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By Zayden R., August 19, 2026
Linux 7.3 now supports AMD's new low-power core, improving power efficiency in upcoming Zen 6 processors. This release also unifies Intel and AMD core type handling, simplifying CPU management for users.
Linux 7.3 has officially integrated support for AMD's new low-power core, a significant step for those anticipating the Zen 6 processors. This core type is designed to enhance energy efficiency, complementing AMD's existing performance and efficiency cores. Engineers will find this update particularly relevant as it promises better power management, which is crucial for battery-dependent devices.
Phoronix reports that the x86/cpu pull request, recently merged, introduces the "AMD_CPU_TYPE_LOW_POWER" identifier, ensuring these cores are accurately recognized instead of being labeled as "unknown." This move is expected to streamline the development and optimization of software targeting these new AMD cores.
In addition to AMD's update, Linux 7.3 also brings a unified handling of CPU core types across Intel and AMD processors. This means vendor-specific core types are now mapped to generic CPU core types, simplifying system architecture and potentially reducing confusion among developers. The change was prompted by observations from the Sashiko AI bot, which noted discrepancies in CPU core type numbering.
The update also includes a minor optimization for older AMD Athlon XP systems, allowing the use of the SFENCE instruction in write memory barrier kernel code. This tweak is aimed at CPUs supporting SSE but not SSE2, providing a slight performance boost. Meanwhile, Intel users will benefit from KCFI optimizations for older processors.
Another noteworthy change is the shift from 32-bit to 64-bit Model Specific Register (MSR) interfaces, a move that simplifies the codebase and prepares for the eventual removal of 32-bit MSR interfaces in the Linux 7.4 cycle. This is a solid improvement for both developers and system administrators, ensuring a smoother transition to more modern hardware standards.
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