There are two types of multiple processor system:

In this type of systems, each processor is assigned a specific task. A master processor controls the system, the other processors either look to the master for instruction or have predefined tasks. This scheme defines a master-slave relationship. The master processor schedules and allocates work to the slave processors.

In this type of systems, each processor performs all tasks within the operating system. There is no master-slave relationship exists between processors.

The benefit of this model is that many processes can run simultaneously without causing a significant deterioration of performance. A multiprocessor system of this form will allow processes and resources to be shared dynamically among various processors.

The difference between symmetric and asymmetric multiprocessing may result from either hardware or software. Special hardware can differentiate the multiple processors, or the software can be written to allow only one master and multiple slaves. A recent trend in CPU design is to include multiple compute cores on a single chip. In essence, these are multiprocessor ships.

Blade servers are a recent development in which multiple processor boards, I/O boards, and networking boards are placed in the same chassis. The difference between these and traditional multiprocessor systems is that each blade-processor board boots independently and runs its own operating system. Some blade-server boards are multiprocessor as well, that is servers consists of multiple independent multiprocessor systems.