Q: Graphics Acceleration is not being used?

[DarkStar GT]

I have some products that are written to take advantage of GPU-processing (Graphics Acceleration) if so configured.

• When I do not select Graphics Acceleration in the software, in Task Manager the process CPU load is ~2-3%.

• When I do select Graphics Acceleration in the software, the process CPU load is ~14%.

Which is very odd. In both cases GPUShark reports that no GPU processing power is used.

Everywhere I have looked tells me that the graphics hardware acceleration is enabled. The card is a Gainward 9500 GT (NVIDIA-based, Open GL 3.2.0, Open CL 1.0, CUDA 3.0.1). Old, I know by trouble-free, so far.

Any thoughts that will help me track down the problem? Is there any simple software which will test the GPU functionality (a load tester would not be necessary)?

 

[wasnotwas]

You could try Cinebench with GPU-Z running (both are standalone - no install)

MAXON | 3D FOR THE REAL WORLD: Overview
GPU-Z Video card GPU Information Utility

in Cinebench, you click OpenGL to test your gfx card. In these screens using my GTX 750 Ti - 1st is idle, 2nd is on test. If you look at the clocks, GPU load and % power you can see the card ramp up under load.





Cinebench is designed to see if your pc can run the 3D graphic program Maxon Cinema 4D, but is used by non-C4D folk to test their gfx card or cpu under load (rendering).

 

[ThrashZone]

Hi,
You might also switch to a High performance power plan instead of probably the default Balanced power plan,
Start/ Control panel/ Power options.

This is how to restore one but it should at least give you a guide
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/950-power-plan-restore-default-settings.html

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/774-power-plan-select.html

 

[DarkStar GT]

Thank you guys = I'll give those a try.

Curious - how would changing the power plan affect this?

Looking again at the GPU Shark data, different (small) amounts of GPU memory are being used so something is happening. The big mystery is why my CPU load rises significantly when I enable Graphics Acceleration in the program (I am talking to the developer too).

 

[ThrashZone]

Hi,
Is this your gpu ?
https://www.alzashop.com/gainward-9500gt-1gb-ddr2-v2-passive-cooling-d190743.htm
First thought would be overheating

 

[DarkStar GT]

Yep - that's the one.

I should say that I am not running anything that would put a heavy load on the board. GPUShark reports the temperature as 37 degrees C. After running a few 3DMark06 benchmarks the temperature rose to 47 or so.

 

[ThrashZone]

Hi,
Why in the world would you benchmark that meager card it has no cooling fan of it's own

You definitely need a better card if you want to do things like that
Post a budget we might be able to give some suggestions to look at for real gpu.

 

[DarkStar GT]

All I wanted to do was to check that GPU-acceleration was working. I presume that as the reported temperature rose then the GPU was then doing something.

As you said, it does not have its own fan but is designed to run without one, relying on the passive heat-sink. The card was one of those recommended by the PC builder (a recognised name in the UK) and I do not think that they would have suggested a poor card.

I do not need super-high graphics performance. What I am trying to do is sort out why I am seeing higher CPU performance when I select "use graphics acceleration) on the software I am running.

 

[wasnotwas]

I concur with ThrashZone - it's a low end gfx card, and can't really contribute much CUDA assist.

Here's a comparison from the Passmark site of the OP's gfx card and the gfx on 2 computers I use -

1 : 9500GT
2 : on-die gfx on Intel 4770K cpu
3 : NVidia GTX 750 Ti - a couple of years old, but OK performance for around £110 UK

the 9500 scores lower than the gfx you get 'free' with the Intel cpu.

Passmark is a good resource for cpu and gfx benchmarks

PassMark Software - CPU Benchmark Charts

 

[ThrashZone]

I always considered that type of gpu to be static because all they do is produce heat without any type of distribution method of it besides case fans
Which can damage mother board pci/ pci-e slots if poor ventilation exists not to mention all other components anywhere close to it

I also would not expect a lot of performance from a ddr2 1gb card it is barely entry level 50.us card only 2 times your on board graphic's capabilities.

Looks like the builder considered your budget more than performance of gpu acceleration.

 

[ThrashZone]

One more note
Mostly the card and similar are used for dual monitors and that's about it

But with any gpu about all you can do is keep the driver up to date for possibly the best results
NVIDIA Driver Downloads - Advanced Search