Thanks for your time ronzie, Im reading the correct core but I found a way to spread fs9 over both cores and figured out how to step up its priority over other processes to use more cpu. But the problem turns out to be heat! I guess my system was strategically shutting fs9 down and giving the power to idle process to cool off. I put a frozen ice pack next to the processor and the problem is gone. That and the other tweaks I accidently discovered and it runs smooth as silk. I feel like a redneck with the ice packs but hey, it works, and they stay frozen for hours. Thanks again for your help, rich