GPU Usage in BF3 is pathetic!

So I monitored my GPU usage yesterday when playing BF3 on my rig and I have to say that it seems really low!

I also installed the new 296.10 WHQL drivers and configured my BF3 settings with nVidia Inspector (Maximum Performance was the only setting that was changed [from Adaptive]). The GPUs I'm using are the EVGA GTX-580 Classified 3GB in 4-way SLI.

I have attached a pic of the GPU usage so can someone tell me how I can get the GPUs to be utilized optimally? With this low amount of usage, I am getting 40 - 70 FPS (varies from map to map and intensity of firefight). With 99% usage on all 4 GPUs, I would wager my FPS would be significantly higher.

All the settings are maxed out (Ultra) except Shadows (High) and AA-Deferred is turned to "Off". AO is set to SSAO and AF is x16. The resolution I'm gaming at is 7680x1600. I am also using the FXAA Injector (Danoc's 1.3 Beta) and the game looks phenomenal but I want to have my GPUs used properly!

The pic of the GPU usage:


What's surprising is that the first GPU seems to be somewhat constant in its usage (around 58%). The other three GPUs seem to be all over the place (all around 50%).! Why on earth is the usage so erratic? And, why is the first GPU constant while the others seem to be so staccato?

In essence, how do I get my GPU usage to be more or less uniform across all four of them and be at or around 99%?

Please help!
Edited by Baasha - 3/14/12 at 11:12pm

Thanks for the replies guys.

First, I think I was being a retard with regards to the graph/pic. I just realized that the readings are BELOW the heading for each section! Meaning, I was only looking at 3 of the GPUs and wondering why the "first" one was somewhat linear. The 4th one was below and I didn't scroll down. So that "issue" is resolved; all four of the GPUs show terrible usage now!

As far as 4-Way SLI optimization is concerned, I guess I agree with you. However, there are some folks out there with Eyefinity/nVidia Surround (although only 3 1080P monitors) who seem to be getting a constant 60+ FPS in BF3 etc. Of course, the difference in the number of pixels is exponential but I would think I should be able to get a solid 60 - 70 FPS with FOUR GTX-580 Classifieds! That GPU has 3GB of VRAM so I know that's not an issue; it only becomes an issue if I turn on AA-Deferred (to either 2x or 4x) or set AO to HBAO.

The thing is, in games like Arkham City, I run it at 8100x1600 (Bezel corrected) with everything maxed out (DX11 etc.) and I'm almost always around 60 FPS. That game is pretty intensive graphics-wise as well. I suppose the game was better optimized by the developers to work with SLI/Surround configurations(?). Bulletstorm is another beauty (as long as there is no MSAA). Everything maxed out I still get 50 - 60 FPS pretty consistently. AC: Revelations is also at 8100x1600 but I get only around 30 - 40 FPS with everything maxed out. Crysis 2 at 8100x1600 I am quite stable at around 60 - 70 FPS. That is with the Blackfire 2 Mod and the Maldo 3 mod. Dirt 3 is superb as I get a constant 95 - 110 FPS at 8100x1600 with everything maxed out. So the driver/game optimization seems to be the culprit but I was hoping there would be some workaround for BF3. I would love to blast at around 100 FPS; would make for some scenic moments!

Anyway, it looks like I will have to stick to this widely varying FPS in the game. The game plays very smoothly, however if it was pegged at 60+ FPS, it would be that much better.
Edited by Baasha - 3/15/12 at 1:01am