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Star Citizen Not Using GPU/Low GPU Usage: 5 Simple Ways

Using a dedicated GPU may be the answer to your problem

5 min. read

Updated onOctober 4, 2023

updated onOctober 4, 2023

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Key notes

If Star Citizen is not using the GPU properly, it’s because you have an older or lower-end card orWindows can’t detect your GPU. This can make getting good performance out of Star Citizen a hassle.

The graphics card is the most important component of a gaming PC. It’s responsible for displaying the game on your monitor, and if you have an older or lower-end GPU, it might not be up to the task. Luckily, this guide will show you how to fix the problem quickly and easily.

Why is my GPU not being used?

Windows doesn’t automatically use your GPU because doing so would put too much strain on your CPU and GPU simultaneously. This could causeoverheating problemsor other issues that could damage your hardware permanently.

However, if you’re using a GPU-accelerated program and it’s not using your GPU, it can be frustrating because it seems like the GPU is being wasted.

There are several possible reasons why Star Citizen is not using your GPU:

How can I force Star Citizen to use GPU?

First, ensure you do the following:

1. Adjust graphic performance to high

For those wondering, can I force a game to use GPU, the answer isYes. The steps listed above will allow you toswitch to the GPUinstead of the integrated processor.

2. Update your graphics driver

When it comes to driver updates, drivers are a necessary evil. Even though you might not want to install them manually, the fact remains that you need them. If you don’t like to spend time on manual driver updates, you might consider using a specialized tool.

The tool will scan your system and find out which drivers are outdated. With this software, you can update your drivers professionally in one simple step. It’s quick and easy to use, so even beginners can use it without problems.

Outbyte Driver Updater

3. Configure Star Citizen to use GPU

4. Disable your default GPU

Before you go for this solution, ensure you have a dedicated graphics processor. When you disable the device’s integrated graphic driver, you disable the driver of your graphics card.

This means that your computer will no longer be able to use the graphics card to display any images or videos on the screen. All applications that use graphics cards will stop working, and you won’t be able to see anything on your screen.

5. Overclock your CPU

If you’re using an integrated graphics card, there’s nothing you can do. However, if you’re using a dedicated graphics card, you can useoverclocking softwareif you notice Star Citizen is not using the GPU.

Overclocking your CPU can help improve performance, but it also increases its heat generation, which can cause instability. If you go through this route, ensure you haveoverclocking monitoring softwareto keep tabs in real time.

What are Star Citizen GPU requirements?

Star Citizen is a demanding game, so you’ll need to ensure your graphics card is up to the task. Below are the minimum and recommended PC specs for Star Citizen:

Formore system requirements, be sure to check out the official page. If your graphics card is the problem, it may be time toupgrade to a new onethat can handle the task at hand.

Should a game be using 100% of my GPU?

This depends on the game itself and how resource-intensive it is. While a simpler lower-end game should not use 100% GPU, an advanced one could easily do.

But a game using 100% GPU shouldn’t be a problem. Rather it signifies that the GPU is fully utilized, and you are getting the best performance. However, if theGPU consumption remains highfor extended periods, you may find thecomputer overheating.

There are also a bunch ofsettings you can tweak to get the ultimate gaming performanceif you can’t afford new hardware.

And it’s a wrap from us, but keep the conversation going in the comment section below.

Star Citizen Not Using GPU/Low GPU Usage: 5 Simple Ways#

Why is my GPU not being used?#

How can I force Star Citizen to use GPU?#

1. Adjust graphic performance to high#

2. Update your graphics driver#

Outbyte Driver Updater#

3. Configure Star Citizen to use GPU#

4. Disable your default GPU#

5. Overclock your CPU#

What are Star Citizen GPU requirements?#

Should a game be using 100% of my GPU?#