AMD has submitted Linux kernel patches introducing a new “Low Power” CPU core classification, signaling that its future processors will adopt a three-tier heterogeneous architecture similar to Intel’s performance, efficiency, and low-power core design.
The patch series, posted by AMD engineer Vishal Badole on June 29, extends the Linux x86 topology code to support three core types: Performance (existing), Efficiency (existing), and a new Low Power category. The low-power core is described as “designed for minimal power consumption during background or idle workloads.”
What the patches reveal
The patches report core type through CPUID Fn0x80000026 EBX[31:28], where value 2 identifies the low-power core. This classification matters for exposing core type information to user space via sysfs and for correctly calculating boost ratio numerators on AMD’s heterogeneous parts.
AMD’s current Zen 5 lineup uses two core types: standard Zen 5 cores for high performance and Zen 5C cores for higher density with optimized clock and power characteristics, both based on the same instruction set architecture. The new low-power core represents a distinct third tier.
Expected use in Zen 6 Medusa APUs
Industry watchers expect the low-power cores to debut with AMD’s Zen 6 Medusa APU family, which reportedly spans multiple product configurations and is expected to launch around CES 2027. The Medusa chips are anticipated to use a mix of standard Zen 6, Zen 6C (dense), and Zen 6LP (low-power) cores.
Unlike Intel’s hybrid approach, which uses different instruction set architectures across P-cores and E-cores, AMD’s three core types are expected to share the same underlying ISA, simplifying software scheduling while offering wider power-performance tuning range.
Broader industry context
The move reflects the growing importance of heterogeneous computing in the data center and client markets. As CPU core counts rise into the dozens and even hundreds, AMD’s Epyc server chips already exceed 192 cores, having multiple core types optimized for different workloads allows chip designers to maximize performance-per-watt without sacrificing single-threaded throughput.
The Linux kernel patches are currently undergoing review on the kernel mailing list. No official AMD announcement has been made regarding Zen 6 core configurations.
Sources: AMD Linux Patches Introduce New “Low Power” CPU Core Type (Phoronix, June 29, 2026); AMD Zen 6 Gains a New Low-Power Core Beyond Zen 6 and Zen 6C (WCCFTech, June 29, 2026); AMD confirms low-power CPU cores in Linux kernel patch (Tom’s Hardware, June 30, 2026)