Arm Introduces C2-Series CPU and Next-Gen Mali GPU for Mobile Processors

The CSS for Mobile 2 reference design will be utilized in next-gen processors from Qualcomm, MediaTek, Google, and others. It primarily features the newly introduced C2 Ultra and C2 Pro cores, along with the Mali G2-Ultra NX GPU, Scalable Matrix Extensions 2 (SME2), enhanced cache, and an updated system interconnect. Arm has not updated its C1 Premium and C1 Nano cores, meaning silicon partners who need more efficient cores can still combine them with the new C2 cores.

Arm is emphasizing a substantial focus on AI performance, claiming a 1.7x increase in AI compute capabilities. For the C2 Ultra core, there is a reported 15% improvement in single-core performance and a 12% enhancement in multi-core performance compared to its predecessor. The reference design features two SME2 clusters with the C2 Ultra cores, yielding a 24% improvement in workflow execution relative to the previous C1 Ultra design.

Additionally, the Mali G2-Ultra NX GPU brings enhancements in critical areas including Neural Accelerators, a new Execution Engine, and third-generation Ray Tracing Units. The neural accelerators are expected to support AI-driven graphics features similar to DLSS and FSR, aimed at improving performance in mobile gaming. The updated ray tracing units are designed to enhance performance in graphics-intensive scenes.

The new execution engine in the Mali G2-Ultra NX GPU is intended to improve the performance of Unreal Engine 5's Nanite and Lumen technologies, ensuring a better gaming experience compared to previous models. While Arm has also promised improvements to the system interconnect, specific details remain undisclosed. Further insights into core design and performance metrics are anticipated in the forthcoming days.