Valorant is a fast-paced game, but sometimes, it uses more GPU than expected. If you’ve noticed high GPU usage while playing, you might wonder why and if it’s a problem.
Valorant is a CPU-intensive game, but if your GPU usage is high, it may struggle to keep up with your CPU. Adjusting settings and updating drivers can help balance performance and reduce GPU load.
In this guide, we’ll explore the reasons behind high GPU usage, how to fix it, and whether you should be concerned. Let’s dive in and optimize your game for smoother performance without overloading your graphics card!
Graphical Fidelity and Visual Effects
Valorant has detailed graphics, including sharp textures, character models, and lighting effects. These make the game look great but also put more work on the GPU.
Special effects like explosions and abilities add to the load. If your settings are high, your GPU will work even harder.
Lowering some settings, like shadows or textures, can reduce GPU usage while keeping the game smooth.
Finding the right balance between performance and visuals helps improve gameplay without overloading your system.
Anti-Cheat System: Riot Vanguard
Valorant uses Riot Vanguard, an anti-cheat system that runs in the background to detect cheaters.
While it keeps the game fair, it also uses some system resources, including your GPU. It can affect performance since it’s always active, even when the game isn’t running.
Some players experience higher GPU usage because of this. Restarting your PC and ensuring Vanguard works correctly can help reduce unnecessary GPU load while keeping the game secure.
High Refresh Rate Support
Valorant supports high refresh rates like 144Hz and 240Hz, making the game smoother and more responsive; however, rendering more frames per second increases the GPU workload.
If your GPU isn’t powerful enough, it may struggle to keep up, causing higher temperatures and usage.
Reducing the refresh rate or enabling FPS limits can help lower GPU stress while keeping the game playable.
Balancing refresh rate settings based on your hardware helps maintain smooth performance without overheating your GPU.
Optimization Challenges
Even though Valorant is designed to run on many systems, some players still face optimization issues. GPU usage may be high due to background apps, outdated drivers, or system-specific settings.
Sometimes, updates can cause unexpected performance drops. Lowering unnecessary in-game settings, updating drivers, and closing unused apps can improve performance.
If the game still uses too much GPU, tweaking Windows settings or reinstalling the game might help. Keeping your system optimized ensures smoother gameplay.
Future-Proofing and Scalability
Valorant is built to stay relevant for years by using modern GPU features. Riot Games ensures the game runs well on both old and new hardware.
However, updates may introduce features that increase GPU usage as technology improves. Newer effects, better textures, and gameplay improvements can demand more power.
If your GPU struggles, lowering settings can help. The game’s ability to scale across different systems is excellent, but adjusting settings based on your hardware keeps gameplay smooth.
Graphics Settings and Customization
Valorant lets you change graphics settings to match your system’s power. Higher settings make the game look better but also use more GPU power.
Features like texture quality, shadows, and effects can be lowered to reduce GPU load. If you’re experiencing high GPU usage, tweaking these settings can help balance performance and visuals.
Turning off unnecessary effects or using lower presets can improve FPS. Customizing settings based on your hardware keeps the game running smoothly without overheating.
Resolution and Display Settings
Higher resolutions make the game look sharper but require more GPU power. Playing at 1080p instead of 1440p or 4K can lower GPU usage.
Fullscreen mode is often better for performance compared to windowed mode. Lowering or enabling dynamic resolution scaling can help if your GPU is struggling.
Refresh rate and V-Sync settings also impact performance. Adjusting these settings based on your system’s capability ensures a smoother experience while keeping your GPU from overworking.
Background Applications and System Resources
Other programs running in the background can increase GPU usage while playing Valorant. Apps like web browsers, streaming software, or RGB controllers can take up system resources, causing performance issues.
Too many active programs can make the GPU work harder than necessary. Closing unnecessary apps before playing can free up resources and reduce GPU load.
Using Task Manager to check which apps use the most GPU can help improve performance. Keeping your system clean ensures smoother gameplay.
Graphics Driver Updates
Outdated graphics drivers can cause high GPU usage and performance problems in Valorant. New driver updates often include optimizations that improve game performance and stability.
Updating your drivers can help fix issues and boost efficiency if your GPU is using too much power.
However, sometimes new updates cause bugs, so returning to a stable version might help. Keeping drivers updated while monitoring performance changes ensures your GPU runs smoothly without unnecessary stress.
System-Specific Factors and Overclocking
Every PC is different, and factors like hardware, cooling, and overclocking affect GPU usage. Overclocking can improve performance but also increases heat and power consumption.
If the GPU gets too hot, it might throttle performance, causing lag. Poor airflow or outdated hardware can also impact GPU efficiency.
Adjusting fan speeds, checking temperatures, and fine-tuning overclock settings can help. If Valorant uses too much GPU, monitoring these system factors can ensure stable performance without overheating issues.
How to Fix Valorant Low GPU Usage?
If Valorant uses little GPU, it might use the CPU more. Try updating drivers, adjusting game settings, and closing background apps.
Setting your GPU as the preferred processor can help. Ensuring proper cooling and power settings also improves GPU performance for smoother gameplay.
Fix 1: Reinstall Your Graphics Driver
Outdated or corrupted drivers can cause low GPU usage. Uninstall your graphics driver using Device Manager or Display Driver Uninstaller (DDU).
Then, download and install the latest driver from NVIDIA or AMD’s website. Restart your PC to ensure Valorant detects and fully utilizes your GPU.
Fix 2: Stop CPU Bottleneck
A weak CPU can limit GPU performance. Close background apps that use CPU power. Overclocking the CPU or upgrading to a better processor may help.
