Underperformance Quad-Core CPU

Hello!
I have very poor AMD Phenom 9600 benchmarks:

WinRAR = 454 w/TLB fix diabled Avg scores for my system 1,100
Call Juarez = 30 FPS Avg score = 45

Dont know whats wrong. Could it be a dead core? How can I check?
1) My WinRAR score with the TLB fix enabled is a sickening 80!!! vs 454 disabled. So I am certain that the fix was disabled at my score of 454.

2)Regarding number of active cores:
a) When I run task manager I see only ONE window for CPU in performance.
b) Running CPU-Z V1.49 shows ONE Processor ONE Core
c) CrystalCUPID V 4.15 shows only ONE of One cores (Code name Agena?) I should see 1/FOUR
d) In Vista Sidebar using mCPU Gadget: Shows Four cores HOWEVER
only ONE ever displays activity. I tested it by really loading up applications and Never saw activity of the other three cores!!!

I think I have a REAL Problem here. help

My Setup:
OS : Windows Vista Home Premium X-64 SP1
CPU Name : AMD Phenom X4 (Agena)9600 Quad-Core
Platform : Socket AM2/AM2+ Physical Core : 4
Clock : 2300.00 MHz

L1 I-Cache : 64 KB
L1 D-Cache : 64 KB
L2 Cache : 512 KB [Full:2300.14 MHz]
L3 Cache : 2048 KB
Memory : 3327 MB

North Bridge : 780G South Bridge : SB700
Video Chip :ATI Radeon HD 3870

BIOS Vendor : American Megatrends Inc.
BIOS Version : GATEWA - 20080218
BIOS Date : 02/18/2008
SM BIOS Caption : 7B3G1P04
SM BIOS Version : 2.5
Mother Vendor : Gateway
Mother Product : Foxconn
Mother Version : Piece of Junk
System Vendor : Gateway
System Model : GT5676
BIOS ROM Size : 1024 KB
Mother Vendor : Gateway

I suggest a motherboard driver update. Sounds like your cores are not working together at all.

avgwarhawk said:

I suggest a motherboard driver update. Sounds like your cores are not working together at all.

Click to expand...

Look I have been dealing with the same problem.....well, actuall I just hate this 1.8 GHz Quad core Phenom. See It's fine for playing with pictures but I can't even run a low key game like Tomb Raider.

I have the Asus M2N68-LA motherboard, and my question to anyone who is knowledgeable about the issue is: What Processors are out there will be compatible for this motherboard? I want something that is at least 2.5 GHz or more but not too hot. I'm already drained from purchasing the machine. And also, would this just be a videocard issue, or a combination of Videocard and motherboard/chipset deal?

The computer specs are listed on my profile so PLEASE give me what input you can!

Thanks,
Josh

I think that is the AM2 socket. So any core that fits the AM2 socket setup on your mobo.

avgwarhawk said:

I think that is the AM2 socket. So any core that fits the AM2 socket setup on your mobo.

Click to expand...

Do you have any suggestions?

Should I keep my quad core, or focus on a core duo?

ATC67STANG said:

I have the Asus M2N68-LA motherboard,

Click to expand...

This is one reason to avoid pre-built computers, major lack of upgradeability. Specs on that motherboard,

Motherboard Specifications, M2N68-LA (Narra) 

CPU/Processor

• Socket: AM2
• Supports the following processors:
  • Athlon 64 X2 with Dual Core technology
  • Athlon 64
  • Sempron

Click to expand...

So unless HP releases a bios update supporting the Phenom's, you're SOL and stuck with whatever HP will "allow" you to upgrade too.

stormy13 said:

ATC67STANG said:

I have the Asus M2N68-LA motherboard,

Click to expand...

This is one reason to avoid pre-built computers, major lack of upgradeability. Specs on that motherboard,

Motherboard Specifications, M2N68-LA (Narra)*

CPU/Processor

• Socket: AM2
• Supports the following processors:
  • Athlon 64 X2 with Dual Core technology
  • Athlon 64
  • Sempron

Click to expand...

