Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a processor design that provides on-demand access to multiple (heterogeneous) types of multicore components, resulting in both increased performance and power reduction in a system on a chip integrated circuit. In a typical embodiment, the integrated circuit (e.g., processor) includes a first set of multicore processing components, where the first set of multicore processing components includes a plurality of homogeneous first components. The integrated circuit also includes a second set of multicore processing components includes a plurality of homogeneous second components that are functionally different (homogeneous) from the first components. Coupled to first set of components and the second set of components is a component controller that controls the first and second set of components, by selectively activating and deactivating the first and second components in response to changes in processing demand.