Hi everyone. So here's the deal: I have a 7800X3D CPU, an RTX 4090, and 64GB of memory. I also have a Pimax Crystal Light. I only fly in VR. I am noticing that my GPU usage is going up very high (in the 90's %) but my CPU usage is quite low (40-45%). Should the balance be better than that? Is there something I can do to increase CPU utilization which lowering GPU utilization?

Hi,

Very shortly for GPU optimisation, limit your FPS in VR (and/or 2D) to your requirement (mine is limited to 36 fps, which is the half of Quest 3 frequency 72)

You do not have CPU bottleneck. I have also CPU bottleneck and I use Proccess Lasso for CPU utilisation and core prioritisation (affinity).

 

26 minutes ago, kt069 said:

Hi,

Very shortly for GPU optimisation, limit your FPS in VR (and/or 2D) to your requirement (mine is limited to 36 fps, which is the half of Quest 3 frequency 72)

You do not have CPU bottleneck. I have also CPU bottleneck and I use Proccess Lasso for CPU utilisation and core prioritisation (affinity).

 

I already have my VR framerate max set to 30. I need to understand how to add load to the CPU and lower it from the GPU. I feel like my system is still very good and I am sure there are concepts I just don't understand. I watch YouTube videos until I'm sick of them but there are so many theories and so many conflicting opinions, and I never know who actually knows what the hell they're talking about and who doesn't. And don't even get me started with all the AI advice you can bring up trying to find good suggestions.

1 hour ago, Rob G said:

I already have my VR framerate max set to 30. I need to understand how to add load to the CPU and lower it from the GPU. I feel like my system is still very good and I am sure there are concepts I just don't understand. I watch YouTube videos until I'm sick of them but there are so many theories and so many conflicting opinions, and I never know who actually knows what the hell they're talking about and who doesn't. And don't even get me started with all the AI advice you can bring up trying to find good suggestions.

For VR framerate, the best practice is to set the limit in accordance with your VR headset. In my example, my Quest 3 is set to 72 fps for headset to generate views and therefore MSFS2024 is set to 36 (half of 72) or if the GPU is powerful maybe to 72 to match the framerates. If you use Pimax or etc. check your fps on your headset and adjust MSFS2024 VR fps to half or same fps for a better performance.

In my case, CPU is the bottleneck therefore I really do need to use GPU instead of CPU.Therefore , I know the tricks to optimise CPU.

But in your case, CPU and GPU are all powerfull, so just to decsrease GPU consumption will give you the equilibrium. Good Luck

 

On 3/15/2026 at 10:12 PM, Rob G said:

Should the balance be better than that?

No.  IMO what you are experiencing is the ideal situation for running VR flightsim. The graphics power needed for driving a Crystal Light is intense.   When I run VR with my G2, I've tuned my MSFS graphics settings to get the GPU/CPU performance you are experiencing.  I do this because I want the best possible image quality for my G2, thus I want my 5090 "pushed to the wall" performance-wise to deliver that eye candy.  This is the only reason why I bought it...I WANT MORE!

On 3/15/2026 at 10:12 PM, Rob G said:

Is there something I can do to increase CPU utilization which lowering GPU utilization?

If you have Windows HAGS enabled, disabling it may achieve this goal but probably not in a manner that'd make a big difference.

Basically, you are fine!  But I'm assuming you are happy with how your CL is performing.  It's easy to reduce graphics use:  turn down MSFS graphics settings and/or reduce the resolution you use for your CL.  But IMO doing stuff like this basically nixes why anyone would want a high end GPU.  Don't worry about driving your GPU at 90% utilization (less it's constantly temperature and/or power throttling), and enjoy the glorious performance it's delivering for you.  If you are having problems with your GPU temperature and/or power throttling, you most likely have a problem with case airflow or maybe your GPU's heatsink is having problems such as a bad install, failing fans, or incorrect driver settings.

Edited March 18Mar 18 by TheFamilyMan

Just curious, what MSFS settings are you running?

2 hours ago, SKEWR said:

Just curious, what MSFS settings are you running?

Combination of medium and high. No ultra settings. Trying different tools to manage tlod and olod. Playing with autofps and aerotune. Medium clouds, medium texture resolution, high precaching. If you’re interested in a particular setting just ask and I’ll report back. Pima play I’m using 90hz, half frame rate, and quality setting of 90. 

41 minutes ago, Rob G said:

Combination of medium and high. No ultra settings. Trying different tools to manage tlod and olod. Playing with autofps and aerotune. Medium clouds, medium texture resolution, high precaching. If you’re interested in a particular setting just ask and I’ll report back. Pima play I’m using 90hz, half frame rate, and quality setting of 90. 

I'm considering getting a new PIMAX CL and I'm trying to see what I'm in for. No specific setting, just getting my expectations ready. Thank you!