Monday, August 31st 2026

AMD Starts "Zen 6" Desktop Enablement in Linux 7.3

by
AleksandarK
 Discuss (14 Comments)
AMD's upcoming "Zen 6" desktop processors are moving closer to release as the company begins Linux kernel support in the latest version 7.3. According to Phoronix, AMD has updated the Host System Management Port (HSMP) kernel module, adding protocol version 7, which is used by the Zen 6 Family 1Ah Model 80H processors. Additionally, there are new AMD PMF platform driver features for these processors, likely referring to the "Zen 6" desktop "Olympic Ridge" processors. The AMD PMF driver now also offers device metrics through a new ioctl interface.

With the "Zen 6" generation, AMD is reportedly increasing its CCD core count to up to 12 instances, whereas the previous-generation CCDs maxed out at 8 cores. For versions with two CCDs, the core count starts at 12 cores and continues with 16 and 20-core models, topping off with the flagship 24-core dual CCD SKU. AMD is able to pack more cores per CCD due to the new manufacturing technology, which is TSMC's N2 2 nm node, providing better transistor density compared to the older nodes used in previous generations.
For the upcoming Ryzen 10000 series "Olympic Ridge" desktop processors, the company confirmed that these CPUs will also be compatible with the Socket AM5 platform, introduced in 2022 alongside the Ryzen 7000 series powered by the "Zen 4" architecture. We are nearing the launch of desktop "Zen 6," and more signs indicate that AMD is finally bringing the already-announced "Zen 6" CPU technology to the consumer market.
Source: Phoronix

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14 Comments on AMD Starts "Zen 6" Desktop Enablement in Linux 7.3

#1
_roman_
What i learnt from the past, when amd graphic cards show up in the kernel source it takes 15 to 18 months until i see the finished product on the shelves.

* development branch *, the 7.3 is the upcoming branch. e.g kernel.org would also show that information instantly.
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#3
Space Lynx
Astronaut
_roman_What i learnt from the past, when amd graphic cards show up in the kernel source it takes 15 to 18 months until i see the finished product on the shelves.

* development branch *, the 7.3 is the upcoming branch. e.g kernel.org would also show that information instantly.
that won't be the case here. there is no way they will let Nova Lake (coming this December or at the latest March of next year) have that big of a gap as sole king, and Nova Lake is expected to be the new king across all benchmarks when it launches, so AMD has no choice but to answer. Maybe June next year at the latest.
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#4
Jtuck9
Space Lynxthat won't be the case here. there is no way they will let Nova Lake (coming this December or at the latest March of next year) have that big of a gap as sole king, and Nova Lake is expected to be the new king across all benchmarks when it launches, so AMD has no choice but to answer. Maybe June next year at the latest.
In this market perhaps they have a more captive audience rather than turncoats

*I'm one of them*
Posted on Reply
#5
Grimling
If you already have an X3D CPU, you are probably widely GPU limited.
Upgrading your CPU would not make much sense here, in Gaming at least.
Posted on Reply
#6
Jtuck9
GrimlingIf you already have an X3D CPU, you are probably widely GPU limited.
Upgrading your CPU would not make much sense here, in Gaming at least.
That Onimusha benchmark thread is quite interesting. I noticed in the demo / game you can change processor settings so it uses more threads?! Not sure if that makes it a better performance indicator?
Posted on Reply
#7
Legacy-ZA
GrimlingIf you already have an X3D CPU, you are probably widely GPU limited.
Upgrading your CPU would not make much sense here, in Gaming at least.
True, people who already have one might see little gains, but they will be there:
  1. More cache
  2. More cores / CCD
  3. Less Power Draw
  4. Increased IPC
  5. Much higher frequency
For me, it's going to be a massive upgrade, I can't wait. ^_^
Posted on Reply
#8
MikOnTopGG
Im glad. This will ultimately turn a great switch from Windows to Linux (hopefully)
Posted on Reply
#9
Grimling
Legacy-ZAFor me, it's going to be a massive upgrade, I can't wait. ^_^
Going from an 5900x, probably any Zen 6 CPU will be a gigantic upgrade, are you going for the X3D Zen 6?
Posted on Reply
#10
XeonsNOpterons
Cool stuff, they must be pretty close to launch if they are being supported in Linux. Going to be interesting to see how they segment the whole stack now that they will have more core count variations.
Space Lynxthat won't be the case here. there is no way they will let Nova Lake (coming this December or at the latest March of next year) have that big of a gap as sole king, and Nova Lake is expected to be the new king across all benchmarks when it launches, so AMD has no choice but to answer. Maybe June next year at the latest.
Agreed, AMD, unlike Intel in the server/workstation segment, launches pretty consistently on schedule. Zen 6 should be out at least by early next year. Also, yes, Nova Lake will likely be a much bigger deal than some expect. Venice's turbo clock speeds versus Turin's hint that the claims of super high stock turbo frequencies on desktop Zen 6 are likely lies. The only thing hamstringing Nova Lake is the likely late launch of its 52-core flagship.
Posted on Reply
#11
harm9963
Wait and see, no hurry at all for me ,my current system is more than good!
Posted on Reply
#12
Legacy-ZA
GrimlingGoing from an 5900x, probably any Zen 6 CPU will be a gigantic upgrade, are you going for the X3D Zen 6?
Yes.

12 core single CCD X3D. <3
Posted on Reply
#13
Grimling
Legacy-ZAYes.

12 core single CCD X3D. <3
Yeah that sounds like it! 😍
Posted on Reply
#14
randomdude9182
XeonsNOpteronsCool stuff, they must be pretty close to launch if they are being supported in Linux. Going to be interesting to see how they segment the whole stack now that they will have more core count variations.


Agreed, AMD, unlike Intel in the server/workstation segment, launches pretty consistently on schedule. Zen 6 should be out at least by early next year. Also, yes, Nova Lake will likely be a much bigger deal than some expect. Venice's turbo clock speeds versus Turin's hint that the claims of super high stock turbo frequencies on desktop Zen 6 are likely lies. The only thing hamstringing Nova Lake is the likely late launch of its 52-core flagship.
"Venice's turbo clock speeds versus Turin's hint that the claims of super high stock turbo frequencies on desktop Zen 6 are likely lies"
you mean the 5.9ghz all core freqencies?
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