Why is GPU maxxed but only getting 45 FPS? (screenshots inside)

[sofakng]

Here's my system:

i5 2500k @ 4.0 GHz
2x nVidia GTX-480 (SLI)
8 GB RAM
Windows 7 x64

I'm trying to play Super Mario Galaxy at Wii resolution (!!) (640x528) but I'm only getting 45 FPS at the Observation Deck and also my framerate dips quite a bit elsewhere.

My CPU is showing 50% usage, but both my GPUs are at 85 - 90%.

Here's a screenshot:

[ExtremeDude2]

You need to OC your CPU more.

[sofakng]

CPU is only showing 50% though?

Also, if I check "Skip Dest. Alpha Pass" I gain a HUGE FPS boost and my GPU usage drops to about 50%, but of course the game (Super Mario Galaxy) has really bad shadows, etc.

EDIT: Also, if you check the task manager screenshot you see that every core is at about 50% so it seems like I'm bottlenecked by my GPU?

[ExtremeDude2]

CPU is only showing 50% though?

That's because you have more cores then dolphin can use.

[Garteal]

The resolution you pick doesn't matter because your GPU can easily handle up to x3 IR.
I think you should be able to run the game a bit better than that.
Give us your settings.

[sofakng]

OK - Here are my settings using D3D9. (My CPU was already overclocked to 4.5 GHz but I thought it was at 4.0 GHz)





Also, here's another screenshot showing only 57 FPS in the main Galaxy overworld (ie. very start of the game)



Uploaded with ImageShack.us
Here are my specs again:

i5-2500k @ 4.5 GHz
8 GB DDR3 RAM
2x nVidia GTX-485 [SLI]

Please help!

[eatmagnetic]

Maybe you try to set Texture Cache to Fast?
And enable OpenMP Texture Decoder, disable Per-Pixel Depth

Also Disable Lock Threads to Core - or you can try and see if it raises or lowers your speed. But there shouldnt be that impact in this setting.

Good Luck!

[DefenderX]

Check "Open MP Texture Decoder" and enable "Skip EFB Access from CPU". Besides, slide the thing of the Texture Cache to the fastes value.

[Anti-Ultimate]

lol, the Observatory is slow for anyone, it has been like that for ages^^
Go play some levels, they will run at full speed.

[sofakng]

Thanks for all of the replies everybody. I'll try the new settings when I get home...

However, if I enable "Skip EFB Access from CPU" then I can't use pull-stars, right?

I would accept the fact that the observatory is laggy for everybody, but I also have stuttering and framerate dips even in the very first level (not the intro levels but the first actual level). I can post a screenshot if needed.

The wiimote speaker also seems lagged or something... do most people just disable it?