Where is my second Core in my CPU?

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This is so weird, I’ve been reluctant to even post this.

For years, my AMD Athlon X2, 64 bit, 5200+ cpu has been reported by Windows and programs like SIW, as a dual core CPU. (which is really is)

But more recently it’s being reported as only a single core chip.

I’ve reset the Bios several times, but nothing has changed.

So I’m looking for any ideas, where my second core could have gone. ???

Is this common, for one core to just stop working???

Any ideas will be welcomed.
The Doctor

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That is weird, usually if you’re going have a problem like this it’s one of the temp sensors that malfunctions and not an entire core.
How does it perform relative to how it previously did?

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When you open Task Manager, under the Performance tab do you see one or two graphs for the CPU ?

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That is weird, usually if you’re going have a problem like this it’s one of the temp sensors that malfunctions and not an entire core.
How does it perform relative to how it previously did?

Well, as near as I can discern, it still runs GREAT! Always did! Better than some new PC’s I’ve had to work on.

When you open Task Manager, under the Performance tab do you see one or two graphs for the CPU ?

Only one core showing, no matter what program I run.

Except, SIW does show the spec’s of the CPU accurately as a X2, Dual Core, CPU.
But then when it gets down to the cores, it shows only one. Grrrrrr!

I have thought about maybe, taking out my CPU chip, and reinstalling it. Something is amiss somewhere.

It’s not like I’m out of business, or anything like that, because my PC still runs like a scalded cat, but when I can see only one core on a Dual Core CPU, it does cause me a reason to ponder, just WTF is going on. ???

This PC is ten years old, so I suppose I’ll have to break down an build me a new one, some day, but not till I absolutely HAVE to.
I actually have ten running PC’s in the house, and this old Desktop is the best of the bunch.

Thanks guys!
Doc

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Well, as near as I can discern, it still runs GREAT! Always did! Better than some new PC’s I’ve had to work on.

Sorry, losing a core from an older dual core is going to hit performance. It would have a big impact.

Have you checked that TaskMan is set to display one graph per CPU?

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In msconfig/Boot/Advanced you could try changing the 1 to 2 for the CPUs to see if that will fire it up, but if there isn’t a 2 then it looks like a hardware problem.

Mine only shows as 1 but I have two graphs.

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I don’t think these things are meant to last 10 years, like the Mars rovers, if you get a few more years out of them it’s just a blessing.
If you’re intent on keeping the system, a CPU replacement shouldn’t be that difficult. You’ll probably get a 90% price markup.

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In Device Manager/Processors does it still show as two entries and when you right click on either/Properties, is there an error message for any ?

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Good idea, I wouldn’t have thought to look there right away.

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Good idea, I wouldn’t have thought to look there right away.

I was a bit slow in getting there

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May check power management. In ‘advance’ section, there is a setting to turn off other cores to save power.

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May check power management. In ‘advance’ section, there is a setting to turn off other cores to save power.

Not in XP!

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Check that you have the correct HAL loaded.
Change the HAL.

cheers, Paul

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S

This is so weird, I’ve been reluctant to even post this.

For years, my AMD Athlon X2, 64 bit, 5200+ cpu has been reported by Windows and programs like SIW, as a dual core CPU. (which is really is)

But more recently it’s being reported as only a single core chip.

I’ve reset the Bios several times, but nothing has changed.

So I’m looking for any ideas, where my second core could have gone. ???

Is this common, for one core to just stop working???

Any ideas will be welcomed.
The Doctor

This should be obvious, but have you checked for a BIOS upgrade for your motherboard?

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S

This should be obvious, but have you checked for a BIOS upgrade for your motherboard?

Yes, it was obvious, years ago when I got the very last Bios upgrade for my 2005 vintage AMD CPU.

But since then my mobo has been out thrice for capacitor replacement and CPU fan bracket repair.

It’s becoming painfully obvious, that there is NO software repair for my missing core. It has to be something in the motherboard itself.

I’ll keep it chugging along as long as I can, before I am forced to replace it. I’m physically able to build a new PC, just not financially able at this time.
But as long as it’s still running as well as it is today, I’m in no hurry to replace it.

Thanks guys, for all your suggestions, even the ones that don’t work for a ten year old PC, running Windows XP.

Wishing y’all a very good 2015,
The Doctor

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Paul thanks for that link. I did not realize it was such a painless straight forward process.

However it does seem to be something that one would remember doing, I am going with a hardware problem until proven wrong which means : Drwho keep that backup handy.:cheers:

Just because you don't know where you are going doesn't mean any road will get you there.

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Maybe we should start a “recycle your old computer to a needy user” service. Someone can be the local host for old hardware and people can suggest needy users.

cheers, Paul

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Don’t you have a Device Manager in XP to check its status then ?

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