diff --git a/arch/Config.in.arc b/arch/Config.in.arc
index 8a7f290f52..fcb5d7d283 100644
--- a/arch/Config.in.arc
+++ b/arch/Config.in.arc
@@ -1,7 +1,9 @@
 # Choise of atomic instructions presence
 config BR2_ARC_ATOMIC_EXT
 	bool "Atomic extension (LLOCK/SCOND instructions)"
-	select BR2_ARCH_HAS_ATOMICS
+
+config BR2_ARCH_HAS_ATOMICS
+	default y if BR2_ARC_ATOMIC_EXT
 
 config BR2_ARCH
 	default "arc"	if BR2_arcle