Updated November 11, 2026
Is Cyberpunk 2077 showing only 60–70% GPU usage, even though your FPS is lower than expected? You might also notice that your CPU usage stays below 100%, lowering graphics settings barely improves performance, or DLSS makes little difference.
This can happen on systems with processors such as the Ryzen 9 5900X and graphics cards such as the RTX 5060 Ti, but it is not limited to those components.
The confusing part is that neither your CPU nor GPU appears fully utilized. That does not necessarily mean the game is broken or that your hardware is defective.
An FPS cap, incorrect memory configuration, CPU-side performance limit, or graphics setting can prevent your GPU from reaching full utilization.
Before replacing hardware, work through the checks below.
Quick Answer: How to Fix Low GPU Usage in Cyberpunk 2077
If Cyberpunk 2077 is running at 60–70% GPU usage with disappointing FPS, try these steps in order:
- Check FPS limits and V-Sync. Make sure the game, NVIDIA Control Panel, or a monitoring utility is not limiting your frame rate.
- Verify your RAM speed. Check whether XMP or DOCP is enabled and whether your memory is running at its intended supported speed.
- Check Resizable BAR. Verify whether your motherboard and graphics card support it, then compare performance if you change its configuration.
- Lower Crowd Density. Test Medium or Low in a busy area of Night City.
- Compare DLSS Quality and DLAA. If FPS barely changes, your system may be limited by something other than GPU rendering.
- Monitor CPU and GPU performance. Check frame times, CPU clocks, GPU clocks, temperatures, and individual CPU threads.
- Test without ray tracing. This helps separate CPU-side limitations from demanding GPU effects.
Important: Low overall CPU usage does not rule out a CPU bottleneck. A game can be limited by one or more processing tasks even when the processor's total utilization is well below 100%.
You do not need to force your GPU to 99% usage at all times. The goal is better FPS, smoother frame times, and stable gameplay.
Which Fix Should You Try First?
| Your problem | Start here |
|---|---|
| FPS stays locked at a specific number | Check FPS caps and V-Sync |
| GPU usage stays around 60–70% | Check RAM speed and CPU performance |
| FPS barely changes between Low and Ultra | Investigate CPU-side limits |
| FPS drops heavily in crowded areas | Lower Crowd Density |
| DLSS barely improves FPS | Compare CPU and GPU workload |
| High FPS but noticeable stuttering | Check frame times and memory usage |
If you are unsure where to begin, start with FPS limits and RAM speed. These checks can identify configuration problems without requiring new hardware.
📋 Table of Contents
- Why Is Cyberpunk 2077 GPU Usage Only 60–70%?
- Fix 1: Check FPS Caps, V-Sync and NVIDIA Settings
- Fix 2: Check RAM Speed and Enable XMP or DOCP
- Fix 3: Check Resizable BAR
- Fix 4: Lower Crowd Density
- Fix 5: Test DLSS, DLAA and Ray Tracing
- Fix 6: Check CPU, GPU and RAM Performance
- RTX 5060 Ti + Ryzen 9 5900X: Low GPU Usage and FPS Results
- Advanced Fixes: Undervolting and MSI Mode
- How to Confirm Your FPS Problem Is Fixed
- Frequently Asked Questions
Why Is Cyberpunk 2077 GPU Usage Only 60–70%?
GPU utilization measures how busy your graphics processor is during a workload.
When Cyberpunk 2077 runs at 60–70% GPU usage, it means the GPU is not continuously operating at full capacity. However, that number alone cannot tell you why.
Your CPU might be limiting how quickly new frames are prepared. Alternatively, the game could be restricted by an FPS cap, V-Sync, memory performance, or another system setting.
Why a CPU Can Bottleneck the Game Without Reaching 100%
Consider a Ryzen 9 5900X, which has 12 CPU cores and 24 threads.
Cyberpunk 2077 does not necessarily distribute its workload evenly across every available thread. Some tasks depend on the completion of other tasks, and certain processing stages can limit the frame rate before the whole CPU becomes fully utilized.
This means you might see:
- CPU utilization around 60%.
