Vitalik Buterin Suggests RISC-V to Boost Ethereum EVM Scalability

Ethereum keeps evolving, and a new idea from Vitalik Buterin could change how it works at its core. He recently suggested swapping out Ethereum’s traditional virtual machine for something new—an open-source processor standard called RISC-V. It’s big news that could eventually impact how fast and scalable Ethereum becomes.

So, what exactly does all this mean for Ethereum and its future? Let’s break it down in a simple way.

What Is the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM)?

Think of the Ethereum Virtual Machine, or EVM, as the brain that runs smart contracts on Ethereum. It’s the environment that processes everything from NFT transactions to DeFi protocols.

But here’s the catch: the EVM wasn’t built for high-speed performance at scale.

Ethereum has done well, but with more users and more data, those performance limits are starting to show. So, how do you upgrade a brain without breaking everything that depends on it?

That’s where Vitalik’s suggestion comes in.

Enter RISC-V: A New Kind of Digital Brain

RISC-V (pronounced “risk-five”) is an open-source standard for building computer chips. Technically, it’s an instruction set architecture—basically, the rules for how a processor works. Unlike proprietary chip designs like ARM or x86, RISC-V is free and customizable.

This makes it appealing for blockchain development. Developers can tailor their RISC-V implementations to specific blockchain use cases. That means potentially faster processing, lower costs, and greater efficiency.

Here’s why RISC-V stands out:

• It’s open-source: Anyone can use and modify it, which is ideal for decentralized systems.
• It’s efficient: Developers can build lightweight, purpose-built virtual machines.
• It’s future-ready: Custom processors built on RISC-V can evolve alongside blockchain tech.

Basically, it offers a clean slate versus the legacy systems developers usually work with.

Why Replace the EVM?

The current EVM doesn’t talk directly to your computer’s hardware. Instead, smart contract code is interpreted or compiled in ways that slow things down.

Vitalik believes Ethereum could benefit from something more “low-level”—meaning closer to the hardware and more efficient. A RISC-V-based VM could:

• Run smart contracts faster
• Enable on-chain parallel processing
• Reduce gas consumption

Right now, Ethereum’s throughput is limited. Imagine trying to stream HD video using dial-up internet. That’s how some developers describe the current system. A shift to RISC-V could be like upgrading to high-speed broadband.

What Would This Change Look Like?

Ethereum wouldn’t just flip a switch and switch to RISC-V overnight. This would likely happen through new rollups or secondary networks that test the technology in isolation first.

These changes might show up in Layer 2 solutions. For example, zero-knowledge rollups could potentially benefit from the speed and efficiency boosts a RISC-V-based VM offers. You can read more about zero-knowledge rollups vs optimistic rollups here.

Over time, if successful, Ethereum’s developers might merge some of those ideas into the main chain.

Buterin also pointed out that we shouldn’t just copy Ethereum’s EVM forever. Instead, he wants the developer community to experiment and learn from new ideas. And RISC-V is ripe for that experimentation.

What Does This Mean for Developers and Users?

If you’re a developer, this might mean you’ll eventually write smart contracts for a new kind of virtual machine. It could also open the door for building custom blockchains tailored for specific purposes.

For users, this could mean:

• Faster transactions
• Lower gas fees
• More powerful DeFi apps and on-chain games

And maybe the most exciting part—this kind of shift could bring Ethereum closer to true global scalability. That’s something developers and investors have been waiting for since the network launched.

Wait, Aren’t Rollups Solving Scalability Already?

Yes, rollups are a big part of Ethereum’s scalability roadmap. They process transactions off-chain, then commit a summary back to the mainnet.

But the technology under those rollups—the virtual machine layer—still matters a lot.

Vitalik’s idea doesn’t replace rollups; it makes them better. By running faster code more efficiently, RISC-V-powered rollups could push beyond limitations of current systems.

If you’re not yet familiar with Layer 2 scaling options, you might enjoy our explainer on how Layer 2s work.

A Look at the Future: Ethereum Beyond the EVM

Vitalik is known for bold, technical ideas. He’s not just proposing a new feature; he’s questioning the very foundation of Ethereum.

Here’s what this signals:

• Ethereum is still growing into its final form
• The developer community is open to fundamental change
• Interoperability between blockchain platforms may become easier

In the long run, there might be more “Ethereums” running various VMs, optimized for different tasks—but all connected to the same network.

Want to explore how developers are already testing these boundaries? Take a dive into our post on why blockchains are going application-specific.

Is This Really Possible? Or Just a Cool Idea?

Right now, this is more of a vision than a roadmap.

There are still many obstacles:

• Backward compatibility: How will existing smart contracts work?
• Security: Introducing new systems means a new attack surface.
• Adoption: Will developers make the jump?

So while the RISC-V idea is promising, it’s not guaranteed.

But Ethereum has done hard things before. The merge, the rise of Layer 2s, and the booming DeFi sector all signal one thing—this community builds and adapts over time.

Final Thoughts

Vitalik Buterin’s proposal to explore RISC-V for Ethereum represents a step toward greater scalability and flexibility. It might change how future Ethereum applications are built—and make them faster, cheaper, and more creative.

It shows that the Ethereum core community isn’t afraid to think beyond what’s already working.

As we move forward, keep an eye on experimental Layer 2 networks and developer toolkits built with RISC-V compatibility. This is where real innovation might sneak in.

If you want to stay updated on everything happening at the infrastructure layer of crypto, check out our recent look at the difference between rollapps and rollups in Layer 2 solutions.

Ethereum’s next chapter might already be in motion. Are you ready for it?

Keep Exploring

Here are some helpful blog posts related to today’s topic:

• EIP-4844 and Proto-Danksharding Explained
• The Ethereum Upgrade Roadmap: A Complete Guide
• Decentralized Compute Power: The New Era of Web3 Infrastructure

The future of Ethereum is being shaped right now. Stay curious—and get ready for what’s coming next.