What is Multi-Core Processing?

Multi-core processing refers to the use of multiple microprocessors, called "cores," that are built onto a single silicon die. The chip is mounted onto a computer motherboard in precisely the same way as a traditional CPU. There is nothing new about the concept of stringing processors together, a technique known as multiprocessing; however, a multi-core processor is a bit different. A multi-core processor acts as a single unit. As such, it is more efficient, and establishes a standardized platform, for which mass-produced software can easily be developed. The design of a multi-core processor allows for each core to communicate with the others, so that processing tasks may be divided and delegated appropriately. However, the actual delegation is dictated by software. When a task is completed, the processed information from all cores is returned to the motherboard via a single shared conduit. This process can often significantly improve performance over a single-core processor of ...  more

A multi-core processor has two or more “execution cores,” or computational elements, within a single processor. The operating system perceives each of its execution cores as a discrete processor, with all of the associated execution resources. Intel multi-core architecture delivers—with appropriate software—fully parallel execution of multiple software threads. Multi-Core Processor Architecture Explained most simply, multi-core processor architecture entails silicon design engineers placing two or more Pentium® processor-based “execution cores,” or computational engines, within a single processor. This multi-core processor plugs directly into a single processor socket, but the operating system perceives each of its execution cores as a discrete logical processor, with all the associated execution resources. The idea behind this implementation of the chip’s internal architecture is in essence a “divide and conquer” strategy. In other words, by divvying up the computational work ...