Only one CPU core working.

bertie11 · 07 Jul 2014

I installed a new pair of memory modules a few days ago as I was havining memory problems. All seemed fine for 2-3 days and then the laptop started running very slow. I thought I should run a memory test in Win 7, it passed on the 2 pass test, so I started it off again. Then the laptop died and when I rebooted (I noticed it was hot so I left it 10 minutes) It said that it had shut down as the temp was 90C.

I had already tried vacuuming out as much dust as I could, sadly, the cpu and fan is not accessible so I ordered some compressed air and a laptop cooling tray.

Then I discovered that I only have 1 core of a dual cpu working. Bringing up Task Mamager only showed one graph (should be one for each core?). I looked in Device Manager and saw two AMD Turion 11 Ultra Dual Core mobile M620 processor entries. I then looked in msconfig \boot\advanced and that only shows i cpu even using the dropdown. So this explains the slow system.

Is it possible to get windows to see both cores and if so, how do I do it? I did find a thread that said to d/l Easy BCD but I couldn't see the option 'Limit Windows to '0' (leave 0 to reset). Someone else removed the cpu's in Device Manager but I'm not sure if that is OK to do so.

Having just re-installed windows due to a corrupted registry this is getting me down! I'm even considering buying a new laptop (this on is 4 years old) but that means Windows 8!!
Many thanks for any suggestions.

ICIT2LOL · 07 Jul 2014

Hello bertie mate run HW Info HWiNFO, HWiNFO32/64 - Download in the right hand panel it will show the cores working or not - see pic - just to make sure one core is not functioning.
Mind you that temp you quoted was very hot and if one core is shot then you may have to replace the CPU. Not hard if you don't mind doing that sort of stuff.

If you do get another computer you can still use 8 in 7 style with classic shell - which is what this laptop is set up to do. It is slightly different in the way does certain things. See this if you are wanting to do that I used the Option 1 Start Menu - Restore in Windows 8

bertie11 · 07 Jul 2014

This is a laptop and I can't see how to get to the cpu to clean the fan! Cost wise, if a core is shot it would be better value to get a new laptop, as I don't fancy stripping it and buying a new cpu. Peace of mond you see!

That HWibfo link only seems to let me download other stuff that I don't want, Weather toolbar and so on.

I do look after my wife's Win 8 netbook so I can find my way around reasonably well, so I expect i would manage.

Thanks.

I forgot! I went into msconfig and unticked cpu box, recooted and I then got 2 cpu's in the dropdown, and I also get 2 graphs in Task Manager. So that's good.

ICIT2LOL · 07 Jul 2014

Hmm that's strange bertie asusually it is just a matter of picking the correct bit version. But never mindif you are not up to stripping it down then it would be worth it as I suspect anew machine might be the go as the one you have is reasonably well worn.

Personally I would do something with it and then let someone have it who cannot afford much as the CPU isn't that bad a core:)

bertie11 · 07 Jul 2014

I would probably keep it a backup, and the meemory, disk drive and DVD drive could be useful. My current spare lappie could go instead as it is even older.

ICIT2LOL · 07 Jul 2014

bertie11 said:

I would probably keep it a backup, and the meemory, disk drive and DVD drive could be useful. My current spare lappie could go instead as it is even older.

Yep I have an old A200 Toshy I keep for backup anything else I get I give to someone who is not able to buy for themselves:)