What is a characteristic feature of multi-processor systems?

Multi-processor systems are designed to utilize multiple central processing units (CPUs) to enhance performance and efficiency. A defining characteristic of these systems is the presence of multiple processor sockets on the motherboard, allowing for the installation of more than one CPU. This design enables the system to distribute workloads across multiple processors, improving overall processing power and allowing for better multitasking.

The ability to support multiple CPUs is central to the architecture of a multi-processor system, as it facilitates parallel processing, where different processors can handle separate tasks simultaneously. This is particularly beneficial for server environments and high-performance computing tasks that demand significant computational resources.

While multi-processor systems often have enhanced cooling requirements due to the increased heat generated by multiple CPUs, and some designs may allow for one CPU to remain inactive while the others operate, these aspects are not defining characteristics of multi-processor configurations themselves. The hallmark of these systems remains the capability to accommodate several processor sockets on the motherboard.