Abstract: A resource allocation method and a resource manager in a multi-CPU system are provided. The resource manager divides resources in the system into one global resource pool and at least two local resource pools, where the local resource pools are in a one-to-one correspondence with CPUs. The resource manager receives a resource application request sent by a first CPU; determines a current mode of the global resource pool; and when the global resource pool is in a centralized mode, allocates a resource to the first CPU from the global resource pool. When there is a shortage of resources, the resource manager gathers, in the global resource pool, allocatable resources in the system. In this way, when CPUs request resources, the resource manager can allocate resources all from the global resource pool, so as to improve system resource utilization efficiency.