Vista - Underperformance Quad-Core CPU

Hello!
I have very poor AMD Phenom 9600 benchmarks:

WinRAR = 454 w/TLB fix diabled Avg scores for my system 1,100
Call Juarez = 30 FPS Avg score = 45

Dont know whats wrong. Could it be a dead core? How can I check?
1) My WinRAR score with the TLB fix enabled is a sickening 80!!! vs 454 disabled. So I am certain that the fix was disabled at my score of 454.

2)Regarding number of active cores:
a) When I run task manager I see only ONE window for CPU in performance.
b) Running CPU-Z V1.49 shows ONE Processor ONE Core
c) CrystalCUPID V 4.15 shows only ONE of One cores (Code name Agena?) I should see 1/FOUR
d) In Vista Sidebar using mCPU Gadget: Shows Four cores HOWEVER
only ONE ever displays activity. I tested it by really loading up applications and Never saw activity of the other three cores!!!

I think I have a REAL Problem here. help

My Setup:
OS : Windows Vista Home Premium X-64 SP1
CPU Name : AMD Phenom X4 (Agena)9600 Quad-Core
Platform : Socket AM2/AM2+ Physical Core : 4
Clock : 2300.00 MHz

L1 I-Cache : 64 KB
L1 D-Cache : 64 KB
L2 Cache : 512 KB [Full:2300.14 MHz]
L3 Cache : 2048 KB
Memory : 3327 MB

North Bridge : 780G South Bridge : SB700
Video Chip :ATI Radeon HD 3870

BIOS Vendor : American Megatrends Inc.
BIOS Version : GATEWA - 20080218
BIOS Date : 02/18/2008
SM BIOS Caption : 7B3G1P04
SM BIOS Version : 2.5
Mother Vendor : Gateway
Mother Product : Foxconn
Mother Version : Piece of Junk
System Vendor : Gateway
System Model : GT5676
BIOS ROM Size : 1024 KB
Mother Vendor : Gateway

I suggest a motherboard driver update. Sounds like your cores are not working together at all.

Look I have been dealing with the same problem.....well, actuall I just hate this 1.8 GHz Quad core Phenom. See It's fine for playing with pictures but I can't even run a low key game like Tomb Raider.

I have the Asus M2N68-LA motherboard, and my question to anyone who is knowledgeable about the issue is: What Processors are out there will be compatible for this motherboard? I want something that is at least 2.5 GHz or more but not too hot. I'm already drained from purchasing the machine. And also, would this just be a videocard issue, or a combination of Videocard and motherboard/chipset deal?

The computer specs are listed on my profile so PLEASE give me what input you can!

Thanks,
Josh

I think that is the AM2 socket. So any core that fits the AM2 socket setup on your mobo.

Do you have any suggestions?

Should I keep my quad core, or focus on a core duo?

This is one reason to avoid pre-built computers, major lack of upgradeability. Specs on that motherboard,

Motherboard Specifications, M2N68-LA (Narra)*

So unless HP releases a bios update supporting the Phenom's, you're SOL and stuck with whatever HP will "allow" you to upgrade too.

What about intel? I'm thinking I want to go in that direction!

lol.... finally

scrap that AMD H/W & grad yourself a skt775 mobo & C2D or C2Q, the difference is like ''night & day''

whats your budget..?? im assuming your gonna want a new GFX card also.. ??




SK

Yean I want a GFX card too but budget is really no problem so let me in on the details!

PC is Nine months old!!!!
Any suggestions Re: new MB?