Increasing processing capacity of partitions for an abnormal event

A system and related method provides within a data processing system (DPS), a first set of computing resources comprising a set of processor units that comprises a first core in an active state, and a second core that is initially in an inactive state. The processor allocates, for a partition that is hosted on the DPS, the first set of computing resources. The partition is operated using the first core before the second core has been activated. A resource manager determines whether to increase processing capacity based on an abnormal event. The processor then activates the second core from the inactive state to the active state. The partition is then operated using both the first and second (activated). In response to a predefined criterion, the second core is deactivated from the active state to the inactive state.