPU(s)

Note, In case you have multiple GPUs in your workstation, you can run multiple instances of GPU-Z. Each instance could be assigned to a different GPU from this dropdown menu.



Note, It is useful to run GPU-Z in the background or on a second monitor while using Vantage or V-Ray GPU, monitoring the GPU resources can be helpful to ensure you get the best out of your hardware.

Sensors tab,

• There are 3 fields, Sensor name, Value and a graph mapping value and time. If you click on the value itself you swap it between Min, Max, Average and current Value reading. If you hover over a sensor's name you get a tip explaining what this sensor shows.
• You need to pay attention to GPU Temperature, Memory Used, GPU Load and Board Power Draw.
• GPU Temperature, shouldn't exceed 80 degrees for Ampere and Ada GPUs. If it is higher than 80, thermal throttling takes place and GPU clock drops to prevent hardware damage(decreased performance)
• Memory Used, is total GPU memory used including Vantage, V-Ray GPU, and any other apps open(Nuke, Substance, Photoshop..etc)
• GPU Load, is a percentage of some of the sensor readings. You want this to be as high as possible during rendering.
• Board Power Draw, is the total power consumption of the GPU. This is usually better than GPU Load for monitoring GPU usage. For a 3090, 3090ti, 3080 and 3080ti you want the power draw to be 300 Watts or higher. For the 4080 and 4090 you want the power draw to be 250 Watts or higher.
• There is also CPU Temperature, and System Memory Used
• Running V-Ray Benchmark GPU test, the GPU Load hovers around 100% and GPU power draw for my GPU is around 80 Watts.

Let me know if you have any questions.

Best,
Muhammed