after doing more research, found that task manager doesn't accurately represent GPU processing. instead used HWiNFO64 and saw that GPU core load was maxing at 100%, power draw was higher, and temperature was up.
Windows does show the GPU usage if you are using it correctly. Open task manager, go to performance then GPU 1 and click the down-arrow beside Copy. Then select CUDA and now you will see your GPU is actually working.
