GPU power at idle, how to reset?

Ubuntu (22.02) + RTX3090 (515.65.01)

After restart, nvidia-smi reports a power usage of 15W/370W, and the GPU temp is 27C. Also, it shows only two processes: Xorg, gnome-shell.

After starting any process that ‘tickles’ the GPU (even just running a remote vscode server, and closing it right away), the GPU will switch to a different ‘mode’, in which the power usage fluctuates between 27-37W, and the temp will rise to 36C.

My question - is there any way to make the GPU return to its initial idle mode (to save power and reduce temps)?

  • nvidia-smi --gpu-reset, doesn’t work as it’s the primary GPU.
  • tried to kill Xorg and gnome-shell (as no monitor is attached, connecting only through SSH), but it didn’t make any change either.