When a CPU dies - symptoms ?

[nate42nd]

I had my video card go out on me. I sent it back and they fixed it (BFG)

I just got it back and got it running. This is when I discovered my CPU now has only one core....not 3. (AMD Phenom 8400 Triple core)

I have checked everything I know to check. It still works but really slow.

Task manager, CPUZ, SIW, Everest all show only one core when they all showed 3 coers before my video card died.

I think the video card and CPU went at the same time....it is working but VERY slowly. L2 cache is showing 1/3 of what it should be too.

Has anyone else seen this when a CPU dies?

[NimrodAUS]

Have you tried Loading Optimum defaults in BIOS?

[nate42nd]

Yes I have. This is an "OEM" BIOS from HP and does not have many options but I am familiar with the BIOS. The funny thing is the BIOS shows the correct L2 and L3 cache.

I am also dual booting Windows 7 and Vista Ultimate on the machine. It's the same in both OSs.

I have tried the "detect HAL" option in MSconfig boot options in Vista. (WIndows 7) does not have the option. Another person suggested I do this.

I have now tried everything I can think to do.

It's a Phenom 8400 triple core that was discontinued. I think I am finding out why they quit making them.

Thanks for the reply, if you think of anything else, let me know.

[computeruler]

It sounds like a new computer and since its an hp, I would return it and get a new one.

[nate42nd]

No, it's almost 3 years old. I got it refurbished and is out of warranty long ago.

The Phenom 8400 triple core has some problems. That's why the discontinued it shortly after release and replaced it with the 8450. I am still using the system (it's a backup) and it seems to work better than I thought it would. I can do almost anything I could before.

It has me wondering if the CPU is telling Windows and all other apps I've tried that the cores are dead when if fact they are not. I don't know. I was hoping someone had heard of the same situation. Thanks for the reply.

[computeruler]

I guess its on its last legs then.

[nate42nd]

Yea, I will just use it until it dies. I have a Quad core system and will have an i5 870 system when they come out (most likely) so I will have the Quad core system as a backup. haha

Pretty weird problem though to have 2 of the 3 cores disappear from all view and not be able to tell if they are working or not. It's slower so like you said..."it on it's last leg"

I am running all kinds of stuff on it right now hooked up through the network to my quad system. It has not died yet. I don't know what to think.

[dumay]

its been a while since i saw an intel chip die

[NimrodAUS]

I want to get an old P4 and a cheapo S775 Board and see what happens with Max volts on vcore and vdimm. lol

[nate42nd]

Originally Posted by dumay

its been a while since i saw an intel chip die

That's what I'm wondering. Is it dead. It still works pretty good. I can even run prime95 for hours. It just is a little slower and only shows it has one core not three. I don't know what to make of it. I will just keep using it until it does die. I'm glad it's not my main system.

EDIT: After a month it is still going. I edit pictures and video on this machine and it does not seem to be that much slower. I wonder if it's something in the BIOS or what.....If anybody knows why this CPU would be showing only one core, let me know. Remember I have tested it on Vista, Windows 7, and Ubuntu. They all show only one core after months of showing 3. Weird.