- GPU utilization around 65%.
- FPS that refuses to increase.
- Little improvement when changing Ultra settings to Low.
Even if no individual thread consistently displays 100% utilization, the system can still encounter CPU-side limitations. Thread scheduling, sampling intervals, and how monitoring software reports utilization can obscure the actual limiting task.
Low GPU Usage: What Your Symptoms Suggest
| Symptom | Possible cause | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| GPU usage 60–70%, FPS won't increase | CPU-side limit or FPS cap | CPU performance, V-Sync, FPS limits |
| GPU usage near 99%, FPS too low | GPU rendering limit | Resolution, RT, graphics settings |
| CPU and GPU usage both low | Frame cap, synchronization, memory or CPU limit | FPS settings and RAM speed |
| FPS drops in crowded areas | CPU workload or frame-time spikes | Crowd Density |
| DLSS Performance barely increases FPS | Non-GPU performance limit | CPU and frame-time monitoring |
| Stutters during extended sessions | VRAM, RAM, temperatures or other issues | Memory and hardware monitoring |
These are diagnostic clues, not definitive diagnoses.
If the problem appeared immediately after a graphics driver or game update, also see our Cyberpunk 2077 2.5 FPS Drop Fix for AMD RX 9070 XT and stuttering.
Fix 1: Check FPS Caps, V-Sync and NVIDIA Settings
Start here because an artificial FPS limit can make both CPU and GPU usage appear unusually low.
For example, if your system can render more frames than the configured limit, the GPU may simply wait instead of operating at maximum utilization.
Check Cyberpunk 2077's Video Settings
- Launch Cyberpunk 2077.
- Open Settings.
- Go to the Video settings.
- Check the Maximum FPS option, if available in your current configuration.
- Temporarily disable V-Sync for testing.
- Apply the changes and return to gameplay.
If your FPS was previously locked to a specific number and now increases, you have identified at least one performance restriction.
You can restore V-Sync or configure a suitable frame-rate limit afterward to manage tearing and frame pacing.
Check NVIDIA Control Panel
For NVIDIA graphics cards:
- Right-click the desktop and open NVIDIA Control Panel.
- Select Manage 3D settings.
- Open Program Settings.
- Select Cyberpunk 2077, or add its executable if necessary.
- Check Max Frame Rate.
- Review Vertical sync and other game-specific overrides.
If Max Frame Rate is enabled, verify that its value matches your intended performance target.
Also check external utilities such as RivaTuner Statistics Server (RTSS), which can apply their own FPS limits.
Tip: Change one setting at a time. Otherwise, you may improve performance without knowing which adjustment helped.
Fix 2: Check RAM Speed and Enable XMP or DOCP
Memory configuration is one of the most worthwhile checks when Cyberpunk 2077 shows low GPU usage, particularly on a Ryzen system.
A PC can have DDR4-3600 memory installed while actually running it at a lower default speed.
If the memory is operating below its intended supported configuration, CPU-side performance may suffer in some games.
Why Check RAM Before Upgrading Your CPU?
A memory kit running at a lower default speed can limit CPU-side performance.
Correcting its configuration may allow the CPU to prepare frames more efficiently and send work to the GPU more consistently.
This is why checking memory speed can be worthwhile before considering a processor upgrade.
However, if your memory is already operating at its intended stable speed, enabling a different profile is unlikely to provide the same benefit.
Step 1: Check Your Current RAM Speed
On Windows:
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
- Select Performance.
- Open Memory.
- Look for the reported memory speed.
For example, if your memory kit is rated for DDR4-3600 but Task Manager reports 2133 or 2400 MT/s, the intended memory profile may not be active.
Windows may display memory speed in MHz or MT/s depending on the version and interface. For DDR memory, the advertised DDR4-3600 speed corresponds to a 3600 MT/s effective transfer rate.
Do not assume every memory kit should run at 3600 MT/s. Check the rating of your specific kit and the capabilities of your CPU and motherboard.
Step 2: Check XMP or DOCP in BIOS
If your RAM is running below its intended speed:
- Restart your PC.
