MultiProcessor Specification
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The MultiProcessor Specification (MPS) for the x86 architecture is an open standard describing enhancements to both operating systems and firmware, which will allow them to work with the Intel Advanced Programmable Interrupt Controller Architecture.
Version 1.1 of the specification was released in April 11, 1994. Version 1.4 of the specification was released in July 1, 1995.
The MP specification covers Advanced Programmable Interrupt Controller (APIC) architectures.
The Linux kernel and FreeBSD are known to support the Intel MP Specification.
There is a utility called 'mptable' which can be used to examine the MP Spec Table on motherboards.