I think one of my processor cores died :(

[marko94]

Hi again guys,as the title says I think one of me processor cores is dead.

Reasons:
1.Fps in my games is lower(NBA 2k9 used to be 55-60 fps now 30-40)
2.When I run Cinebench test for multiple cores only one core is calculating image
3.I don't think this is the reason but I'll post it anyway,my core temps when on desktop were 39-42C(even when CPU was OC-ed) and now are 52-54C

I just wanna know what do u guys think,is this some minor problem that can be fixed or my core is really dead ?

:(

[nate42nd]

This happened to my AMD X3 8400 about a month ago. I have not played games on that machine nor have I ran Cinebench but in Windows Task Manager I had 3 windows for the CPU....now there is one (so 2 cores dead). The odd thing is I have not noticed MUCH performance drop. I only use this machine for internet but also editing pics.

I have tested mine with two OSs as I dual boot Vista Ultimate and Windows 7 on that machine. I'm pretty sure 2 or my cores failed.

You might try running a Linux live CD and checking the results within Linux. That might help verify it.

[Psycho101]

You probably don't have a dead core. If one core dies, usually so does the CPU. For chips that have more cores than are enabled, they either physically cut connections to surplus cores or add extra hardware so that these cores aren't used by the PC (stops the BIOS detecting them etc).

Repair install of the OS would be a good idea. Also use msconfig and force the number of processors (in boot options) to how ever many you should have.

Also check that the BIOS is set up correctly, and options that restrict the number of CPUs/cores is disabled.

As for the increase in temperatures, you might want to re-seat your cooler. while you've got the cooler off take out the CPU and check for any bent/damaged/burned pins (on the socket for LGA775 or on the CPU for AMD) and socket damage/scorching.

[nate42nd]

I can get them to show up by going into MSCONFIG and the boot tab / advanced and uncheck the # of processors and check "detect HAL" then reboot. This only exists in Vista, it gone in Windows 7. I am dual booting so I go into Vista and do that for both OSs. (BTW, I have tried Ubuntu too and all3 OSs show the problem) After reboot it shows all 3 cores in task manager. I change the settings back (uncheck "detect HAL and check 1, 2, or 3 on the # of processors) and next reboot it goes back to 1 core. I assume it's because of the same problem that caused it in the first place. I don't think a repair install will help in this case since I have 3 OSs running on this machine. Thanks for the idea though.

BTW - BIOS settings are good and I did reseat the cooler and added new (better) thermal paste which DID bring the tepms down. I am still stuck.

[Psycho101]

If checking detect HAL and setting cores to the right number allows the correct number to show, and for them to be used propperly, then it's proof that there's no hardware issue. The fault lies either with the motherboard (probably BIOS) or the OS. I'd still load optimised defaults and do fresh installs of any OS's that aren't detecting all cores. If changing a software setting brings them back, then it's not a hardware issue.

[nate42nd]

What stumps me is this:

Vista Ultimate shows one core
Windows 7 Ultimate shows one core
Ubuntu (Jaunty Jackrabbit) shows one core

So if would have to be a BIOS issue I suppose. It's an HP OEM BIOS you can't do much with it..... I have never made any "major" changes to it. Unless it has a hotkey to unlock features, I have no choice but to deal with it. I have already spent hours in the BIOS making sure everything is correct. It's probably a simple solution as most things are but I am really stumped.

[devit]

wonder if a BIOS reset will help...

[artdrivers]

PhenomMsrTweaker: Cool & Quiet customized

[nate42nd]

Originally Posted by artdrivers

PhenomMsrTweaker: Cool & Quiet customized

Do you think this will help? I cannot find anything in the BIOS about "cool-n-quiet" It's a piece of crap computer. (especially after using three nice ones I've built) I looked into it but don't see how it would help.

[artdrivers]

Do you think this will help? I cannot find anything in the BIOS about "cool-n-quiet"

What AMD based motherboard do you have? Did you install the AMD CPU drivers for it? All Phenom ready boards are suppose to offer coolnquiet.