So unless HP releases a bios update supporting the Phenom's, you're SOL and stuck with whatever HP will "allow" you to upgrade too.

Click to expand...

What about intel? I'm thinking I want to go in that direction!

What about intel? I'm thinking I want to go in that direction!

Click to expand...

lol.... finally

scrap that AMD H/W & grad yourself a skt775 mobo & C2D or C2Q, the difference is like ''night & day''

whats your budget..?? im assuming your gonna want a new GFX card also.. ??




SK

skunksmash said:

What about intel? I'm thinking I want to go in that direction!

Click to expand...

lol.... finally

scrap that AMD H/W & grad yourself a skt775 mobo & C2D or C2Q, the difference is like ''night & day''

whats your budget..?? im assuming your gonna want a new GFX card also.. ??




SK

Click to expand...

Yean I want a GFX card too but budget is really no problem so let me in on the details!

PC is Nine months old!!!!
Any suggestions Re: new MB?

what will you keep from the old rig..?? case, PSU..?? or do you wanna go all out on a FULL system, & keep your current rig as a back up..??

are you a heavy gamer..??

will you be looking to OC..??

do you want to go SLI or CFX, or would you like a powerful single GFX card solution..??

do you have any H/W brands you wish to steer clear of..?? if not give me a while & i'll throw some components together for ya...





SK

Suggestion:

Cyberpower. Great prices and great computer. Customize to you liking. I have one and will never go to the usual Best Buy computers they carry.

skunksmash said:

what will you keep from the old rig..??
I'm hoping all I need is a new CPU (FREE from Gateway/AMD lol) PC is only 9 months old.

case, PSU..?? Keep case and PSU (Corsair TX650W)
or do you wanna go all out on a FULL system, & keep your current rig as a back up..??Keep current rig

are you a heavy gamer..?? I like to think so

will you be looking to OC..?? No

do you want to go SLI or CFX, or would you like a powerful single GFX card solution..?? Keep ATI HD3870 No SLI/CFX

do you have any H/W brands you wish to steer clear of..?? if not give me a while & i'll throw some components together for ya... Foxconn
Thank You





SK

Click to expand...

vvvvvvvvv

skunksmash said:

what will you keep from the old rig..?? case, PSU..?? or do you wanna go all out on a FULL system, & keep your current rig as a back up..??

are you a heavy gamer..??

will you be looking to OC..??

do you want to go SLI or CFX, or would you like a powerful single GFX card solution..??

do you have any H/W brands you wish to steer clear of..?? if not give me a while & i'll throw some components together for ya...






SK

Click to expand...

Honestly I just want something that will support games for casual playing. I'm not a diehard gammer. I just bought this computer and I would like to just get a new CPU and GFX card to support the games with as little lag as possible. I'm not an online gammer by all means! Hope you understand what I'm saying here. As far as steering clear of brands, I have no opinion as of now.
Just give me some guidance thats all!

Korki Buchek said:

skunksmash said:

what will you keep from the old rig..??
I'm hoping all I need is a new CPU (FREE from Gateway/AMD lol) PC is only 9 months old.

case, PSU..?? Keep case and PSU (Corsair TX650W)
or do you wanna go all out on a FULL system, & keep your current rig as a back up..??Keep current rig

are you a heavy gamer..?? I like to think so

will you be looking to OC..?? No

do you want to go SLI or CFX, or would you like a powerful single GFX card solution..?? Keep ATI HD3870 No SLI/CFX

do you have any H/W brands you wish to steer clear of..?? if not give me a while & i'll throw some components together for ya... Foxconn
Thank You





SK

Click to expand...

vvvvvvvvv

Click to expand...

lol..... sorry Korki Buchek, i thought your query had been answered, didn't mean to ignore ya.


ok.... CPU recommendation, i will have a look & get back to ya...





