What Makes Multi-Core So Different from Multi-Processor Systems?

Usually, people get confused with the terms multi-core and multi-processor systems. If you also face the same problem, here is a descriptive guide that will help you understand the difference between both terms.

Multi-Core System

A multi-core system is a single computing component, which has two or more cores. Cores are the processing units that read and execute instructions from the program. Computing systems with multiple cores are more efficient as each core performs a separate function. In other words, a multi-core system has a single CPU with multiple cores. These systems work in a way that feels as if there are multiple processors. But, in reality, there is a single processor with multiple cores. These cores conduct tasks instructed by the CPU such as data transfer, addition, and branch formation.

Pros

• The cache coherency is higher because every CPU core is located in the same die.
• Multi-Core CPUs offer higher performance with lower energy since the cores are energy efficient.
• A system with multi-core is efficient to run a single and complex program.
• It solves complicated tasks without slowing the system.

Cons

• Dual-core systems only get 70% to 80% more speed than single-cores. However, dual-core CPUs should solve tasks at double speed than the single-core.
• Multi-core isn’t compatible with every Operating System

Multi-Processor System

CPUs with a single processor only perform a single task at a time. It is not possible to solve complex problems and tasks with this processor. To find a solution for complicated problems you need more than one processor. When you have multiple processors in a computing system, you can complete more tasks in a limited time. In other words, a computer with two or more processors sharing the same system memory, bus, and other I/O is a multi-processing system. These systems reduce overall processing time to complete tasks. For instance, a system with dual processors can perform two processes while a quad-processor can solve four processes at a time.

Pros

• A system with more than one processor can solve problems in a shorter time.
• When one processor fails for any reason, you can still perform tasks since the other processor is still working. This increases the system’s reliability.
• A CPU with a single processor requires more energy to perform complicated tasks. On the other hand, a dual-processing or quad-processing system requires less energy. This means that multi-processor systems are battery efficient.
• A multi-processing system is true parallel processing. This means that it completes more tasks at a time.

Cons

• Since more processors work at the same time, the coordination between processors is complicated.
• In a multi-processor system, processors use the same memory, buses, and I/O devices. Because of that, other processors have to wait for their turn while one processor uses the I/O. This reduces the overall performance.
• For efficient performance with multi-processors systems, you need large main memory, increasing the system’s cost.

Conclusion

Reading the above information you can easily identify the difference between multi-core and multi-processor systems. Multi-core has more than one core, while multi-processors have more than one processor. The cost of a multi-core system is lower than a multi-processor since it has a single processor. Multi-core systems are faster when you run a single program. However, if you want to run multiple tasks, you would need multi-processor systems.