- Enter BIOS/UEFI using the key shown during startup, commonly Delete or F2.
- Locate the memory overclocking or performance-profile section.
- Look for XMP, DOCP, or your motherboard's equivalent memory-profile option.
- Select the appropriate supported profile.
- Save the changes and restart.
On many ASUS AMD motherboards, the memory profile may be labeled DOCP. Other boards may use different names.
The exact menu location varies by motherboard model and BIOS version.
Important: XMP and DOCP profiles can exceed a processor's officially supported default memory specifications. They are not guaranteed stable on every system.
If your PC fails to boot, restarts unexpectedly, or develops memory errors, revert the change and consult your motherboard's recovery instructions.
Step 3: Verify the Result
After Windows starts:
- Open Task Manager again.
- Confirm the reported memory speed.
- Launch Cyberpunk 2077.
- Return to the same testing location.
- Compare FPS, frame times, and GPU utilization.
If the memory profile was previously disabled, correcting it may improve CPU-side performance and allow the GPU to process more frames.
However, enabling XMP or DOCP does not guarantee a particular FPS increase.
Why This Can Improve GPU Utilization
Cyberpunk 2077 has several CPU-intensive workloads, including NPC behavior, world simulation, and preparing rendering commands.
Memory performance can influence how efficiently some of those tasks complete.
If the CPU processes frames faster after a memory configuration change, the GPU may receive work more consistently.
This can improve utilization without replacing either component.
Fix 3: Check Resizable BAR
Resizable BAR, often shortened to ReBAR, is a PCI Express feature that allows the CPU to access a larger portion of supported GPU memory through an appropriately configured system.
It can improve performance in some games and hardware combinations, but results vary.
How to Check ReBAR on an NVIDIA GPU
- Open NVIDIA Control Panel.
- Select Help.
- Open System Information.
- Look for Resizable BAR in the displayed GPU information.
- Check whether it reports Yes or No.
If it is already enabled, there is no reason to change it solely to increase the utilization percentage.
Even if ReBAR is enabled in BIOS, NVIDIA drivers may not activate it for every game. The NVIDIA Control Panel status is a useful system-level check, but a supported and enabled configuration does not guarantee an FPS improvement in Cyberpunk 2077.
What If ReBAR Is Disabled?
Check whether your graphics card, motherboard, BIOS, and system configuration support the feature.
On compatible systems, the relevant firmware settings may include:
- Above 4G Decoding.
- Re-Size BAR Support.
- UEFI boot configuration.
These settings vary between motherboards. Some configurations require additional firmware support.
Do not change BIOS boot settings without confirming compatibility, especially if Windows currently uses a legacy boot configuration.
Does ReBAR Always Improve Cyberpunk 2077 FPS?
No.
Some systems benefit from ReBAR, while others show little difference or occasionally perform better with a different configuration.
If you make a supported, reversible change, compare performance in the same location before deciding whether to keep it.
Avoid forcing unsupported ReBAR profiles through third-party utilities as a routine troubleshooting step.
Fix 4: Lower Crowd Density to Test CPU Performance
Crowd Density is an important setting to test when your FPS drops in busy parts of Night City.
Unlike many graphics options that primarily affect GPU rendering, Crowd Density can also influence CPU-side workloads.
How to Test Crowd Density
- Open Cyberpunk 2077.
- Go to Settings → Gameplay and look for Crowd Density.
- If your version places the option elsewhere, check the available gameplay and performance settings.
- Change Crowd Density from High to Medium.
- Return to a busy street and compare performance.
- If necessary, test Low as well.
Use the same location, similar camera movement, and similar gameplay conditions.
What the Results Mean
If FPS increases: CPU-side processing associated with crowds may be contributing to your performance limit.
If GPU usage increases: The GPU may now be receiving work more consistently because the CPU has less work to complete.
If nothing changes: Crowd Density probably is not the main cause in that particular scenario.
Do not expect this setting to produce identical results everywhere. An empty street and a crowded marketplace place very different demands on the system.
For a CPU-limited configuration, Medium can be a useful compromise between visual density and performance.
