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Module 2: x86 Architecture, CPU Control, I/O, Memory System Design

20252m

x86 architecture belongs to which processor family?
(i) RISC
(ii) CISC
(iii) EPIC
(iv) ARM

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Answer: (ii) CISC

x86 (Intel 8086 and its successors) belongs to CISC – Complex Instruction Set Computer.

  • CISC characteristics shown by x86: variable-length instructions (1 to 15 bytes), large number of instructions & addressing modes, microprogrammed control, complex instructions that do multiple operations (e.g., REP MOVS), fewer registers with memory-to-memory operations.
  • Contrasts with RISC (Reduced Instruction Set: fixed-length, load/store, many registers, hardwired control) like ARM, MIPS.
  • Modern x86 externally is CISC but internally translates to RISC-like micro-ops (hybrid).

So option (ii) CISC is correct.

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