GPU constantly maxed [ Edited ]

[randallmeeker]

Notice the GPU gague below. It is always maxed out as shown below (except for when external monitor is used).

I think this is a problem. I noticed this as I noticed that my battery seemed to be draining more quickly than it should.

My machine is a T520

Microsoft Windows 7 Professional

Version 6.1.7601 Service Pack 1 Build 7601

Manufacturer LENOVO

System Model423926U

System Typex64-based PC

ProcessorIntel(R) Core(TM) i7-2620M CPU @ 2.70GHz, 2701 Mhz, 2 Core(s), 4 Logical Processor(s)

BIOS Version/DateLENOVO 8AET49WW (1.29 ), 7/11/2011

SMBIOS Version2.6

Hardware Abstraction LayerVersion = "6.1.7601.17514"

Installed Physical Memory (RAM)8.00 GB

Total Physical Memory7.89 GB

Available Physical Memory4.72 GB

Total Virtual Memory15.8 GB

Available Virtual Memory12.0 GB

Page File Space7.89 GB

[ColonelONeill · Accepted solution]

Run this:
http://techiestalk.com/download-nvidia-optimus-test-tools-gpu-state-viewer-graphic-for-windows-7-326...

It'll tell you which program is using the discrete graphics card.

After identifying it, right click the program, Run on Graphics Processor, set default processor. This takes you to the NVidia control panel, where you can then add a rule for the program in question and force it to run on the integrated card.

[randallmeeker]

It looks like it was IE, despite IE being set by the graphics processor to not do this. 

I'm thinking it is the internal setting in IE 

"use software rendering instead of GPU rendering"

[ColonelONeill]

Yeah IE defaulted to NVidia GPU on mine. I just added an exclusion rule and all is happy.