Computer Hardware Terms, Glossary and Dictionary

Reduced instruction set computer (RISC) is a type of microprocessor that recognizes a relatively limited number of instructions. One advantage of reduced instruction set computers is that they can execute their instructions very fast because the instructions are so simple. Another, perhaps more important advantage, is that RISC chips require fewer transistors, which makes them cheaper to design and produce. Since the emergence of RISC computers, conventional computers have been referred to as CISCs (complex instruction set computers).

Related Terms

RISC: Reduced instruction set computer