PC Drivers & Software

[SizeOfACow]

Hey Guys;

As the title suggests - I am seeing different gpu utilization values between Task Manager and Adrenalin and hoping someone has an explanation.

When I am browsing online or just writing this, Task Manager has a fairly constant 1-5% GPU utilization. But when I check Adrenalin it shows spikes every few seconds from 0-100% GPU utilization and seems to be a constant issue.

I have disabled everything I can think of that may drain GPU resources, scanned for virus, checked for updates, ran troubleshooter and searched online for a solution, all without success.

Has anyone else experienced something similar or have an explanation for this discrepency?

Many Thanks!

GPU - RX580, 8GB

CPU - Ryzen5, 2600X

MOBO - ROG X470-F

[jamesc359]

Pure speculation, but it sounds like a bug to me. I'd report it.

[MADZyren · Accepted solution]

Could be as simple as sampling frequency

Example: Let's say for example that clock speed spikes once in five seconds, then let's say the software measures 

Blue curve is frequency
Red lines are infrequent sampling - they miss all the peaks
Green line represents high sampling rate, which also notices high clocks

These can show very different results

Not sure this is the case, but could be

[LuckyDucky]

Sounds plausible. Still not sure if their is an issue with the graphics card or if data is just being misleading. Which monitoring software is giving unreliable data? I have the exact same issue with a RX 580. 

Task manager is reading consistent low to medium utilization while AMD Software adrenelin edition spikes from almost exclusively from 0-100.

[SizeOfACow]

Hey LuckyDucky

I had the same thought and this is what I learnt from MADZyren and a liitle reasearch.

No single tool ever shows the "one true" GPU usage, it's all about how and when they measure it.

• Task Manager shows a smoother, averaged usage over a longer interval (e.g., ~1–2 seconds).

• Adrenalin catches instantaneous spikes, sometimes lasting just milliseconds, which Task Manager completely misses.

To cofirm if there is an issue with Adrenalne or Task Manager performance readings, set the polling rate of Adrenaline to the same value as Task Manager's real time update speed. That will level the playing field.

Now both tools are:

• Sampling GPU usage at the same rate

• More likely to show similar usage values

I hope that helps.