Explaining RISC-V: An x86 & ARM Alternative

RISC-V is an alternative microprocessor technology to x86 and ARM, with its instruction set architecture (ISA) being open rather than closed. This video explains what RISC-V is all about, including its origins, key market players, hardware, applications, intellectual property (IP), and the likely role of global politics and international trade barriers in determining RISC-V’s success. Note that I have posted a “RISC-V 2023 Update“ video here: My previous review of the VisionFive RISC-V SBC that can run a Linux OS is here: And my review of the Nezha RISC-V SBC that can also run a Linux OS is here: REFERENCES Specific sources included in the video are as follows: RISC-V International: The first RISC-V Instruction Set Manual (from 2011): SiFive website: and RISC-V core IP: SiFive development boards: Samsung to use SiFive RISC-V cores: T-Head Xuantie product overview: Alibaba (T-Head) open sources Xuantie RISC-V cores: Western Digital RISC-V: -- the technology brief pdf is particularly interesting: Chinese Academy of Sciences release Xiangshan RISC-V processor: Russia to Build 8-Core RISC-V CPUs for Laptops, Government Systems: India selects RISC-V for semiconductor self-sufficiency contest: More videos on computing and related topics can be found at You may also like my ExplainingTheFuture channel at: If you are looking to purchase some of the hardware items that I use in my videos, I have created an Amazon Storefront here: Please note that as an Amazon Associate I earn a commission from any qualifying purchases you may make. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 01:26 Open & Closed ISAs 03:55 RISC-V Origins 05:15 Market Players 08:43 Entering the Mainstream 10:34 The Third Platform #RISC-V #x86 #ARM #ExplainingComputers