Fix 5: Test DLSS, DLAA and Ray Tracing
One common source of confusion is seeing almost identical FPS when switching between different DLSS modes.
This can be an important diagnostic clue.
Why DLSS Might Not Increase FPS
DLSS upscaling reduces the resolution at which much of the scene is rendered before reconstructing the image.
This primarily reduces GPU rendering workload.
If your CPU or another part of the system is already limiting the frame rate, lowering the GPU workload may not result in many additional frames.
For example, imagine a configuration where the CPU can prepare approximately 110 frames per second under the current conditions.
If the GPU is already capable of rendering those frames, switching from DLSS Quality to Performance may not increase FPS substantially.
The GPU could simply become less busy.
DLSS Quality vs DLAA
Try comparing these configurations:
| Setting | What it changes | Diagnostic value |
|---|---|---|
| DLSS Quality | Reduces internal rendering resolution | Tests whether lowering GPU workload helps |
| DLSS Performance | Reduces rendering workload further | Useful for identifying GPU limits |
| DLAA | Uses native-resolution rendering with DLSS anti-aliasing | Increases rendering workload relative to upscaling |
| Ray Tracing Off | Removes RT rendering costs | Helps isolate RT-related performance demands |
| Frame Generation On | Adds generated display frames | Improves displayed FPS, not base simulation performance |
If DLAA raises GPU usage without improving FPS, that does not mean the feature is broken. It may simply be using otherwise available GPU capacity to improve image quality.
Test Ray Tracing Separately
Ray tracing can increase GPU workload and may also add CPU-side processing costs.
To diagnose performance:
- Disable ray tracing and path tracing.
- Keep the resolution and other settings unchanged.
- Record FPS and GPU usage.
- Enable selected RT effects.
- Compare the results.
If enabling ray tracing significantly reduces FPS, it may introduce a new rendering or CPU-side limit.
Avoid assuming that a GPU showing 70% utilization has enough spare capacity to enable every ray-tracing feature without losing performance.
What About Frame Generation?
Frame generation can increase the number of displayed frames between traditionally rendered frames.
However, generated frames are not equivalent to increasing the game's underlying simulation and input-update rate.
For troubleshooting, compare performance with frame generation disabled first. Once the base FPS and frame pacing are satisfactory, you can decide whether frame generation improves your experience.
If your displayed FPS is high but gameplay still feels uneven, our Cyberpunk 2077 2.5 FSR 4 Stuttering Fix explains additional frame-pacing issues.
Fix 6: Check CPU, GPU and RAM Performance
If the previous steps do not help, investigate whether your hardware is operating as expected.
You can use a reputable monitoring utility to inspect CPU clocks, GPU clocks, temperatures, memory usage, and frame times.
Check CPU Clock Speeds
A CPU running at unexpectedly low clock speeds may struggle to prepare frames quickly enough.
Look for:
- Unusually low boost clocks during gameplay.
- High temperatures.
- Power or thermal throttling.
- Background applications consuming processing resources.
Remember that normal CPU clock speeds vary with workload, temperature, and power management.
Check GPU Clock Speeds and Power
Low GPU utilization is not always a CPU bottleneck.
If the graphics card is operating at unusually low clocks or is restricted by a power or thermal limit, it may perform below expectations.
Check GPU temperature, clock speeds, and power behavior during an actual demanding gameplay sequence.
Check VRAM Usage
An RTX 5060 Ti 8GB has less graphics memory than its 16GB counterpart.
Running out of available VRAM can cause stuttering, inconsistent frame times, or reduced performance, especially with demanding textures and ray-tracing settings.
However, 8GB VRAM does not automatically explain low GPU utilization.
If monitoring suggests VRAM pressure, try lowering texture quality or other memory-intensive settings and compare frame-time consistency.
Be aware that reported VRAM allocation and actual memory requirements are not always the same thing.
Check RAM Stability
If you recently enabled XMP or DOCP and now experience crashes, freezing, or unexpected restarts, the memory profile may be unstable.
Return to a known stable configuration and test again.
