Multiprocessor and Multicore System in Operating System

Multicore and multiprocessor systems both serve to accelerate the computing process. A multicore contains multiple cores or processing units in a single CPU. A multiprocessor is made up of several CPUs. A multicore processor does not need complex configurations like a multiprocessor. In contrast, A multiprocessor is much reliable and capable of running many programs. In this article, you will learn about the Multiprocessor and Multicore system in the operating system with their advantages and disadvantages.

What is a Multiprocessor System?

A multiprocessor has multiple CPUs or processors in the system. Multiple instructions are executed simultaneously by these systems. As a result, throughput is increased. If one CPU fails, the other processors will continue to work normally. So, multiprocessors are more reliable.

Shared memory or distributed memory can be used in multiprocessor systems. Each processor in a shared memory multiprocessor shares main memory and peripherals to execute instructions concurrently. In these systems, all CPUs access the main memory over the same bus. Most CPUs will be idle as the bus traffic increases. This type of multiprocessor is also known as the symmetric multiprocessor. It provides a single memory space for all processors.

Each CPU in a distributed memory multiprocessor has its own private memory. Each processor can use local data to accomplish the computational tasks. The processor may use the bus to communicate with other processors or access the main memory if remote data is required.

Advantages and disadvantages of Multiprocessor System

There are various advantages and disadvantages of the multiprocessor system. Some advantages and disadvantages of the multiprocessor system are as follows:

Advantages

There are various advantages of the multiprocessor system. Some advantages of the multiprocessor system are as follows:

1. It is a very reliable system because multiple processors may share their work between the systems, and the work is completed with collaboration.
2. It requires complex configuration.
3. Parallel processing is achieved via multiprocessing.
4. If multiple processors work at the same time, the throughput may increase.
5. Multiple processors execute the multiple processes a few times.

Disadvantages

There are various disadvantages of the multiprocessor system. Some disadvantages of the multiprocessor system are as follows:

1. Multiprocessors work with different systems, so processors require memory space.
2. If one of the processors fails, the work is shared among the remaining processors.
3. These types of systems are very expensive.
4. If any processor is already utilizing an I/O device, additional processors may not utilize the same I/O device that creates deadlock.
5. The operating system implementation is complicated because multiple processors communicate with each other.

What is a Multicore System?

A single computing component with multiple cores (independent processing units) is known as a multicore processor. It denotes the presence of a single CPU with several cores in the system. Individually, these cores may read and run computer instructions. They work in such a way that the computer system appears to have several processors, although they are cores, not processors. These cores may execute normal processors instructions, including add, move data, and branch.

A single processor in a multicore system may run many instructions simultaneously, increasing the overall speed of the system's program execution. It decreases the amount of heat generated by the CPU while enhancing the speed with which instructions are executed. Multicore processors are used in various applications, including general-purpose, embedded, network, and graphics processing (GPU).

The software techniques used to implement the cores in a multicore system are responsible for the system's performance. The extra focus has been put on developing software that may execute in parallel because you want to achieve parallel execution with the help of many cores'

Advantages and disadvantages of Multicore System

There are various advantages and disadvantages of the multicore system. Some advantages and disadvantages of the multicore system are as follows:

Advantages

There are various advantages of the multicore system. Some advantages of the multicore system are as follows:

1. Multicore processors may execute more data than single-core processors.
2. When you are using multicore processors, the PCB requires less space.
3. It will have less traffic.
4. Multicores are often integrated into a single integrated circuit die or onto numerous dies but packaged as a single chip. As a result, Cache Coherency is increased.
5. These systems are energy efficient because they provide increased performance while using less energy.

Disadvantages

There are various disadvantages of the multicore system. Some disadvantages of the multicore system are as follows:

1. Some OSs are still using the single-core processor.
2. These are very difficult to manage than single-core processors.
3. These systems use huge electricity.
4. Multicore systems become hot while doing the work.
5. These are much expensive than single-core processors.
6. Operating systems designed for multicore processors will run slightly slower on single-core processors.

Main Differences between the Multiprocessor and Multicore System

Here, you will learn the main differences between the Multiprocessor and Multicore systems. Various differences between the Multiprocessor and Multicore system are as follows:

1. A multiprocessor system with multiple CPUs allows programs to be processed simultaneously. On the other hand, the multicore system is a single processor with multiple independent processing units called cores that may read and execute program instructions.
2. Multiprocessor systems outperform multicore systems in terms of reliability. A multiprocessor is a computer with many processors. If one of any processors fails in the system, the other processors will not be affected.
3. Multiprocessors run multiple programs faster than the multicore system. On the other hand, a multicore system quickly executes a single program.
4. Multicore systems have less traffic than multiprocessors system because the cores are integrated into a single chip.
5. Multiprocessors require complex configuration. On the other hand, a multicore system doesn't need to be configured.
6. Multiprocessors are expensive as compared to multicore systems. On the other hand, multicore systems are cheaper than multiprocessors systems.

Head-to-head Comparison between the Multiprocessors and Multicore Systems

Here, you will learn the head-to-head comparison between the Multiprocessors and Multicore systems. The main differences between the Multiprocessors and Multicore systems are as follows:

Conclusion

The terms multicore and multiprocessor differ in which multicore system refers to a single CPU with several execution units, while multiprocessor refers to a system with multiple CPUs. A multicore system would be more efficient if you only need to run one program. However, a multiprocessor machine would be faster if you have numerous apps running. Modern systems have multiple processors, and each of them has multiple cores.