- A new innovation in computer chip architecture is taking hold, Benchmark notes, and it could be "disruptive" for traditional processors (and a possible boon to companies getting on board).
- RISC-V is the latest version of the "reduced instruction set" architecture, a more modifiable system allowing for more customer tailoring of silicon, and a note from Benchmark's Gary Mobley highlights what's going on in the area.
- Western Digital (WDC +1%) has "pledged to transition its own consumption of processors to RISC-V," Mobley notes, and Nvidia (NVDA +5.7%) quietly noted it will build its next-gen GPU microcontroller on the new instruction set.
- But if Western Digital moves forward as it's indicating it will, the move could have an impact on Marvell (MRVL +2.3%), as well as processor IP companies including Synopsys (SNPS +0.8%), Cadence Design (CDNS +1.4%), Imagination Tech and even CEVA (CEVA +4.4%).
- Mobley plans to hold a conference call about RISC-V Jan. 22, Barron's Tiernan Ray notes.
- Now read: Nvidia Portfolio Update
Original article