Kubuntu does not detect multiple cores [Solved]

[jseabold]

Can anyone explain following?

~$ grep -i core /proc/cpuinfo
model name   : Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Quad CPU  Q9550 @ 2.83GHz
core id     : 0
cpu cores    : 1

I have a SMP Kernel, so that's not it. I'm trying to set up a conky script (or even get the top command to correctly identify my 4 cores would be a start)...

I'm using KDE 4.2, Jaunty 9.04. My motherboard if relevant is XFX nForce 780i.

Thanks for any thoughts.

[jseabold]

Re: Kubuntu does not detect multiple cores

I came across this post: http://kubuntuforums.net/forums/inde...opic=3098586.0

I wonder if that is related to my problem. I have attached my power managememt screen.

I also wonder if it's a problem with the half step scaling on my processor? Don't know. Could someone with a similar setup post the output of the cpuinfo?

[jseabold]

Re: Kubuntu does not detect multiple cores

Last update to my own thread

processor    : 0            
vendor_id    : GenuineIntel      
cpu family   : 6            
model      : 23           
model name   : Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Quad CPU  Q9550 @ 2.83GHz
stepping    : 7
cpu MHz     : 2833.145
cache size   : 6144 KB
physical id   : 0
siblings    : 1
core id     : 0
cpu cores    : 1
apicid     : 0
initial apicid : 0
fpu       : yes
fpu_exception  : yes
cpuid level   : 10
wp       : yes
flags      : fpu vme de pse tsc msr pae mce cx8 apic sep mtrr pge mca cmov pat pse36 clflush dts acpi mmx fxsr sse sse2 ss ht tm pbe syscall nx lm constant_tsc up arch_perfmon pebs bts rep_good pni dtes64 monitor ds_cpl vmx smx est tm2 ssse3 cx16 xtpr pdcm sse4_1 lahf_lm tpr_shadow vnmi flexpriority
bogomips    : 5666.29
clflush size  : 64
cache_alignment : 64
address sizes  : 36 bits physical, 48 bits virtual
power management:

[dibl]

Re: Kubuntu does not detect multiple cores

I don't think that other thread is relevant to your situation. Did you install the 64-bit system? I would recommend it. If you're nervous, make a 64-bit Live CD, and boot that, and then run your

cat /proc/cpuinfo

and see what you get.

On mine, the PowerManagement panel shows 2 CPUs, and it shows "Scaling" with a green checkmark. Mine shows the same red circle-S for "can be turned off" as yours does.

You might want to review your BIOS settings and see if there are any options on the CPU settings. Linux gets a lot of its clues about your hardware from your BIOS.

[jseabold]

Re: Kubuntu does not detect multiple cores

I should have mentioned that, but I am already running a 64-bit install.

~$ uname -m
x86_64

[dibl]

Re: Kubuntu does not detect multiple cores

If you still have your 64-bit Live CD, I would boot that and check the /proc/cpuinfo output. If it is also stuck on 1 CPU, then at least you'll know that it is strictly a hardware issue and not something that went awry during installation.

There have been a few posts on Ubuntu Forums from folks whose computers wouldn't register both (or all 4) cores in *buntu. There must some motherboards or BIOSs that are so Windows-centric that they won't support other OSs. Kinda guessing, but I don't know why else it wouldn't pick up the full CPU configuration.

[jseabold]

Re: Kubuntu does not detect multiple cores

Oh ok. I booted from a Live CD and it was the same 1 core detected. I'm wondering if I might try a different distro and see if the results are any different?

If it's hardware specific, I guess I'm SOL? Does anyone have a Core Quad Q9550 working with the *buntu's?

[skunk]

Re: Kubuntu does not detect multiple cores

If it's hardware specific, I guess I'm SOL? Does anyone have a Core Quad Q9550 working with the *buntu's?

9.04 working fine on dual quad core E5405 here. All 8 cores are correctly identified and used.

[doctordruidphd]

Re: Kubuntu does not detect multiple cores

Does anyone have a Core Quad Q9550 working with the *buntu's?

Yes. 4 CPUs detected and working. Kubuntu 9.04-amd64

[dibl]

Re: Kubuntu does not detect multiple cores

I'm wondering if I might try a different distro and see if the results are any different?

Yes, I would do that -- sidux does a good job of hardware detection, you might try a "KDE Lite" 64-bit Live CD. Here's the announcement for their most recent release -- download links are toward the bottom:

http://sidux.com/Article485.html

If sidux also does not detect the quad cores, then I think you've got a Windows-only motherboard. Matter of fact, does Windows detect multiple CPU cores on that one?

[jseabold]

Re: Kubuntu does not detect multiple cores

Thanks all for the tips and feedback.

Yes, I would do that -- sidux does a good job of hardware detection, you might try a "KDE Lite" 64-bit Live CD. Here's the announcement for their most recent release -- download links are toward the bottom:

http://sidux.com/Article485.html

If sidux also does not detect the quad cores, then I think you've got a Windows-only motherboard. Matter of fact, does Windows detect multiple CPU cores on that one?

I tried Sidux with the same results. Hmm... XFX site says that this motherboard works with the Yorkfield Q9550. I will try to get in touch with them. How would I see if it worked under windows (you know, without actually trying to install windows as the second...). Anyone know of a utility?

[dibl]

Re: Kubuntu does not detect multiple cores

I don't know how to discover whether Windows would recognize the CPU correctly without having a Windows installation -- I guess they don't have "Live CDs" for Windows.

I would also recommend you look into the BIOS -- is it flashed with the latest available version? What are its capabilities? The motherboard design may support the Q9550, but if the BIOS doesn't support quad core CPUs, then you're still SOL.

[jseabold]

Re: Kubuntu does not detect multiple cores

I would also recommend you look into the BIOS -- is it flashed with the latest available version? What are its capabilities?

Flashed to the latest available version (Feb '09) update from XFX. There is an option to disable/enable each of the cores in the BIOS and each is set to enable, so I am assuming that the BIOS supports it. I have opened a support ticket with XFX, so hopefully they can get it sorted out on their end. The mobo should work as advertised IMO no matter the OS.

[dibl]

Re: Kubuntu does not detect multiple cores

Yep, I think you have a legitimate squawk for XFX. Good luck with it!

[sithlord48]

Re: Kubuntu does not detect multiple cores

my phenom II shows up correctly w/ 4 cores if that helps ne one
also my friends laptop w/ atlhon64 x2 shows correctly.
sorry i don't have a intel duel or quad core.