A higher memory speed is not useful if it makes the system unreliable.
Check Background Applications
Close unnecessary applications that may interfere with performance, including unused recording tools, background utilities, and overlapping monitoring software.
Keep only the monitoring tools needed for your test.
If you also experience unusually long loading times or Ryzen-related performance problems, see our Cyberpunk 2077 2.5 Slow Loading and AMD SMT Guide.
RTX 5060 Ti + Ryzen 9 5900X: Low GPU Usage and FPS Results
Consider a system with the following hardware:
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5060 Ti 8GB.
- AMD Ryzen 9 5900X.
- 32GB DDR4-3600 RAM.
- ASUS ROG Strix X570 motherboard.
- Windows 10 Pro.
- Cyberpunk 2077 installed on an SSD.
With ray tracing and path tracing disabled, the system initially delivered around 110 FPS at 1080p, while the player reported CPU and GPU utilization near 60–70%. Performance varied when ray-tracing features were enabled.
The goal was to achieve higher FPS for a high-refresh-rate display, but lowering graphics settings did not appear to make much difference.
Several configuration changes helped improve performance.
Memory Profile
Enabling DOCP was associated with a noticeable improvement in the reported CPU-side performance limitation.
This is why checking actual RAM speed is one of the most useful steps when troubleshooting a similar configuration.
Resizable BAR
Enabling ReBAR on the compatible system was also associated with a smaller improvement.
However, the benefit of ReBAR varies between hardware and software configurations.
CPU Stability
Adjusting CPU voltage settings helped reduce temperatures and improve stability on that particular system.
This does not mean aggressive CPU tuning is necessary or appropriate for other PCs.
Graphics Settings and FPS Results
After the system changes, the following configurations were reported:
| Configuration | Reported performance |
|---|---|
| 1080p, DLSS Quality, RT reflections enabled, other RT effects disabled | Around 90–100 FPS |
| Same RT configuration | Approximately 80–93% GPU utilization |
| 1080p, DLAA, ray tracing completely disabled | Around 130–140 FPS |
| Ray tracing disabled with DLAA | Approximately 95–99% GPU utilization |
| Preferred RT configuration with frame generation | Over 150 displayed FPS |
The RT reflections configuration also used Low Crowd Density and Low Facial Geometry, with most other settings at their highest available values.
The results show that low GPU utilization does not necessarily mean the graphics card is defective.
Important: These are not controlled before-and-after benchmarks. Different graphics settings were used, and several system-level changes were made. The exact contribution of each adjustment cannot be isolated.
The main lesson is to identify the actual performance limit before upgrading your CPU or GPU.
Advanced Fixes: Should You Undervolt Your CPU or Change MSI Mode?
You may encounter recommendations to undervolt Ryzen CPU cores or change device interrupt behavior through MSI Mode Utility.
These are advanced system-level adjustments, not standard Cyberpunk 2077 fixes.
CPU Undervolting
Undervolting can reduce power consumption and temperatures on some systems.
However, unstable settings can cause crashes, unexpected restarts, or calculation errors.
A configuration that appears stable during a short gaming session may still fail under another workload.
If your CPU is operating normally, do not assume undervolting will improve FPS.
Use manufacturer-supported tuning options and proper stability testing if you choose to explore this area.
MSI Mode Utility
MSI Mode Utility changes how certain devices handle interrupts in Windows.
Incorrect changes can introduce instability or interfere with device operation.
There is not enough evidence to recommend this utility as a routine solution for Cyberpunk 2077 low GPU usage.
Recommendation: Complete the safer checks first. Avoid changing interrupt configurations simply because another system benefited from the adjustment.
Should You Upgrade Your Ryzen 9 5900X?
Not necessarily.
The Ryzen 9 5900X can still provide playable Cyberpunk 2077 performance, but its gaming performance depends on the workload and target frame rate.
A faster gaming-oriented CPU may improve performance in CPU-limited situations, particularly when targeting very high FPS at 1080p.
However, a processor upgrade will not fix an FPS cap, incorrect RAM configuration, unstable driver, or another unrelated limitation.
