Why Is Valorant Using So Much GPU - Key Reasons And Fixes!

Valorant, a highly competitive first-person shooter (FPS) developed by Riot Games, can often place significant demands on your GPU.

Valorant is a CPU-intensive game, so your GPU may struggle to keep up. High GPU usage can also happen due to improper GPU connections or background processes. Ensure the GPU is properly connected and update drivers to manage usage.

This article explores critical factors affecting GPU usage in Valorant, offering insights and solutions to manage performance.

Table of Contents

Valorant’s Graphics and Frame Rates

One of the primary reasons Valorant utilizes so much GPU is its emphasis on high frame rates. Competitive games like Valorant benefit from higher frame rates, as smoother gameplay helps players respond faster in critical moments.

When frame rates increase, your GPU must work harder to render more frames per second, leading to elevated usage.

Additionally, if you’re playing with high graphical settings, your GPU handles more detailed textures and visual effects, further pushing its workload. While this results in smooth visuals, it can also increase GPU temperatures, making proper cooling essential.

High Refresh Rates on Monitors

Many gamers use high-refresh-rate monitors, like 144Hz or 240Hz, to get an edge in fast-paced games. However, this can also cause the GPU to work harder to match the refresh rate with the in-game frame rate.

If the frame rate cap in Valorant is lower than your monitor’s refresh rate, you may experience less efficient GPU utilization. Aligning your frame rate cap with the monitor’s refresh rate can improve performance.

Vanguard Anti-Cheat System

Valorant’s Vanguard anti-cheat system is another factor that may influence GPU usage. Vanguard runs in the background, constantly monitoring for cheats, which can consume system resources, including GPU power.

Disabling unnecessary processes in Vanguard’s settings or excluding specific applications from monitoring can reduce this overhead, freeing up GPU resources.

Must Read: Why Is My GPU Underperforming – Causes And Quick Fixes!

Background Applications and Tasks

Running multiple applications in the background can also increase GPU usage in Valorant. Streaming software, browsers, or other resource-heavy programs compete for GPU resources, which can lead to elevated usage during gameplay.

To reduce this, closing unnecessary programs before launching Valorant can help the game run more smoothly.

Overclocking and Power Usage

Overclocking your GPU can perform better in games like Valorant, but it comes with risks. While it increases clock speed and boosts frame rates, overclocking can raise your GPU’s temperature and power consumption.

If not managed correctly, this can result in overheating or instability. Monitoring your GPU’s temperature and power limits is crucial to ensuring safe overclocking.

In-Game Settings Optimization

Valorant offers numerous in-game settings that directly impact GPU usage. Enabling advanced graphical effects such as shadows, anti-aliasing, and texture quality increases the load on your GPU.

By adjusting these settings to a lower level, you can reduce GPU strain without sacrificing too much visual quality. Turning off unnecessary settings like V-Sync or reducing texture details can significantly drop your GPU’s workload, improving performance.

System Requirements and Hardware Limitations

Valorant is designed to run on a wide range of hardware, but older or less powerful GPUs may need help to handle the game at higher settings.

Meeting or exceeding the game’s recommended system requirements ensures a smoother gaming experience. If your GPU falls below these requirements, you might experience stuttering or high usage as the card struggles to keep up.

Upgrading your hardware, mainly the GPU, can solve this problem if performance continues to suffer. However, balancing the game’s settings with your hardware capabilities is the first step before considering an upgrade.

Must Read: GPU Junction Temperature – How It Affects Performance – 2024

Game Updates and Patches

Riot Games regularly releases patches and updates for Valorant, which can introduce new features or optimizations but may also increase GPU demands. Staying up-to-date with patch notes allows you to identify any changes affecting performance.

Some updates may inadvertently lead to higher GPU usage, requiring players to adjust their settings or wait for further optimizations from the developers.

Disabling High Precision Event Timer (HPET)

HPET is a system timer that can sometimes cause increased GPU usage when enabled. Turning it off through the BIOS can free up some GPU resources, resulting in smoother gameplay.

However, the effectiveness of this solution varies from system to system, so it’s essential to test whether it improves performance in Valorant.

Cooling and Thermal Management

Excessive GPU usage can lead to higher temperatures, especially if your cooling system is inadequate. Overheating can cause thermal throttling, where your GPU slows down to prevent damage, leading to decreased performance.

Ensuring your PC has proper cooling—such as well-placed fans, adequate airflow, and thermal paste—is crucial to maintaining optimal performance in Valorant.

Why is Valorant Using So Much Memory?

