Can Linux SMP Kernel Support 3 Cores CPU?

btbx · 07-25-2007, 11:58 AM

During Intel / AMD Quadcore manufacturing process, several products have 1 defective core. The remaining 3 cores are stable and working perfectly. Usually the product are sold as Dual cores CPU or destroyed.

Perhaps Intel /AMD can sell the product as 3 cores CPU. This will increase yield, lower production cost and may lower the price of Quadcore.

If the BIOS on the motherboard support the new 3 Cores CPU, can Linux SMP kernel support this product?

Mark Havel · 07-26-2007, 03:04 AM

As far as I know, the Linux (I suppose Windows too) SMP kernel automatically detects how many cores or CPU your system has while loading itself so if the 3 cores are enabled in the BIOS it should be detected by the kernel and used.
However, I think the fact that Intel or AMD would sell 3 cores CPU is far from certain.