new i5 mbp only showing two cores

Intel Core i5's are hyperthreaded. Basically a hyperthreaded core acts like two regular cores. Here's wikipedia on hyperthreading: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hyperthreading

EDIT: a slight elaboration. With hyperthreading, the computer splits each individual physical core (the two your MBP is registering) into 2 virtual cores. Here's a PCworld blog on this matter, the Intel i5 and i7: http://www.pcworld.com/article/171556/intelsnew_core_i7_and_core_i5_processorsexplained.html

Message was edited by: TheElmProtector

Message was edited by: TheElmProtector

OS X knows that the processor only has 2 physical cores. That is why it's reporting to you that there are 2 cores. It does recognize the HT as well, though, rest assured. Your MBP is completely normal.

--Travis

Brian,

Open Activity Monitor. In the "View" menu select "Dock Icon -> Show CPU Usage." You'll see the current load on your processors in your dock and you'll see 4 cores rather than just 2. I think it's such a handy thing to know at any moment how much load my computer is under that I keep it in my dock permanently. If you'd like to do the same, set it to open at login, and then hide. The app will disappear but the dock icon will remain.

Brian, install iStat Menus up there and 4 cores will show up. I have the MBP i5 and the iMac i7. They show 4 and 8 cores respectively. Cheers