SK

ATC67STANG said:

skunksmash said:

what will you keep from the old rig..?? case, PSU..?? or do you wanna go all out on a FULL system, & keep your current rig as a back up..??

are you a heavy gamer..??

will you be looking to OC..??

do you want to go SLI or CFX, or would you like a powerful single GFX card solution..??

do you have any H/W brands you wish to steer clear of..?? if not give me a while & i'll throw some components together for ya...






SK

Click to expand...

Honestly I just want something that will support games for casual playing. I'm not a diehard gammer. I just bought this computer and I would like to just get a new CPU and GFX card to support the games with as little lag as possible. I'm not an online gammer by all means! Hope you understand what I'm saying here. As far as steering clear of brands, I have no opinion as of now.
Just give me some guidance thats all!

Click to expand...

Unfortunately, the idea of 'casual game' is becoming history. Games now are being geared towards dual and quad cores. They are developed around this hardware along with faster video cards. Sure, there are a few out there now and or being developed that require not much power to run but by and by, more games will switch to systems that have multiple cores.

ATC67STANG said:

skunksmash said:

what will you keep from the old rig..?? case, PSU..?? or do you wanna go all out on a FULL system, & keep your current rig as a back up..??

are you a heavy gamer..??

will you be looking to OC..??

do you want to go SLI or CFX, or would you like a powerful single GFX card solution..??

do you have any H/W brands you wish to steer clear of..?? if not give me a while & i'll throw some components together for ya...






SK

Click to expand...

Honestly I just want something that will support games for casual playing. I'm not a diehard gammer. I just bought this computer and I would like to just get a new CPU and GFX card to support the games with as little lag as possible. I'm not an online gammer by all means! Hope you understand what I'm saying here. As far as steering clear of brands, I have no opinion as of now.
Just give me some guidance thats all!

Click to expand...

well, you cant go ''intel'' without changing your motherboard im afraid, so it would mean a new build to lose AMD..


AMD in general just have slow chips compared with intel's core 2 architecture, you'll often find a low end E2180 @ 3ghz will keep up with or outperform even AMD's high end ''B.E'' chips

so any AMD chip i recommend wont show vast improvement over your x4 9150.... or the OPs x4 9600, they're pretty ''high end'' for AMD...

you will see a great improvement with a new GFX card over the onboard rubbish.....





SK

skunksmash said:

ATC67STANG said:

skunksmash said:

what will you keep from the old rig..?? case, PSU..?? or do you wanna go all out on a FULL system, & keep your current rig as a back up..??

are you a heavy gamer..??

will you be looking to OC..??

do you want to go SLI or CFX, or would you like a powerful single GFX card solution..??

do you have any H/W brands you wish to steer clear of..?? if not give me a while & i'll throw some components together for ya...






SK

Click to expand...

Honestly I just want something that will support games for casual playing. I'm not a diehard gammer. I just bought this computer and I would like to just get a new CPU and GFX card to support the games with as little lag as possible. I'm not an online gammer by all means! Hope you understand what I'm saying here. As far as steering clear of brands, I have no opinion as of now.
Just give me some guidance thats all!

Click to expand...

well, you cant go ''intel'' without changing your motherboard im afraid, so it would mean a new build to lose AMD..


AMD in general just have slow chips compared with intel's core 2 architecture, you'll often find a low end E2180 @ 3ghz will keep up with or outperform even AMD's high end ''B.E'' chips

so any AMD chip i recommend wont show vast improvement over your x4 9150.... or the OPs x4 9600, they're pretty ''high end'' for AMD...

you will see a great improvement with a new GFX card over the onboard rubbish.....





SK

Click to expand...

So basically your just saying that a new GFX card should solve my problems?

Here is the story: I bought the Tomb Raider Underworld game for my mom who love's this game. And after realizing my cpu was only 1.8 GHz I then read how the game needs at least an AMD x2 2.5 GHz or higher to run. So where do I go from here was my question. I started to run the game and then realized that the thing was just freezing up for like 4 seconds at a time and then moving so slowly. Enough to make me hotter than my Turion x2 running firefox and Word Simotaneously lol.

