Teaming Network Nics

I have a HP DL380 with 4 x 1GB network nics.  There is a HP utility to team the nics into one 4GB port.
I tried this but if anything I thought the accesss was slower. I didnt do anything at the switch end , all 4 wires go into one HP switch a 2910al-48G  (J9147A)  48 x 1GB ports.
Would making the 4 cat6 cables into a combined aggregate be better than 4 seperate links?
If so ..
How do I make a 4 way aggrergate on a 2910al switch ?

I tried it once and the nework ground to a halt !  probably introduced a loop.

Thanks
Steve