CPU goes from quad-core to 3 cores w/o my permission

[demonikal]

Should I key in voltages, etc. manually in BIOS

Would that be only reason that a processor would automatically switch from quad-core to 3 available cores '

It also seems that it always chooses the same scheme. Like in BIOS, I think I have the choice of using three different options: something like 1, 2, 3, 4 OR 1, 2, 4 OR 1, 2, 3. I can't remember what it's on now, but I seem to remember it always chooses the second one or the last one. And it switches between 4 cores and 3 cores more often than it used to.

Could it possibly be overheating Or do you think it has something to do with a PSU that no longer can provide the correct voltages or whatever needed to successfully perform

 

[johnb35]

The 955 may be starting to fail on you. To figure out how many cores are being used open task manager and go to performance tab. Cpu usage section should show 4 graphs if all 4 cores are working, 3 graphs if only 3 cores are working.

 

[demonikal]

You were right

 

[johnb35]

Is your bios updated? Other than that, one core may be failing on you. How are your temps? What are you using for cpu cooler?

 

[StrangleHold]

I think I have the choice of using three different options: something like 1, 2, 3, 4 OR 1, 2, 4 OR 1, 2, 3. I can't remember what it's on now, but I seem to remember it always chooses the second one or the last one. And it switches between 4 cores and 3 cores more often than it used to.

Have you tried to set it manually to 1 2 3 4?

 

[demonikal]

Is your bios updated? Other than that, one core may be failing on you. How are your temps? What are you using for cpu cooler?

When I did a clean install in December or January to put the 3 Win OS's on my ssd, I never did the bios update. So, I got to do that. Maybe I'll do that tonight and see what happens over the next week.

Temps:



CPU cooler:

Thermaltake A4022 TR2-R1 CPU FAN SOCKT AM3/939/757 (AM3 for me)

Have you tried to set it manually to 1 2 3 4?

Yeah. Eventually, it goes back to apparently this: 0, 1, 2.



I'm going to try updating the bios and see what happens.

 

[beers]

Just for giggles do you have this ticked for processors in msconfig?

(run->msconfig->boot->advanced)

 

[demonikal]

Just for giggles do you have this ticked for processors in msconfig?

(run->msconfig->boot->advanced)

I did NOT change it as soon as you mentioned it. It was one of the things I made sure to check last year when I was looking for ways to speed up a Windows 7 machine.

 

[Shane]

What happens in Prime95 if you stress all the cores?..does 4 show up?

Is there any option for "CPU Core Activation" in your asus board Bios?..what settings does it list.
Although im sure this option is for unlocking 4th disabled core on x3 AMDs.