Alibaba Unveils XuanTie C950, a High-Performance RISC-V Processor for AI Servers

• March 24, 2026

Alibaba Group’s research arm, Damo Academy, has announced the launch of the XuanTie C950, a central processing unit built on the open-source RISC-V architecture. This new chip targets server environments, focusing specifically on handling workloads related to artificial intelligence agents.

The XuanTie C950 represents one of the most advanced processors developed using the RISC-V instruction set, an open standard that has been gaining traction in the semiconductor industry for its flexibility and openness compared to traditional proprietary architectures. Alibaba’s move into this space highlights the growing interest in RISC-V processors for demanding applications.

Design Focused on AI Workloads in Servers

The processor is engineered to meet the needs of AI-driven tasks, which often require high computational throughput and efficient processing of complex algorithms. By leveraging the RISC-V architecture, Alibaba aims to provide a scalable and customizable platform optimized for artificial intelligence agents operating within server infrastructures.

The XuanTie C950 is expected to enhance processing capabilities in data centers where AI applications are increasingly prevalent, though specific technical details such as clock speed, core count, or performance benchmarks were not disclosed at the time of the announcement.

This development continues the trend of major tech companies investing in RISC-V technology to reduce reliance on traditional chip architectures and to foster innovation within a more open ecosystem. Alibaba’s entry with the XuanTie C950 could encourage further adoption of RISC-V processors in AI and server use cases.

Pricing and availability details for the XuanTie C950 have not been made public. However, the release signals Alibaba’s commitment to advancing homegrown semiconductor solutions tailored for future AI workloads and cloud computing needs.

Alibaba’s research division introduces the XuanTie C950, a powerful RISC-V-based CPU designed for AI agent workloads in server environments.