Context. Almost all of the modern computers today have a CPU withmultiple cores, providing extra computational power. In the new ageof big data, parallel execution is essential to improve the performanceto an acceptable level. With parallelisation comes new challenges thatneeds to be considered.

Objectives. In this work, parallel algorithms are compared and analysedin relation to their sequential counterparts, using the Java platform.Through this, find the potential speedup for multithreading andwhat factors affects the performance. In addition, provide source codefor multithreaded algorithms with proven time complexities.

Methods. A literature study was conducted to gain knowledge anddeeper understanding into the aspects of sorting algorithms and thearea of parallel computing. An experiment followed of implementing aset of algorithms from which data could be gather through benchmarkingand testing. The data gathered was studied and analysed with itscorresponding source code to prove the validity of parallelisation.

Results. Multithreading does improve performance, with two threadsin average providing a speedup of up to 2x and four threads up to3x. However, the potential speedup is bound to the available physicalthreads of the CPU and dependent of balancing the workload.

Conclusions. The importance of workload balancing and using thecorrect number of threads in relation to the problem to be solved,needs to be carefully considered in order to utilize the extra resourcesavailable to its full potential.