Multiprocessors: Overview and Challenges

This lecture introduces the concept of multiprocessors, focusing on the challenges and advancements in the field. The instructor discusses the evolution from post-Moore servers to sustainable datacenters, emphasizing the need for energy-efficient designs. Topics covered include the impact of deep learning on carbon emissions, the logistics of the course, programming assignments, and the importance of academic honesty. The lecture delves into the basics of parallel programming, types of multiprocessors, and the significance of cache coherence. It also explores the transition from multicore to manycore processors, the role of GPUs in parallel computing, and the future of custom computing. The session concludes with a technical roadmap for the term and a summary of key concepts.