Question about Prefer Maximum Performance in Nvidia CP

[N0REGARD4LIFE]

When this is enabled, should my GPU hit the highest clocks all the time, or will it drop GPU clocks if the extra speed isn't needed?

[Komrade]

If you're just browsing Chrome, listening to Spotify, it downclocks but as soon as a 3D app is opened such as a game, it should boost up to max clocks.

[N0REGARD4LIFE]

I have it on but Witcher 3 at 1080p fluctuates between Max clocks which for me is 2085-2070mhz, with same resolution with hairworks on it sticks to those clocks, and at 1440p it sticks to Max clocks as well. Only at 1080p do I see it fluctuate so much, so I'm assuming the GPU doesn't 'need' to boost that high for that resolution?

[Komrade]

Originally posted by N0REGARD4LIFE:

I have it on but Witcher 3 at 1080p fluctuates between Max clocks which for me is 2085-2070mhz, with same resolution with hairworks on it sticks to those clocks, and at 1440p it sticks to Max clocks as well. Only at 1080p do I see it fluctuate so much, so I'm assuming the GPU doesn't 'need' to boost that high for that resolution?

Very tiny fluctuation, nothing to worry about. And yes as you lower the resolution you shift it from GPU heavy to more CPU heavy.

[N0REGARD4LIFE]

Actually in some scenes at 1080p with hairworks and everything maxed it drops to the high 1900s. No issues playing anything but I was led to believe with Max performance on it would stick to high clocks.

[Snow]

Originally posted by N0REGARD4LIFE:

Actually in some scenes at 1080p with hairworks and everything maxed it drops to the high 1900s. No issues playing anything but I was led to believe with Max performance on it would stick to high clocks.

It would, and it tries to, but there also are other things to consider, like thermal limit, noise limit, power limit. That's why it says "prefer maximum performance" and not "always work at maximum performance".
That said, in my experience this "max perf" mode is plain stupid. Graphics card draws more power and produces more heat, but for what? I mean, if I'm staring at my build for few minutes straight, or do hundreds of potions one after another just to sell them afterwards - I obviously don't need my GPU's clocks to be at their limit. Default "balanced" mode never failed me with any card, clocks always raised before GPU was at 100% usage with its current clocks.
There is, tho, a possibility of some exact card models with some exact driver versions having problems when it comes to self-boost. I personally never had a card of that kind, but "pref max perf" being recommended in every other performance-related guide kinda tells such issues are possible. It's like moving your mouse around to speed up loading - it sounds stupid and most people never seen any difference, but back in the day it absolutely did work.

[N0REGARD4LIFE]

So apparently Nvidia control panel wasn't even working. I deleted it then had to repair my windows installation because the MS store wouldn't let me redownload it. Got islt sorted out now it's fine. Stupid ass Microsoft and their dch bullcrap.

[Snow]

>>Nvidia control panel wasn't even working
>>I deleted it then had to repair my windows
>>Stupid ass Microsoft
Seems legit.

[_I_]

why are you getting drivers from ms?
use ddu to wipe all intel, amd, nvidia drivers in safe mode then install them from intel, amd and nvidia yourself

[N0REGARD4LIFE]

Originally posted by _I_:

why are you getting drivers from ms?
use ddu to wipe all intel, amd, nvidia drivers in safe mode then install them from intel, amd and nvidia yourself

Tried that and the WHQL drivers said they were incompatible with my system for whatever reason. DCH drivers worked and the only way to get control panel was through MS store. Is there another way? I always got my drivers from Nvidia along with control panel so IDK what's changed.