OPTION MAXDOP Limit Query to 1 CPU

Great for large SELECT statements to limit to 1 CPU or where UNIONS or INNER JOINS are running slowly in a multi-CPU environment.

Use Northwind

SELECT * FROM PRODUCTS OPTION (MAXDOP 1)

References

http://www.sql-server-performance.com/case_studies.asp
http://dbforums.com/t555536.html
http://www.experts-exchange.com/Databases/Q_21279226.html