# AMD Confirms New Low-Power CPU Core Type in Linux Patches — Zen 6 LP Cores Incoming?
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AMD is working on something new under the hood. Fresh Linux kernel patches submitted by AMD engineer Vishal Badole reveal a third CPU core type — **”Low Power”** — joining the existing Performance and Efficiency core classifications. This isn’t just kernel housekeeping; it’s a strong signal about where AMD’s future chip architecture is heading.
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## What the Patches Reveal
The patch series published on the Linux kernel mailing list introduces a new `cpu_type` called **Low Power**, identified via CPUID Fn0x80000026 EBX[31:28] (Extended CPU Topology, Core Type). Value 2 specifically flags a core designed for “minimal power consumption during background or idle workloads.”
Here’s what AMD’s kernel engineer wrote:
> *”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. AMD heterogeneous parts report the core type via CPUID… Value 2 identifies a low-power core designed for minimal power consumption during background or idle workloads.”*
The key distinction: Low Power cores are **separate from existing Efficiency (dense) cores**. They’re not just regular E-cores with lower voltage — they represent a fundamentally different core design optimized for ultra-low-power scenarios.
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## Why This Matters: Zen 6 LP and the PS6 Handheld Connection
This is where it gets interesting for PC enthusiasts. Industry leaker **Moore’s Law is Dead** previously claimed that Sony’s handheld PS6 would incorporate **Zen 6 LP (Low Power) cores**. These Linux patches now provide the first concrete evidence that such a core type actually exists in AMD’s roadmap.
For PC builders, this means future AMD CPUs (likely Zen 6 or later) could adopt a **triple-core architecture**:
| Core Type | Purpose |
|———–|———|
| **Performance (P-Core)** | Heavy workloads, gaming, rendering |
| **Efficiency (E-Core)** | Daily tasks, multitasking, medium loads |
| **Low Power (LP-Core)** | Background tasks, idle, always-on scenarios |
Imagine your PC sipping power like a phone during idle, while keeping background processes alive without waking the main cores. That’s the promise.
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## What This Means for PC Builders
If AMD ships LP cores in desktop Ryzen CPUs:
– **Lower idle power draw** — your PC won’t waste electricity when you’re away from keyboard
– **Better laptop battery life** — LP cores handle background tasks while the big cores sleep
– **Always-on features** — think “Hey Cortana” or background updates without waking full cores
– **PS6 handheld viability** — AMD now has the architectural building blocks for a truly power-efficient gaming handheld
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## FAQ
**Q: When will we see AMD Low Power cores in consumer CPUs?**
A: These patches are infrastructure preparation. Consumer chips with LP cores likely won’t arrive until the **Zen 6 generation**, expected around 2027–2028. Don’t expect Ryzen 9000-series to have them.
**Q: Is this related to AMD’s hybrid architecture (like Intel P+E cores)?**
A: Yes and no. AMD already has Performance and Efficiency core types in its roadmap. Low Power is a *third* tier, going beyond what Intel currently offers. This gives AMD finer-grained power management.
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## The Bottom Line
AMD is laying the groundwork for a more sophisticated heterogeneous architecture. While PC builders won’t see LP cores in their next CPU upgrade, these patches confirm that AMD is thinking beyond brute-force performance — towards **power efficiency at every level**.
This is especially important as handheld gaming PCs (Steam Deck, ROG Ally, and the rumored PS6 Portable) demand more from mobile chips. AMD’s Low Power cores could be the secret sauce that makes the next generation of portable gaming truly compelling.
**Stay tuned for Samsung Galaxy Unpacked (July 22nd) for more AMD announcements — and in the meantime, check out our [best gaming CPU deals](https://amzn.to/4fLhN3M) to upgrade your current rig.**
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