ITC ASSIGNMENT

COMPLEX INSTRUCTION SET COMPUTERS

(CISC)

&
REDUCED INSTRUCTION SET COMPUTERS
(RISC)

TARIQ HUSSAIN WAFAI

0910-BBA47
Outline:

• Definition of CISC.

• Definition of RISC.

• CISC Architecture vs. RISC Architecture.

• Intel Processors using CISC

Architecture and RISC Architecture.
1. Intel 80826 Processor (CISC
Processor).
2. Intel Pentium 4.

• Reference of matter.
Definition of CISC: CISC is a computer instruction set
architecture in which each instruction can perform several low
level operations. Processors based on CISC are called Complex
Instruction Set Computing Processors.

Definition of RISC: RISC is a computer instruction set

architecture which is based on a theory that if the instruction set is
kept small and simple, each instruction will be executed in less
time, allowing the processor to complete more operations during a
given during a given period. Processors based on RISC are called
Reduced Instruction Set Computing Processors.

CISC processors are no longer in use due to the solution of

the complexity problem presented by RISC processors.

CISC vs. RISC:

CISC:
• Emphasis on hardware.
• Includes multi-clock complex instructions.
• Small code sizes.
• Slower and more expensive processor.
• Uses specific register for each purpose.

RISC:
• Emphasis on software.
• Single-clock, reduced instructions.
• Larger code sizes.
• Faster and cheaper processor.
• Uses general purpose registers.
To explain use of CISC and RISC processors, I have
chosen two of Intel’s processors.

1. Intel 80286 processor (CISC Processor):

The 80286 microprocessor (having

16-bit register) is an updated version
of Intel’s 8086 processor which was
introduced in 1983. It was basically a
CISC processor with a few additional
instructions which differentiated it
from 8086 processor. The clock
speed was increased so that it
executed about 4 million instructions per second. Some
changes were also made in the internal execution of the
instructions which led to increase in speed. But even though
it was quite fast at the time of its introduction, the new RISC
processors wiped the CISC processors from the market. One
of the RISC processors made by Intel is Pentium 4, used
today almost in every PC.

2. Intel Pentium 4:

The Pentium 4 is the version of the

Pentium Pro architecture
microprocessor from Intel, initially
released in released in November
2000. At the time of its release, its
speed was 1.3 GHz. Now its speed
has exceeded 4 GHz. My own
Pentium 4 is 3.66 GHz. It is a RISC microprocessor. It uses a
32-bit register.
Reference:
1. Definition of RISC and CISC:
Introduction to Computers by Peter
Norton, Sixth Edition &
www.wikipedia.com

2. Differences of RISC and CISC:

Introduction to Computers by Peter
Norton, Sixth Edition &
www.pic24micro.com

3. Information about Intel’s 80286 and

Pentium 4 microprocessors: The Intel
Microprocessors: Architecture,
Programming and Interfacing, Sixth
Edition by Barry B. Brey.

4. Illustrations of Intel’s 80286 and

Pentium 4 microprocessors:
www.google.com/images