Methods and arrangements to dynamically modify the number of processors active in a multi-node data processing system. are contemplated. Embodiments include transformations, code, state machines or other logic to change the portion of BIOS that a processor loads on power-on. In some embodiments, a signal sent over a GPIO pin may flip an address line to the portion of the BIO that a processor loads on power-on. In some embodiments, a service processor may set a GPIO or non-volatile RAM value. The portion of BIOS controlling the powering-up of the processor may read the value and branch depending upon the value. Embodiments also include transformations, code, state machines or other logic to determine the state of a dynamically activated processor. In some embodiments, a processor may read from a local scratch register to determine if it has been dynamically activated. If so, embodiments may then clear the scratch register and put the processor to sleep. Embodiments may then update the tables which describe the resources available to the processor.