📝RISC-V allows building smaller chips compared to other ISAs

source

Engheim₂₀₂₂

Specialized processors don’t need “full” instruction set but complex ISAs make it hard to remove unused operations to go smaller.

RISC-V has a modular design with minimal core, so it’s possible to build smaller chips compared to other ISAs. (Less instructions → smaller die size → much lower price.)

This makes RISC-V most competitive in embedded/specialized chips.

As energy efficiency concerns are forcing greater specialization, we believe it is important to simplify the required portion of an ISA specification.

—Committee p.17