CISC vs RISC CPU Instruction Sets
CPUs can be separated generally into two types CISC (Complex Instruction Set Computer) and RISC (Reduced Instruction Set Computer). The reduced instruction set is how we’ve demonstrated how CPUs work in this course – each clock cycle a single thing occurs in a single-core processor. Whereas a complex instruction set things get more complicated. The Intel i7 is an example of CISC (it’s more complicated than that, but we’re keeping it simple), and a Qualcomm Snapdragon is an example of RISC. RISC requires less power but more complex code (although in reality, the compiler takes care of that complexity). CISC requires more power and less complex code (but again the compiler takes care of that).
CISC is faster as it is able to do more per clock cycle as it is processing fewer lines of code than RISC.
RISC is more likely found in mobile devices such as smartphones due to the lower power requirement (e.g. Snapdragon, ARM). CISC is more likely found in laptop, desktop. and server computers (e.g. i7, XEON).
The video below gives greater detail if you require.