AMD FX6300 Only Shows 2 Cores

[ajlind09]

Hello everyone, I recently upgraded from a dual core Intel processor to an AMD FX6300 hex core. I noticed in All CPU Meter it only showed two cores, and same with task manager. The computer recognizes the processor and calls it a six-core processor but it still doesn't show anywhere else. Perhaps someone can tell me where my other 4 cores went?

http://imgur.com/EJiMDmy <- that's a picture of Task Manager, All CPU Meter, and My Computer side-by-side

 

[bgunner]

look in here and see what the settings are set for. in run type "msconfig" hit enter. click on boot tab, highlight the OS being used if more than one and click advanced options under that. the top left box should be unchecked. is it? this will turn off cores if set wrong.

 

[ithar87]

Check in your BIOS and make sure that there aren't cores disabled for some reason. There is usually something called "Active Cores" or something like that, it should say all. Could even try loading defaults in the BIOS and see if it fixes it. Another thing you can check is to run Cinebench and see how many cores are rendering in there, it shows the progress of the cores individually. What mobo do you have?

 

[ajlind09]

look in here and see what the settings are set for. in run type "msconfig" hit enter. click on boot tab, highlight the OS being used if more than one and click advanced under that. the top left box should be unchecked. is it? this will turn off cores if set wrong.

The box is unticked. The greyed out number below it says that it's only using one core though. Is that in any way related?

 

[ithar87]

No, with that msconfig setting if the box isn't checked it doesn't do anything.

 

[bgunner]

look in here and see what the settings are set for. in run type "msconfig" hit enter. click on boot tab, highlight the OS being used if more than one and click advanced under that. the top left box should be unchecked. is it? this will turn off cores if set wrong.

The box is unticked. The greyed out number below it says that it's only using one core though. Is that in any way related?

no as long as it is unchecked you will have all cores. try what ithar87 mentioned. I totally forgot some boards give you the ability to turn on and off cores in the bios.

 

[ajlind09]

Check in your BIOS and make sure that there aren't cores disabled for some reason. There is usually something called "Active Cores" or something like that, it should say all. Could even try loading defaults in the BIOS and see if it fixes it. Another thing you can check is to run Cinebench and see how many cores are rendering in there, it shows the progress of the cores individually. What mobo do you have?

I have a Biostar A960D+. I know it's not the best but it fit my budget and my needs. I'll report back on the BIOS cores in a second.

 

[ithar87]

You did do a fresh install of windows when you replaced cpu and mobo right?

 

[ajlind09]

No, I didn't reinstall windows. I only updated all the drivers from the new motherboard. I did what you suggested and it worked great, thanks for the speedy and helpful responses everyone.

 

[ithar87]

So you loaded defaults and it is now reporting correctly?

 

[mouse24]

You have to reinstall windows when doing a motherboard change. Its almost required. Things will probably be broken and cause you issues if you don't.

 

[ithar87]

Also, you should really do a fresh windows install when you swap a motherboard. I would not be at all surprised if it pops up and tells you that Windows is not genuine and shuts down some of your features some time in the next couple weeks. Windows Activation remembers your motherboard, when you replace it, it's considered a new computer.

 

[ithar87]

If you don't have a product key to use for installation, sometimes you can call them and tell them you had a hardware failure and they might issue you a new product key... might.

 

[bgunner]

there is one exception to this rule and that is if the replacement motherboard is the exact same model board. I'm surprised you got it to run windows.

 

[ithar87]

It will sometimes run Windows, but the next time Windows updates runs it will pick up the change and deactivate you.