GA-970A-UD3 + AMD FX 8120 Low CPU Usage...

[smilepak]

Running Windows 7 - 64bits
16GB RAM
AMD-FX 8120 overclocked to 4.0 Ghz

Tried to us several different DVD ripper to back up my DVD to MP4 format, so I can view them on my Xoom. Anyhow, now matter which one, I don't notice speed better than my C2D on ripping.

Running AMD CPU monitor, noticed it is using all 8 core, but total average only around 20% CPU usage. It doesn't keep to kick in to higher % utilization.

No matter what setting in the BIOS, could never to get it to use more CPU so it will rip better / faster...

Any idea?

[absic]

Hi there,

this might be due to the way the software is written rather than a real hardware problem. There are many reviews of the AMD FX processors which show that in many instances they do not perform as well as the Phenom ii's when it comes to encoding, rendering and other multi threaded tasks. This is really down to the way that the FX processors handle such tasks and the need for new software to be written to actually utilise the processors properly.

To see if the CPU actually does work flat out you could try testing with a program such as HeavyLoad (download from here: http://www.jam-software.com/heavyload/ ) as this will attempt to run all of the processors cores at 100%. If this test is OK then you can be fairly certain that the issue you are facing is actually down to the software you are using.

[smilepak]

I guess you're right, I ran the load program and it did hit 100%.

I am a bit bummed now. If I had known I am not getting any benefit out of this vs Core 2 Duo I had, I would've just kept my Core 2 Duo...

[Vezina]

I guess you're right, I ran the load program and it did hit 100%.

I am a bit bummed now. If I had known I am not getting any benefit out of this vs Core 2 Duo I had, I would've just kept my Core 2 Duo...

You are ready for the future though
When the software developers will start using more cores you will see the plus.
Otherwise for web browsing you can use a old Athlon XP 1700+ based system

[smilepak]

What is the optimal BIOS setting for this anyhow?

I got C1E, C6, Line Controller all disable.

Overclocked by leaving bus @ 200 Mhz x 22 multiplier

Running Corsair H60 Water Cooler

[Vezina]

Cool and Quiet usually ,it down clocks and down volts the CPU.
Maybe thats what makes you think it s slow.
On the other hand the ripping software may not be aware of the number of cores your CPU has.Make sure you use new software.

C1E should be off , but i m not sure if the other ones you specified should be.