How can I see what is using VRAM, and how much it is using?

[ZaO]

Is there a program that works like the "Processes" tab in Windows task manager, but for VRAM?

I already have MSI Afterburner for general VRAM monitoring. But I need something that can tell me each individual process that is using VRAM, and how much it is using.

Googling this didn't really return any decent results. Tried wording it a few different ways but meh...


Cheers.

[TheAnimus]

GPUz will do that for you
http://www.techpowerup.com/gpuz/

The problem is attributing it to a process, that is kinda hard.

[ZaO]

GPUz will do that for you
http://www.techpowerup.com/gpuz/

The problem is attributing it to a process, that is kinda hard.

I haven't used GPU-Z for a while but I was pretty sure it couldn't do that... I'm running MSI Afterburner for general VRAM monitoring amongst other things. But are you saying GPU-Z can specifically tell me what is using VRAM and how much it is using? If so, any idea how to set that up? Thanks!

[najiro]

Here are some of the options:

GPU-Z
MSI Afterburner, Precision X and other gpu overclocking tool
GPU shark - very precise and includes the programs that uses your gpu. Furmark uses this. http://www.ozone3d.net/gpushark/

[kalniel]

GPU shark - very precise and includes the programs that uses your gpu.

Are you sure?

OP, if you're running Skyrim full screen then that's pretty much the only thing that will be using VRAM. The rest of the information is pushed out and only loaded back in when you tab out/close the program AFAIK.

You could try disabling visual themes (compatibility mode) to see if aero is reserving some, but with mods skyrim can easily bust your buffer Best thing is to just enable/disable them one at a time and find a compromise.

[Willzzz]

I believe there is a mod that allows texture packs to be compressed and thus you shouldn't run out of VRAM.

[ZaO]

Here are some of the options:

GPU-Z
MSI Afterburner, Precision X and other gpu overclocking tool
GPU shark - very precise and includes the programs that uses your gpu. Furmark uses this. http://www.ozone3d.net/gpushark/

I really don't see how this is possible with GPU-Z or MSI Afterburner. If anyone knows, please share! I'm not sure I've ever actually used GPU Shark though so I will definitely give that one a go thanks

Are you sure?

OP, if you're running Skyrim full screen then that's pretty much the only thing that will be using VRAM. The rest of the information is pushed out and only loaded back in when you tab out/close the program AFAIK.

You could try disabling visual themes (compatibility mode) to see if aero is reserving some, but with mods skyrim can easily bust your buffer Best thing is to just enable/disable them one at a time and find a compromise.

I don't think all VRAM is dedicated to games when they full screen. I have somewhat tested this theory.... But it does seem that other things may get compressed a little at least. Try opening 50 tabs each with a youtube video loaded and then play a game. Compare VRAM usage with and without. I would be surprised if there was no difference! Also games usually seem to change the windows theme into a more basic one, and Skyrim definitely does. Though that is a handy tweak to know which I have used in the past (mostly with Vista). Thanks for the tips

I believe there is a mod that allows texture packs to be compressed and thus you shouldn't run out of VRAM.

Yeh I recently found out about a couple of things like this. I'm actually in the process of reading through S.T.E.P. right now. Wanted to avoid hardcore modding this time round with Skyrim but I guess it was inevitable that I would give into it again lol.... I got rid of my 7970 3GB for a GTX 670 2GB. At the time of swapping I was very happy with how my GTX 670 performed compared to my 7970. Really was noticeable! But now I'm sad I don't have that extra GB of VRAM. The difference that would make right now....

[kompukare]

Actually some of the best Windows tools are the SystemInternals Suite by Mark Russinovich
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-gb/s.../bb842062.aspx

And since v15 or so, Process Explorer can monitor GPU usage.
http://betanews.com/2011/07/20/proce...pu-monitoring/

Very good tool and useful for lots of other things (CPU spikes, bad driver finding etc.)

[ZaO]

Actually some of the best Windows tools are the SystemInternals Suite by Mark Russinovich
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-gb/s.../bb842062.aspx

And since v15 or so, Process Explorer can monitor GPU usage.
http://betanews.com/2011/07/20/proce...pu-monitoring/

Very good tool and useful for lots of other things (CPU spikes, bad driver finding etc.)

I will try them out. Thanks

[spambrie]

MSI Afterburner will also show you how much VRam is being used but not what is using it.