What is RISC-V?
RISC-V, pronounced “risk five,” is a modern open-source instruction of architectural set (one) based on reduced SET computer principles (RISC). In simple terms, it is like a blueprint that refers to a set of instructions that a processor can perform.
RISC-V is designed to be quite ModularGreat and flexible. Originally developed by the University of California in 2010, the open-source framework gives developers flexible to adapt its functionality and the use of cases, along with cost-saving compared to ownership of one such as ARM or X86. It offers a wide range of tools, from supercomputers to smartphones and now Blockchains Like Ethereum.
On April 20, 2025, the co-founder of Ethereum Vitalik Buterin opened a “radical” new scale Proposal To replace Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) with The architecture of RISC-V instructionaims to boost the speed and efficiency of the network implementation layer. The idea is that RISC-V is the best way to solve the blockchain Scalability obstacles.
“It aims to greatly improve the efficiency of the Ethereum implementation layer, solving one of the key bottlenecks of scaling, and can also improve the simplicity of the implementation layer – in fact, probably the only way to do this.
The idea: Replace EVM of RISC-V as a virtual machine language written in smart contracts, ” Said Blerin.
Ethereum continues to face high Transaction fees And reduced the volume of transactions as users move to the 2s layer for cheaper, faster transactions. This is aligned with the Ethereum post-mege scaling strategy (2022). Blerin’s idea to recreate the chain is seen as an opportunity for modernizing and maintaining its dominance as a leading intelligent contracting platform.
Do you know? The Ethereum implementation layer has become the main bottleneck of scalability. Poor processing of smart contracts and transactions due to precautionary implementation, improper computational design and complex state management causes network congestion.
How will RISC-V work with Ethereum?
Adding RISC-V to Ethereum is still a proposal discussed by community and network management. Buterin has drafted several techniques to implement the proposal, including the operation of two virtual machines (VMs) or a complete switch to RISC-V.
The first idea of supporting VMs will allow contracts to write and execute in any of the existing EVM or RISC-V models. Both types of contracts will have access to operating such as continuous storage, holding ether (Eth) balance and making and receiving calls. Adding to it, the contract can be included so they can call each other.
An alternative method, described as “more radical,” will change the protocol to convert existing EVM contracts. This will require rewriting of current contracts to contact an EVM translator, while new contracts will be written directly to RISC-V.
A major challenge for such a violent change is to prevent the destruction of there Decentralized application (DAPPS) and intelligent contracts. Ethereum does not risk breaking the existing contracts written in the current EVM code. A transitional solution can be involved using a translator – essentially a layer of translation between different computing languages. This will allow developers to start developing RISC-V while ensuring EVM’s legacy contracts continue to operate without interruption.
Do you know? In 2022, Ethereum made a jump forward to its energy efficiency and delivered more scalability, security and maintenance. In a process called “the integration,” the chain moved from a Proof-of-Work (Pow) consensus mechanism Proof-of-Stake (POS). It is involved in the integration of Ethereum Mainnet with a separate POS blockchain called the beacon chain.
RISC-V’s Main Benefits Compared to EVM
If RISC-V brings a major move to Ethereum architecture, what would be the benefits of making this change? In the long run, RISC-V will improve the performance and processing of Ethereum Smart Contracts.
According to Baterin, new architecture may theoretical to deliver 100x efficiency; In fact, this number is hard to reach, but the acquisitions will still be significant. Efficiency acquisitions are tied to RISC-V’s suitability for both zero-knowledge (ZK) proof systems and the general implementation of the wise contract, as it removes EVM’s overhead.
Not much about changing EVM straight and more about using RISC-V as a backend for ZKEVM or similar ZK Rollup, where proof costs are dominant. Scalability improvements are largely from offloading implementation to ZK rollups, with RISC-V optimizing the validation process.
Wise RISC-V contracts can run faster and use fewer computational sources. This increased efficiency is likely to be translated into lower gas fees for finishing users. In the process, it will also enable the network to handle more users and transactions without slowing down. That would be a direct improvement in Ethereum’s scalability, which potentially resolve one of the biggest criticized points of the blockchain industry.
In addition, the simple, flexible RISC-V instruction set is better suited for ZK-Proof calculations than EVM, which covers the overhead from administrative activities such as gas accounting and state management.
Instead of rebuilding EVM for Zk-proofsRISC-V offers a streamlined alternative, simplifying the development of ZK-optimize implementation layers. This can accelerate Ethereum’s roadmap for privacy and scalability through ZK rollups, making RISC-V a compelling supplement to EVM.
Below is a comparison table that summarizes the main differences and benefits of RISC-V compared to EVM.
Do you know? Ethereum has passed through many major milestones in developing in its first decade. Noteworthy, in 2016, it conducted a hard fork to roll back the chain after the DAO hack. The result is noteworthy today with the Ethereum and Ethereum Classic Chain both in existence.
Will RISC-V be implemented in the future?
Baterin’s proposal has led to a living debate with Ethereum users and developers. This is an ambitious idea that can be a milestone on the Development Roadmap for the top contract blockchain.
Programmer Ben Adams has raised many concerns about the proposal: briefly, ZK-Proof may be better, but may have a trade-off. Block building and implementation, which runs smart contracts, can end up slowing down.
“The risk here is that ZK-proving may be better, but building the building and implementation will worsen,” commented Ben Adams.
A feeling that Echoed With another unidentified commentator, “I agree with Ben Adams here, the EVM as a whole is very based on the U256, so RISC-V abstract will decrease in overall execution performance.”
Others appear to agree that RISC-V is a good idea to help reduce bottlenecks but ask if it is a priority, given the potential difficulty and technical costs.
“Come on, it seems like a good idea for the L1 to solve points 2 and 3 of the L1 Bottlenecks. But is this the range of priorities we want to solve, especially given the technical cost here?” added Adam Cochran.
It is clear that the proposal still requires clarity and additional discussions within the Ethereum community. While the promise is one of the radical mitigation that promotes efficiency and speed, it also introduces a complex technical change. It will need the potential year of offering to think about how the Layer-1 Blockchain Works.
Of course, like any decentralized project, green light does not only rely on technical planning; It needs community permission. Thus, at present, Blerin’s proposal has opened a broad conversation about any upcoming development action.
