CPUs can better handle multiple tasks at one time when they have multiple cores.
Multicore processors can provide a performance boost over single-core processors. Intel's Core i7 and i7 Extreme and AMD's Phenom II X4 and X6 processors are among the fastest on the market as of October 2010. They have as many as four or six cores each.
If applications seem to be running slower than usual, or perhaps become unstable, one or more processor cores may have failed in your system. There is a quick and easy way to check if all the cores are working.
Instructions
1. Right-click on the task bar and select the "Task Manager" option. In Windows 7 select "Start Task Manager."
2. Click on the "Performance" tab in the Task Manager window. You should see a graph labeled "CPU Usage" and at least one labeled "CPU Usage History."
3. Click on "View/CPU History/One Graph Per CPU."
4. Look at the graphs labeled "CPU Usage History." There should be one graph for each CPU. Because the Intel i7 has Hyper-Threading Technology, you should see eight graphs. If there are fewer graphs than installed processors, it is likely that at least one core has failed.
5. Restart your computer if you do not see all of your processor cores listed.
6. Repeat steps 1-4 to see if all of the cores are now listed.
7. Contact the manufacturer of your computer if you find that one or more cores are not working, as it should be able to replace or repair your computer.
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