I7 4790k using 2/4 cores and 4/8 threads

[dashingdrew]

I just upgraded to an i7 4790k from an i3 and upon launching i thought it was moving a bit slow. So I downloaded 2 different programs to check cpu performance, and apparently it was only using 2 cores and 4 threads

Any idea how to fix?

Pictures:

 

[barto]

Systems specs please. First thing that comes to mind with little info is BIOS update.

 

[10tacle]

You need to put it under a hardware load stress test. These are the two most popular programs:

AIDA 64 - http://download.aida64.com/aida64extreme560.exe

OCCT - http://www.ocbase.com/download.php?fileext=exe

 

[GustavoVanni]

Are you using the same instalation of Windows from when you had an i3? Or did you re-installed it?
Try running a windows repair, it should fix that.

 

[dashingdrew]

Systems specs please. First thing that comes to mind with little info is BIOS update.

CPU: i7-4790k
GPU: Gefore GTX 960
Memory: 8gb Ram (4x2)
Motherboard: Gigabyte H81m-H
Heatink: Hyper 212 Evo

 

[dashingdrew]

Systems specs please. First thing that comes to mind with little info is BIOS update.

CPU: i7-4790k
GPU: Gefore GTX 960
Memory: 8gb Ram (4x2)
Motherboard: Gigabyte H81m-H
Heatink: Hyper 212 Evo

 

[mjslakeridge]

Does your BIOS see all 4 cores? Are they all enabled in BIOS? As mentioned above, make sure you have the latest BIOS.

 

[dashingdrew]

Does your BIOS see all 4 cores? Are they all enabled in BIOS? As mentioned above, make sure you have the latest BIOS.

How do I do that?

 

[mjslakeridge]

Getting into the BIOS is different for different systems. Restart the computer and as soon as it starts powering up, hit the Delete key about once per second until the BIOS main screen appears. Or it may be the F12 key or F2 key on your system. If you have your motherboard manual, it should indicate the correct key to hit. Once into the BIOS, you will have to search around for a screen that shows the CPU and it's cores.

 

[dashingdrew]

I did it and I found some things...
I'm not sure what most of this means though

 

[dashingdrew]

Oh also, I didn't change anything, those were the default values that I saw when I opened it

 

[mjslakeridge]

That is a little strange that your BIOS only sees 4 cores. In my case, with an AMD FX6300 CPU, which has 3 physical cores, 6 logical cores (Threads), the BIOS and other software sees each of the 6 logical cores as a "regular" core (Cpu core 0, cpu core 1...cup core 5). In the second screen that you posted, where it says "no. of cpu cores enabled", rather than the "auto" setting, what are your other choices? Click on "auto" and see what the options are. If one of the options is 8 cores, then select that and exit and SAVE the BIOS settings.

You may want to download and run the Passmark performance test and compare the results to the benchmarks (keeping in mind that the benchmarks probably reflect users that have overclocked the heck out of their processors to get a high benchmark score).

You have a powerful CPU, so something does not appear right.

 

[dashingdrew]

Ok, I just tried that... the highest it goes to is 4 cores, and I set it to that instead of auto... it's still only using 2 cores though

 

[mjslakeridge]

Well, your motherboard does support that processor. That motherboard has a clear CMOS jumper. Check your motherboard manual for the way to clear the CMOS. Your computer still thinks your old CPU is installed.

 

[barto]

I would try clearing CMOS. Just unplug the PSU and remove CMOS battery.

 

[dashingdrew]

I did as you asked, I cleared the CMOS.... took the battery out and waite 10 minutes just like the manual says and when I restarted my computer it said the bios reset and i had to load defaults.

It's still only running at 2 cores and 4 threads though

 

[mjslakeridge]

At this point, I would suggest a repair of Windows, or a complete re-install. Back up any data, files, videos, etc. that you want to keep before doing a complete re-install of Windows.

The other possibility is that 2 of the 4 physical cores in your CPU are defective. I think this is unlikely as they test the CPUs before shipping them out, but anything is possible.