This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, PC Master Deals earns from qualifying purchases.
AMD is quietly laying the groundwork for a new type of processor core. Fresh Linux kernel patches from AMD engineer Vishal Badole introduce a third CPU core type: Low Power, joining the existing Performance and Efficiency core classifications. And speculation is already linking it to Sony’s rumored PS6 handheld.
What’s New?
On June 29, 2026, AMD submitted a patch series to the Linux kernel mailing list adding a “Low Power” core type to the x86 topology code. The patch reads:
“This series extends the x86 topology cpu_type classification to support a Low Power core type, in addition to the existing Performance and Efficiency types.”
The new core type is detected via CPUID Fn0x80000026 EBX[31:28] — the Extended CPU Topology, Core Type leaf. A value of 2 identifies a low-power core designed for “minimal power consumption during background or idle workloads.”
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Core Type | Low Power (LP) |
| Detection | CPUID Fn0x80000026 EBX[31:28], Value 2 |
| Purpose | Background / idle workloads, minimal power draw |
| Linux Status | Under review on kernel mailing list |
| Expected Architecture | Likely Zen 6-based |
| Patches By | Vishal Badole, AMD |
Why This Matters for PC Builders and Gamers
AMD already uses a hybrid architecture with Zen 4c and Zen 5c “dense” cores on some EPYC and desktop chips. But this Low Power designation is distinct from the existing Efficiency (dense) type.
These LP cores aren’t meant for gaming or heavy workloads. They’re designed to handle background tasks — system updates, notifications, low-power streaming — while the Performance and Efficiency cores handle the heavy lifting.
This is similar to how ARM’s big.LITTLE architecture works, and how Intel has been implementing E-cores on recent chips. But AMD’s approach appears more granular with three tiers instead of two.
PS6 Handheld Connection
Popular hardware leaker Moore’s Law is Dead previously claimed that Sony’s rumored PlayStation 6 handheld would use AMD’s Zen 6 LP cores. With these Linux patches now confirmed by Phoronix, that rumor looks increasingly credible.
A handheld PS6 would need exactly this kind of ultra-low-power core to deliver decent battery life during light gaming or background tasks. If Sony ships a handheld companion to the PS6, AMD’s new core class could be the secret sauce that makes it work.
FAQ
When will Zen 6 LP cores ship in consumer products?
AMD hasn’t announced a timeline. These are early-stage Linux patches under review. If the rumor mill is correct, we could see Zen 6 LP cores in products launching alongside or after the Zen 6 desktop lineup, likely in 2027 or later.
Will desktop Ryzen CPUs have Low Power cores?
Possibly. AMD’s hybrid roadmap has been evolving. Desktop users could benefit from LP cores handling background tasks while Performance cores stay free for gaming and productivity. However, AMD may reserve LP cores for mobile, handheld, and console applications first.
How is Low Power different from Efficiency (Zen 5c) cores?
Efficiency cores (like Zen 5c) are denser versions of the full-size core — same architecture, smaller cache, lower clocks. Low Power cores appear to be a separate design entirely, optimized for ultra-low power consumption during idle or background workloads rather than general-purpose throughput.
Final Verdict
AMD’s three-tier core strategy is a smart move. As PC hardware pushes toward more heterogeneous architectures, having dedicated Low Power cores for background tasks could dramatically improve battery life in laptops and handhelds — without sacrificing performance when you need it.
Keep an eye on Zen 6 LP. If the PS6 handheld rumors are true, these chips could power the next generation of portable gaming.
This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, PC Master Deals earns from qualifying purchases.