OVERVIEW

What is C1-Pro?

Next-Gen Performance With AI-Ready Efficiency

C1-Pro is the next-generation big CPU core built on the Armv9.3-A architecture in the Arm C1 CPU cluster. It delivers sustained high performance and energy efficiency across demanding use cases like gaming, AI inference, and video streaming. C1-Pro delivers higher throughput and faster responsiveness through new front-end and memory subsystem upgrades, without area efficiency compromise.

 

C1-Pro introduces the new Arm Scalable Matrix Extension 2 (SME2), delivering substantial performance and efficiency gains for AI and ML workloads. C1-Pro delivers balances performance and enhances user experience without compromising energy efficiency.

BENEFITS

Built for Real-World Performance

 16% Higher Performance in Gaming

Delivers fluid UI responsiveness, accelerated gaming, and energy-efficient video streaming in real-world conditions.1
 11% Performance Improvement

More performance at the same power, measured using Geekbench 6.3.1
 5x Better AI Inference

Enables efficient on-device AI execution for LLMs, AI-powered cameras, and more.1
Enhanced Configurability

2nd generation of area-optimized configuration delivers more performance with no area increase.
FEATURES

Designed for Sustained Performance and Scalable Efficiency

  • Instruction Set Architecture (ISA): Armv9.3-A.
  • AI Extensions: SME2-capable in supported cluster configurations.
  • Better prediction accuracy and more throughput.
  • New highly accurate indirect Prefetcher.
  • Memory system changes to address larger footprints.
  • Optimizations for reducing latency in L2 TLB hit.
Arm C1-Pro Block Diagram
SPECIFICATIONS

C1-Pro Specifications

C1-Pro is the first Arm big CPU on the Armv9.3-A architecture, supporting key Armv9.3-A enhancements and Arm SME2 at the cluster level for efficient AI acceleration. Built for the latest process nodes, it delivers sustained performance, improved prediction accuracy, and memory efficiency in scalable, area-optimized configurations.

Visit Arm Developer for more details.

Key Documentation

RELATED PRODUCTS

Explore Products and Technologies

Arm Lumex CSS Platform

Arm Lumex CSS

The next-generation Arm Client compute subsystem platform built for the AI era—integrating powerful CPUs, Mali GPUs, and developer-friendly software to deliver differentiated, energy-efficient experiences across mobile tiers.

Explore Lumex CSS
C1-Ultra

C1-Ultra

The flagship Armv9.3-A big core in the platform cluster, delivering double-digit IPC uplift and SME2 for faster, more efficient on-CPU AI acceleration and gaming performance compared to the previous generation.

Explore C1-Ultra
C1-Premium

C1-Premium

Our sub-flagship Armv9.3-A big core optimized for background AI inference and task offload, enabling smarter power use and extended battery life in always-on mobile environments.

Explore C1-Premium
C1-Nano

C1-Nano

The most efficient Arm LITTLE core, tuned for sustained AI performance and ultra-low power. Ideal for background tasks and always-on mobile experiences.

Explore C1-Nano
C1-DynamIQ Shared Unit (C1-DSU)

C1 DynamIQ Shared Unit
(C1-DSU)

Our C1-DSU enables the seamless integration of C1-Ultra, C1-Pro, and C1-Premium in scalable clusters, managing coherency, memory, and system-level performance across workloads efficiently.

Explore C1-DSU
Mali GPUs

Mali GPUs

Mali GPUs provide the ultimate user experience for entertainment and visual applications across a wide range of smartphone devices.

Explore Mali GPUs

Talk with an Expert

Learn how C1-Pro CPU can help you create superior AI experiences on consumer devices.

Contact Us

Frequently Asked Questions: C1-Pro CPU

1. What is the C1-Pro CPU?

C1-Pro is a next-generation big core built on the Armv9.3-A architecture. It is designed for sustained performance across gaming, AI, and high-efficiency workloads. Positioned as the efficient core in the platform cluster, it delivers up to 16% higher performance in gaming and 5x AI inference improvement.

 2. What are the performance benefits of C1-Pro CPU?

C1-Pro delivers:


  • +16% higher performance in gaming.
  • 11% performance improvement at the same power, measured using Geekbench 6.3
  • 5x better AI inference performance through SME2 acceleration.
 3. How does C1-Pro improve AI processing?

C1-Pro supports Arm SME2, enabling efficient on-device execution of AI models like LLMs and AI-powered camera algorithms. This delivers faster and more power-efficient inference at the edge.

4. How does C1-Pro compare to Arm Cortex-A725 or previous Arm big cores?

C1-Pro is the evolutionary successor to Cortex-A725. It offers:


  • Improved branch prediction and memory efficiency.
  • SME2 support at the cluster level.
  • Scalable configurations with up to 80% area savings over prior designs.

It targets mass-market tiers with performance-per-area efficiency.

5. What software tools support development with C1-Pro?

1. Compared to previous generation. Testing done internally, Jan 15-March 30, 2025; actual results may vary.