gputaskman shows GPU memory-consuming processes in the terminal

Developed by Microsoft employee Scott Hanselman, the free, open-source gputaskman displays GPU-using processes and their memory consumption in a terminal window. Hanselman shared the project on X last week and said he was open to suggestions for contributions. Alongside the process list, the tool provides a single-screen view for monitoring GPU usage, clock speed, temperature, and power.

What information does gputaskman show?

The tool lists each GPU-using process on a separate row and shows its video memory usage. Engine activity and information about the loaded runtime are also included. CUDA and Vulkan are given as examples of these runtimes.

The interface runs in a terminal window and uses an htop-style layout. GPU usage, clock speed, temperature, and power are shown in the top panel. This lets users inspect not only total memory consumption but also how much memory each listed process is using.

How does it differ from System Task Manager?

According to the source, Windows Task Manager has been able to show GPU usage since 2017. However, while it may report that, for example, 15 GB of video memory is in use, it does not provide the same level of detail about which processes are consuming that memory. gputaskman’s key distinction is that it lists GPU-using processes and memory usage per process alongside the total.

This can make it easier to investigate situations where graphics card memory appears more heavily occupied than expected while an application is running. However, the source does not say that the tool can terminate processes or intervene in memory usage; its stated functions are limited to monitoring and listing.

Impact on architecture and archviz workflows

Seeing which processes are using GPU memory can help users understand resource consumption when multiple graphics applications are open on the same computer. Architecture firms and visualization artists working with modeling, visualization, or other GPU-using software may find this view useful for examining the processes behind total usage. It is not a performance test by itself, but a monitoring tool that shows where memory is being used.

Because the tool runs in a terminal, its interface is a consideration for users expecting a graphical application. The source does not provide information about supported operating systems, graphics card models, or compatibility with specific software. Before adding it to a workflow, check whether it runs on the system in use; users should expect process visibility, not a performance boost.

Open-source project welcomes contributions

When Hanselman shared the project on X, he also said he was open to pull requests with contribution suggestions. The source does not mention a paid version, release schedule, or technical system requirements, so no definitive information is available on those points.

gputaskman’s level of detail may be useful for anyone who wants to see more than a single total GPU usage figure. However, the project information does not specify which systems or driver configurations the tool works with. If trying it on archviz workstations, compatibility and its effect on the existing workflow should be evaluated separately.