What is the difference between CISC and RISC?

RISC has a reduced instruction set where each instruction can be executed in a single clock cycle. This means that programs often are longer to the developer but are more easily executable on lower powered devices such as mobile phones.CISC on the other hand has instructions that can take multiple clock cycles, and is typical of desktop processors. The programs are more simple for the developer.

JB
Answered by Jonathan B. Computing tutor

2707 Views

See similar Computing A Level tutors

Related Computing A Level answers

All answers ▸

What is the point of an Operating System?


Explain what is meant by the term ‘TCP/IP stack’ [3]


What is the difference between Serial and Parallel transmission of data?


Write pseudocode for the binary search algorithm and state, with an explanation, it's worst case complexity in big-O notation


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning