How many processors are needed in a symmetric multiprocessing (SMP) system?

In a symmetric multiprocessing (SMP) system, at least two processors are typically required to realize the benefits of parallel processing and resource sharing. SMP architecture allows multiple processors to access shared memory and operate on multiple threads of execution simultaneously, which enhances overall performance and efficiency.

Having two processors is the minimum for establishing this architecture, enabling them to communicate effectively with one another while accessing the same memory resources. While SMP systems can support more than two processors, such as four or eight, the fundamental requirement for an SMP system is the presence of at least two processors to ensure it can perform tasks concurrently.

The other options do not accurately reflect the minimum requirements or standard configurations for SMP systems. For instance, having only one processor does not fit the definition of an SMP system, while stating an exact number of processors like three doesn't align with the standard practice, as systems commonly support configurations with two, four, or more processors.