Which system is characterized by its ability to run multiple instruction sets in one CPU?

Multi-core processors are designed to enhance performance by integrating multiple processing cores within a single CPU. This architecture allows each core to execute different instructions concurrently, enabling the system to handle multiple tasks more efficiently than a single-core processor. By having multiple cores, these processors can manage parallel processing, meaning they can perform numerous operations simultaneously, leading to improved performance in multitasking environments.

The capability of multi-core processors to support multiple instruction sets is particularly beneficial for running complex applications and performing various computing tasks without the bottleneck seen in single-core processors. This makes multi-core CPUs ideal for environments where demanding applications such as gaming, video editing, and data analysis are prevalent.

In contrast, single-core processors handle one instruction set at a time, limiting their efficiency in multitasking scenarios. SMP (Symmetric Multi-Processing) systems refer to a system that uses multiple processors, but this does not specifically denote the internal architecture of a single CPU. Virtualization systems utilize software to create virtual machines, allowing multiple operating systems to run simultaneously on a single hardware platform, but they do not describe the inherent characteristic of the CPU architecture itself. Thus, multi-core processors distinctly represent the ability to run multiple instruction sets in one CPU effectively.