Valorant may use a lot of memory due to high-quality textures, anti-cheat software (Vanguard), and background processes.

Memory usage increases if multiple programs run simultaneously. Reducing in-game settings and closing unnecessary programs can help lower memory usage and improve performance.

How to Make Valorant Use GPU Instead of CPU?

To make Valorant use the GPU, go to your system’s graphics settings and set the high-performance option for Valorant. Ensure your graphics drivers are updated and in-game settings are optimized for GPU performance, which will reduce CPU load.

Valorant Only Using 30% GPU

If Valorant uses only 30% of the GPU, it may be due to a frame rate cap, CPU bottleneck, or low graphics settings. Adjust the game’s frame rate limit, increase graphical settings, or ensure the GPU is set as the preferred processor.

Valorant Low CPU Usage

Low CPU usage in Valorant is usually a good sign, meaning the game isn’t overly taxing your processor. However, if performance suffers, balancing CPU and GPU settings or updating drivers might improve overall gameplay smoothness.

Is Valorant CPU or GPU Intensive?

Valorant is more CPU-intensive because it focuses on processing fast inputs, tactical actions, and in-game decisions.

However, the GPU is still essential for rendering visuals, especially at higher settings or frame rates, contributing to smooth gameplay.

High GPU Usage on Valorant

High GPU usage in Valorant occurs when running the game at higher settings or frame rates. Background programs or outdated drivers can also increase usage. Lowering graphics settings or updating drivers can reduce GPU load without impacting gameplay quality.

Low GPU Usage in Valorant

Low GPU usage in Valorant could be due to CPU bottlenecks, frame rate caps, or low graphical settings. Increasing graphics quality or optimizing the game settings to ensure the GPU is the primary processor can improve overall performance and balance the load.

Low FPS in Valorant with High GPU Usage

Low FPS with high GPU usage can happen when a CPU bottleneck or background applications use up resources. Lowering non-essential graphical settings and closing unnecessary programs can reduce GPU stress and potentially increase your FPS.

100% GPU Usage (1070) in Valorant After Windows 11

If your GTX 1070 is at 100% usage after upgrading to Windows 11, it may be due to driver issues or the game running at maximum settings. Try updating your drivers or lowering graphics settings to manage GPU load better in Valorant.

Valorant Isn’t Using 100% of Both GPU and CPU

Valorant does not use 100% of the GPU and CPU, which is typical because the game is optimized to focus more on the CPU. Balancing your settings, such as increasing graphical quality or frame rate caps, can help better distribute the workload between the two.

GPU at 100% Usage When Valorant Is Tabbed In

When Valorant is tabbed in, and your GPU is at 100%, it could be because the game requires more resources when active. Lowering graphic settings or capping the frame rate can decrease GPU usage during active gameplay.

FAQs

1. Why Is My GPU Usage So High in Valorant?

High GPU usage is caused by high graphical settings, frame rates, or background programs. Lowering settings can reduce usage.

2. How to Fix Low GPU Usage in Valorant?

You can fix low GPU usage by increasing graphical settings, updating drivers, or setting the GPU as the primary processor for Valorant.

3. Why Is My GPU Using 100%?

Your GPU runs at 100% when handling demanding games or settings. Lowering resolution or graphic settings can help reduce usage.

4. Why Is 90% of My GPU Being Used?

90% GPU usage is typical during gaming sessions, especially in high settings—lower settings to reduce load if necessary.

5. Is 98% GPU Usage OK?

Yes, 98% GPU usage is normal during high-performance tasks like gaming. As long as temperatures are controlled, it’s safe.

6. Is 90 Degrees Celsius Hot for a GPU?

Yes, 90°C is hot for a GPU. Prolonged use at this temperature can damage components. Improve cooling or lower settings.

7. How Do I Stop Games From Using 100% GPU?

To stop games from using 100% GPU, reduce in-game settings, cap frame rates, or enable V-Sync to ease GPU workload.

8. Is Valorant GPU Heavy?

Valorant could be more GPU-heavy compared to other games. However, higher settings or frame rates can increase GPU usage.

9. How Do I Fix High GPU Usage?

You can fix high GPU usage by lowering settings, closing background programs, updating drivers, or setting a frame rate cap.

10. Why Is My GPU Usage So High Randomly?

Background apps, system updates, or demanding tasks can randomly use a high GPU. Check for unnecessary processes and updates.

Conclusion

Valorant’s high GPU usage is often due to its focus on high frame rates, graphical settings, and background processes. Managing settings, updating drivers, and improving cooling can help balance GPU performance and reduce strain for smoother gameplay.