CISC VS RISC

• What are the two main categories of instruction sets?

  Complex instruction set computer (CISC) and reduced instruction set computer (RISC)
• What is an instruction set in computing?

  It is a set of machine code instructions for a CPU
• What does the execution unit do in a computer?

  It carries out all calculations
• How many registers are mentioned in the study material?

  Six registers
• Where are the two numbers stored for multiplication in the example?

  Memory locations 0000 and 0001
• What is the purpose of the 'malt' instruction in CISC?

  To multiply two numbers in one command
• How does CISC architecture handle complex instructions?

  It executes them in fewer assembly lines
• What is a disadvantage of CISC architecture mentioned in the material?

  It may take more than one clock cycle to execute
• Which processors primarily use CISC architecture?

  Intel's x86 processors
• What is the main goal of RISC architecture?

  To use simple instructions executed in one clock cycle
• How many assembly lines are needed in RISC to perform the multiplication task?

  Four lines of assembly
• What is a benefit of RISC architecture regarding instruction execution?

  Each instruction can be completed in one clock cycle
• How does RISC architecture affect hardware complexity?

  It requires fewer transistors and simpler hardware
• Why is RISC architecture popular in portable devices?

  It has lower energy requirements
• What percentage of processors in use today are RISC-based?

  Over 90 percent
• What are the key differences between CISC and RISC architectures?

  • CISC: Complex instructions, fewer assembly lines, more clock cycles
  • RISC: Simple instructions, more assembly lines, single clock cycle
• What is the performance equation in computing?

  It expresses a computer's performance potential
• How does CISC attempt to optimize performance?

  By minimizing instructions per program
• What is a challenge of using CISC instructions with pipelining?

  Variable instruction lengths complicate pipelining
• What was a major setback for RISC in its early days?

  Lack of software support compared to CISC
• Which Windows versions were designed with CISC processors in mind?

  Windows 3.1 and 95
• What has contributed to the rise of RISC processors in recent years?

  Reduction in RAM prices and better compiler technology
• What trend is observed in the sales of RISC-based processors?

  Sales far outstrip CISC processors
• What is a notable feature of Intel's x86 processors today?

  They implement features allowing RISC-like operation