Identify the bottleneck before spending money.
How to Confirm Your Low GPU Usage Problem Is Fixed
The best way to evaluate a performance change is to compare the same gameplay scenario before and after making one adjustment.
Recommended Testing Method
- Load a save in a repeatable location.
- Disable frame generation for the initial comparison.
- Keep resolution and graphics settings unchanged.
- Record average FPS and frame-time behavior.
- Record GPU utilization, CPU clocks, and temperatures.
- Change one setting.
- Repeat the same test.
Busy areas can expose CPU-side performance limits more clearly than quiet locations, but changing NPC activity and traffic can also make comparisons less consistent.
Before-and-After Performance Checklist
| Measurement | Before | After |
|---|---|---|
| Average FPS | Record result | Record result |
| 1% low FPS | Record if available | Record if available |
| GPU utilization | Record result | Record result |
| CPU utilization | Record result | Record result |
| GPU temperature | Record result | Record result |
| RAM speed | Record result | Record result |
| Frame-time consistency | Smooth or uneven | Smooth or uneven |
A successful fix does not require 99% GPU utilization.
If your average FPS improves, frame-time spikes decrease, and gameplay becomes smoother, the change may be worthwhile even if GPU utilization remains below maximum.
Conversely, increasing GPU usage without improving FPS or frame times is not necessarily a performance improvement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my GPU only at 60% in Cyberpunk 2077?
Your GPU may be waiting for CPU-side processing, restricted by an FPS cap, or affected by another performance limit. Check V-Sync, RAM speed, CPU performance, and graphics settings before assuming the GPU is defective.
Can Cyberpunk 2077 be CPU bottlenecked at 60% CPU usage?
Yes. Overall CPU utilization does not show whether the game's critical processing tasks are limiting FPS. A CPU bottleneck can occur without the entire processor reaching 100%.
Does enabling XMP or DOCP increase Cyberpunk 2077 FPS?
It can improve performance if your memory was operating below its intended supported speed. The benefit depends on your CPU, RAM, motherboard, and current performance limit.
Should I enable Resizable BAR for Cyberpunk 2077?
If your hardware supports ReBAR, it is worth checking its status and comparing performance. It does not guarantee higher FPS, and some configurations may behave differently.
Why doesn't DLSS increase my FPS?
DLSS upscaling primarily reduces GPU rendering workload. If CPU-side processing or an FPS cap is limiting performance, lowering rendering resolution may provide little improvement.
Does the Ryzen 9 5900X bottleneck an RTX 5060 Ti?
It can limit frame rates in some CPU-intensive situations, particularly when targeting very high FPS at 1080p. However, the hardware combination alone does not prove a bottleneck.
Is the RTX 5060 Ti 8GB causing low GPU usage?
Not necessarily. VRAM capacity can affect performance when memory requirements exceed available capacity, but low GPU utilization alone is not evidence of insufficient VRAM.
Will lowering Crowd Density improve FPS?
It can help when crowd simulation contributes to a CPU-side limit. Test Medium or Low in a busy area and compare FPS and frame times.
Is low GPU usage caused by Cyberpunk 2077 Update 2.5?
Low GPU usage alone does not confirm an update-specific bug. Check FPS limits, memory configuration, GPU clocks, and CPU-side performance before attributing the issue to the update.
Should I disable AMD SMT to fix low GPU usage?
Not as a general recommendation. SMT changes can affect performance differently across processors and game versions. Leave the default configuration in place unless you have a specific, verified reason to test another setting.
Final Thoughts
If Cyberpunk 2077 shows only 60–70% GPU usage while FPS refuses to increase, the solution is not necessarily a new graphics card or processor.
Start by checking FPS caps and V-Sync. Then verify your RAM speed and XMP/DOCP configuration, inspect Resizable BAR support, and test Crowd Density.
If performance still does not improve, compare DLSS modes, ray-tracing settings, CPU clocks, GPU behavior, and frame times to identify the limiting component.
The most important takeaway is simple: higher GPU utilization is not the goal by itself. Better frame rates, stable performance, and smoother gameplay are what matter.
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