Increasing in-game graphics settings can shift the load to the GPU, reducing CPU bottlenecks and improving performance in Valorant.
Fix 3: Adjust In-game Settings
Low settings can limit GPU usage. Try increasing graphics settings like texture quality and anti-aliasing to make the GPU work more.
Turn off FPS caps and enable high-performance mode in Windows. Testing different settings helps find the best balance between smooth performance and higher GPU usage.
Fix 4: Update the Game in Time
Valorant updates often include performance improvements and bug fixes. If your game isn’t updated, it might not use the GPU properly.
Always install the latest updates through Riot Client. Keeping the game updated ensures better optimization, smoother performance, and fixes for known GPU-related issues.
Fix 5: Exclude Valorant from Windows Defender
Windows Defender can sometimes interfere with Valorant’s performance. Adding Valorant to the Windows Defender exclusion list prevents unnecessary scans while playing.
Open Windows Security settings, click Exclusions, and add the Valorant game folder. This can help improve GPU usage and overall game performance.
How to Make Valorant Use GPU Instead of CPU
Check graphics settings if Valorant uses the CPU instead of the GPUings. Set your GPU as the preferred processor in Windows and NVIDIA/AMD settings.
Update drivers, enable high-performance mode, and disable integrated graphics. Restart the game to ensure it properly detects and uses the GPU.
Valorant Not Using GPU
If Valorant isn’t using your GPU, check if it’s set as the default in graphics settings. Update your drivers, disable integrated graphics, and ensure no power-saving settings limit GPU performance.
Running the game in high-performance mode can help. Restarting your PC after changes can also fix this issue.
Valorant Only Using 30% GPU
Valorant may only use 30% of the GPU because it’s not demanding. The game prioritizes CPU performance, so GPU usage stays low.
If performance is low, try increasing graphics settings, enabling high-performance mode, and updating drivers. Running background applications may also affect how much GPU power is used.
Valorant Low CPU Usage
Low CPU usage in Valorant can happen if the game is optimized well for your system. It may also be limited by background processes or power-saving settings.
Updating drivers, adjusting power settings, and closing unnecessary apps can help. Increasing game settings might also better balance CPU and GPU usage.
CPU Bottleneck in Valorant
A CPU bottleneck happens when the processor slows down the GPU. This is common in Valorant because it relies more on CPU power.
If your GPU isn’t fully used, upgrading the CPU, closing background tasks, and increasing game settings can help balance performance and improve FPS.
GPU at 100% Usage When Valorant Is Tabbed In
When Valorant is active, your GPU works harder to render frames. High FPS settings, unlocked frame rates, or background apps can cause 100% usage. Limiting FPS, enabling V-Sync, or adjusting graphics settings can help reduce unnecessary GPU load.
Valorant Doesn’t Use 90%-100% of My GPU
Valorant relies more on the CPU so that GPU usage may stay low. Try increasing graphics settings or enabling high-performance mode.
If performance issues occur, check for driver updates and ensure the game uses the correct GPU in system settings.
CPU and GPU Don’t Go Past 50% Usage When Playing Valorant
If both CPU and GPU usage are low, the game might be well-optimized or limited by FPS caps. Try increasing graphics settings, disabling power-saving modes, and updating drivers. If performance is fine, low usage isn’t a problem.
(URGENT) Desktop Window Manager Process High GPU Usage
Desktop Window Manager (DWM) handles Windows’ visual effects. High GPU usage may be due to background apps or outdated drivers.
Try restarting your PC, disabling hardware acceleration, or updating graphics drivers to lower DWM’s GPU consumption and improve system performance.
Should I Be Worried If GPU Usage Is at 100%? I’m Hitting 90% Constantly on Warzone.
100% GPU usage in Warzone means your GPU is fully utilized, which is normal for demanding games.
There’s no issue if temperatures stay safe (under 85°C) and performance is smooth. However, improving cooling and lowering settings can help reduce stress on your GPU.
FAQs
1. Why is Valorant taking so much of my GPU?
Valorant may use more GPU due to high settings, unlocked FPS, or background apps. Optimizing settings and limiting FPS can reduce usage.
2. How to reduce GPU usage in Valorant?
Lower graphics settings, enabling V-Sync, cap FPS, and closing background apps can all help reduce GPU usage. Updating drivers and optimizing power settings can also help.
3. Why am I using 100% of my GPU?
Your GPU is fully utilized for performance. High settings, unlocked FPS, or demanding tasks can cause this. Reducing graphics settings can help.
4. How much GPU should Valorant use?
Valorant usually uses moderate GPU power. If settings are high, usage increases. Depending on your hardware, around 40-80% usage is normal.
5. Is 90% GPU usage bad?
No, 90% GPU usage is normal for gaming. Your GPU is performing efficiently as long as temperatures stay safe (below 85°C).
6. Is Valorant a GPU-intensive game?
No, Valorant relies more on the CPU. However, higher settings and resolutions can make it more GPU-intensive, increasing usage.
7. Is 90 degrees safe for GPU?
90°C is too high for most GPUs. It may cause overheating and performance issues. Improving cooling can help lower temperatures.
8. What is killing my GPU?
Overheating, dust buildup, poor airflow, and overvoltage can damage your GPU. Keeping it clean, ensuring proper cooling, and avoiding extreme overclocking helps.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Valorant’s high GPU usage stems from its detailed graphics, anti-cheat system, and support for high refresh rates. To optimize performance, adjust in-game settings, update drivers, and manage background applications. Balancing visual quality with system capabilities ensures smoother gameplay and prevents GPU overloading.
