Technical Terms - Hardware (A-Z) - CISC

What does CISC stand for?

• Complex Instruction Set Computing

• Central Instruction Set Computing

• Reduced Instruction Set Computing

• Complete Instruction Set Computing

Which processor architecture is the most widely-used type of CISC processor?

• PowerPC

• ARM

• MIPS

• x86

What is the main advantage of CISC instruction sets over RISC instruction sets?

• Can handle more complicated tasks with fewer instructions

• Use fewer transistors

• Require fewer clock cycles

• Produce less heat

What is the main advantage of RISC processors over CISC processors?

• Require fewer clock cycles

• Produce less heat

• Use fewer transistors

• Can handle more complicated tasks with fewer instructions

Which type of instruction set design includes fewer instructions that each take a single clock cycle?

• ARM

• RISC

• MIPS

• CISC

What is the purpose of a software compiler in CISC processors?

• To create fewer lines of assembly code

• To increase the number of clock cycles required

• To create more lines of assembly code

• To store more instructions in memory

What do RISC processors use the extra transistors for?

• For memory storage

• To increase the number of clock cycles required

• To store more instructions in memory

• For a less-complex chip design

Which processor type can be smaller, require less power, and produce less heat?

• ARM

• MIPS

• RISC

• CISC

What is the main drawback of CISC processors compared to RISC processors?

• Require fewer clock cycles

• Use fewer transistors

• Can handle more complicated tasks with fewer instructions

• Require more transistors to store larger instruction sets

What is the main drawback of RISC processors compared to CISC processors?

• Use fewer transistors

• Require fewer clock cycles

• Can handle more complicated tasks with fewer instructions

• Require more transistors to store larger instruction sets