A general purpose PicoEngine Multi-Processor (PEMP) includes a hierarchically organized pool of small specialized picoengine processors and associated memories. A stream of data input values is received onto the PEMP. Each input data value is characterized, and from the characterization a task is determined. Picoengines are selected in a sequence. When the next picoengine in the sequence is available, it is then given the input data value along with an associated task assignment. The picoengine then performs the task. An output picoengine selector selects picoengines in the same sequence. If the next picoengine indicates that it has completed its assigned task, then the output value from the selected picoengine is output from the PEMP. By changing the sequence used, more or less of the processing power and memory resources of the pool is brought to bear on the incoming data stream. The PEMP automatically disables unused picoengines and memories.