Will a GFX card resolve my issue?:sa:

ATC67STANG said:

skunksmash said:

ATC67STANG said:

Honestly I just want something that will support games for casual playing. I'm not a diehard gammer. I just bought this computer and I would like to just get a new CPU and GFX card to support the games with as little lag as possible. I'm not an online gammer by all means! Hope you understand what I'm saying here. As far as steering clear of brands, I have no opinion as of now.
Just give me some guidance thats all!

Click to expand...

well, you cant go ''intel'' without changing your motherboard im afraid, so it would mean a new build to lose AMD..


AMD in general just have slow chips compared with intel's core 2 architecture, you'll often find a low end E2180 @ 3ghz will keep up with or outperform even AMD's high end ''B.E'' chips

so any AMD chip i recommend wont show vast improvement over your x4 9150.... or the OPs x4 9600, they're pretty ''high end'' for AMD...

you will see a great improvement with a new GFX card over the onboard rubbish.....





SK

Click to expand...

So basically your just saying that a new GFX card should solve my problems?

Here is the story: I bought the Tomb Raider Underworld game for my mom who love's this game. And after realizing my cpu was only 1.8 GHz I then read how the game needs at least an AMD x2 2.5 GHz or higher to run. So where do I go from here was my question. I started to run the game and then realized that the thing was just freezing up for like 4 seconds at a time and then moving so slowly. Enough to make me hotter than my Turion x2 running firefox and Word Simotaneously lol.

Will a GFX card resolve my issue?:sa:

Click to expand...

there are only a certain few onboard GPU chipsets ''actually'' designed for some form of gaming, & even those are pretty dire....

you need a GFX card, if you want to run anything even slightly modern.......this is the problem with ppl wanting to play games on machines which ''in reality'' are only capable of running media, hence the reason a lot of ppl opt for a console to game on as its cheaper.......(but it offers nowhere near the power the PC can...lol )

as long as you have a free x16 PCIe slot & a good enough power supply, its certainly the way to go.....




SK

ATC67STANG said:

skunksmash said:

ATC67STANG said:

Honestly I just want something that will support games for casual playing. I'm not a diehard gammer. I just bought this computer and I would like to just get a new CPU and GFX card to support the games with as little lag as possible. I'm not an online gammer by all means! Hope you understand what I'm saying here. As far as steering clear of brands, I have no opinion as of now.
Just give me some guidance thats all!

Click to expand...

well, you cant go ''intel'' without changing your motherboard im afraid, so it would mean a new build to lose AMD..


AMD in general just have slow chips compared with intel's core 2 architecture, you'll often find a low end E2180 @ 3ghz will keep up with or outperform even AMD's high end ''B.E'' chips

so any AMD chip i recommend wont show vast improvement over your x4 9150.... or the OPs x4 9600, they're pretty ''high end'' for AMD...

you will see a great improvement with a new GFX card over the onboard rubbish.....





SK

Click to expand...

So basically your just saying that a new GFX card should solve my problems?

Here is the story: I bought the Tomb Raider Underworld game for my mom who love's this game. And after realizing my cpu was only 1.8 GHz I then read how the game needs at least an AMD x2 2.5 GHz or higher to run. So where do I go from here was my question. I started to run the game and then realized that the thing was just freezing up for like 4 seconds at a time and then moving so slowly. Enough to make me hotter than my Turion x2 running firefox and Word Simotaneously lol.

Will a GFX card resolve my issue?:sa:

Click to expand...

Here is the problem. You have 1.8 GHz to work with. The game requires 2.5 GHz to run. I suspect these are the minimum requirements? You are already behind the 8 ball here. Yes, a gfx card is and will be better than an onboard gfx set up. However, you are getting into the realm of more money. These cards like a strong PSU. You need a PSU to supply the amps the card requires to run properly. I'm guessing your PSU is 300 watt OEM. For example, my 9800GT like 26 amps to run. If your 300 watt is pushing 10 amps, the card will not work correctly and possibly burn up the PSU and motherboard to boot. Your computer is only as fast as it's slowest part.