Hello
I am really perplexed at what is going on with my computer and X3. I'm running a 32 track project and it stops sputters echoes all kinds of things. Addictive drums will not run unless I freeze the track.  What I noticed is the performance module is only showing two CPUs running when it is a quad core. I have multi-processor check but only seem to be running two. When I bring up Task Manager all four are running. I'm not sure what to do other get a new computer altogether. Here is my system, any ideas?

Thank you, Will 


Operating System System Model
Windows 7 Ultimate (x64) Service Pack 1 (build 7601)
Install Language: English (United States)
Enclosure Type: Desktop
Processor a Main Circuit Board b
2.60 gigahertz AMD Athlon II X4 620
512 kilobyte primary memory cache
2048 kilobyte secondary memory cache
64-bit ready
Multi-core (4 total)
Bus Clock: 200 megahertz
Drives Memory Modules c,d
2000.41 Gigabytes Usable Hard Drive Capacity
620.26 Gigabytes Hard Drive Free Space
_NEC DVD_RW ND-2500A ATA Device [CD-ROM drive]
PIONEER BD-RW BDR-208D ATA Device [CD-ROM drive]
3.5" format removable media [Floppy drive]
ST1000DM003-1CH162 [Hard drive] (1000.20 GB) -- drive 1, s/n W1D20T1G, rev CC47, SMART Status: Healthy
WDC WD10EARS-00MVWB0 [Hard drive] (1000.20 GB) -- drive 0, s/n WD-WMAZA6736391, rev 51.0AB51, SMART Status: Healthy
 
20 gigs memory

Firstly since it's an AMD processor it could be using Cool n' Quiet however that alone shouldn't stop Sonar using all processors. You may have somehow along the way told Sonar or Windows or even in the BIOS to only use 2. However lets assume you haven't.
 
Firstly which sound drivers are using and have you configured your host drive cache settings?
 
I currently use a AMD 6 core with 8GB of RAM. So in a way you have more resources than me.
 

Hi When you say Which sound drivers I'm using ASIO on a Tascam US 1641 and I'm not sure what you mean "configured your host drive cache settings?" Could you explain more. Thanks

When i get more time I will. Essentially though sonar has cache that need adjusted when the input to and output from disk aren't able to keep up. Your ASIO may be set far to quick for this to happen effectively. Although it all depends on what disc you are writing to. A dedicated drive is recommended not the one you are running Sonar from.
 

OP Wibil..I think you should edit your details and remove certain things that are not necessary to put in a open forum...S/n? are they key codes?

On my Tascam US 1641 ASIO settings, I had changed it from "normal" latency to "highest latency". That seemed to help a bit. I have my IO buffer set to 512, and I have "multi-processer checked. I also have two separate drives. One with the operating system and the other with my project  Here is an image of my screen with project loaded and idle. Thanks Will
     

When was your last windows update ?
And have you tried a reboot of both PC and Tascam ?
 
When something like this happens to me I typically start from the ground up.
I power off everything, devices, exc.. then I unplug/re-plug in all cables (USB ports, 1/4 jacks, exc).
This way I know my RAM has been cleared out and my insert points have been re-examined.
A windows update is sometimes critical for the way Sonar processes, but not always the root of the problem. 
 
I have had similar problems like this because of a bad USP cable / A bad USB port.
My devise would work but not to full potential.

Not from my own experience, but may be related: http://forum.cakewalk.com/Windows-7-amp-Core-Parking-a-better-way-to-Turn-It-OFF-m1861804.aspx
 
Are you using AD1 or AD2? Back in time there was many reports about AD2 eating too much CPU, especially with graphic interface open (again, I have not experienced that myself but that can be graphic card/system dependent).
 
Multiple cores can be used in case there are some parallel tasks. If there is nothing to do in parallel, cores can stay unused. F.e. if there is one heavy VSTi and many audio tracks with no (significant) effects, the system can not "split" t VSTi between cores (till VSTi itself support and does that). Also I remember parallelization in Sonar was improved in some versions, but I guess that was post X3.
 
Finally from my own experience. Your single core is even weaker than my single core... And my single core is "no go" these days. I mean I have to carefully select what I am using, especially from "modern" staff, not only VSTi but also FXes. Music software industry assumes you have top processors (claiming significantly improvement in sound quality by using extra resources... in reality probably to save costs on program optimization and shift release time...).

Thank you all for your help, I will try checking out some of these suggestions.
Will 

Have you ruled out heating issues and that the cpu is throttling? Old thermal paste?