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AMD is quietly laying the groundwork for a third CPU core type — and it could be the key to the next generation of gaming handhelds, including a rumored portable PlayStation 6.
A new Linux kernel patch series published by AMD engineer Vishal Badole introduces a “Low Power” (LP) core type designed for “minimal power consumption during background or idle workloads.” This goes beyond the existing Performance (P) and Efficiency (E) core classifications found in modern x86 processors.
What’s New?
| Spec | Details |
|---|---|
| Core Type | Low Power (LP) — third type after Performance & Efficiency |
| Source | AMD Linux kernel patch series (June 29, 2026) |
| CPUID Leaf | Fn0x80000026 EBX[31:28] — Core Type value 2 |
| Purpose | Background/idle workloads, ultra-low power |
| Previous Behavior | Reported as “unknown” in Linux topology |
| Availability | Patch under review on kernel mailing list |
The patch adds just a dozen lines of code, but the implications are massive. Until now, AMD’s heterogeneous CPU designs featured two core types — Performance cores for heavy lifting and Efficiency (dense) cores for lighter tasks. The new LP core sits below Efficiency cores, designed for scenarios where every milliwatt counts.
Who Is This For?
- PC builders planning future AMD upgrades — Zen 6 architecture will likely feature all three core types
- Handheld gaming enthusiasts — the Steam Deck, ROG Ally, and future devices could benefit enormously
- Console gamers eyeing a potential PS6 portable
- Laptop users who want all-day battery life without sacrificing desktop-class performance
Why This Matters for Gaming Handhelds
The timing is notable. Leaker Moore’s Law is Dead previously claimed that a Sony PlayStation 6 handheld would incorporate AMD’s Zen 6 architecture with these very Low Power cores. While Sony hasn’t confirmed anything, the Linux patch evidence makes the theory much more credible.
Here’s why this matters for handheld gaming:
- Background tasks suck battery. When you’re not actively gaming, the LP cores can handle system updates, downloads, and notifications with almost no power draw.
- Idle efficiency. A handheld console sitting in sleep mode could sip power at near-zero levels, extending standby time from days to weeks.
- Thermal benefits. Less heat from background tasks means smaller, quieter cooling solutions — critical for handheld form factors.
- Mixed workloads. Imagine streaming a game while downloading another in the background — LP cores handle the download, leaving E and P cores for gaming.
What the Patch Reveals
- User space exposure: Previously, LP cores showed up as “unknown” in sysfs — now they’ll be properly identified.
- Boost ratio scaling: LP cores will use
amd_get_highest_perf()instead of the fixed CPPC ceiling, matching the existing efficiency-core path. This prevents incorrect boost behavior on low-power hardware.
FAQ
Q: When will AMD CPUs with LP cores be available?
A: The patches are still under review, and no official AMD roadmap confirms LP cores in consumer products yet. Industry watchers expect them in Zen 6 architecture, likely arriving in 2027-2028.
Q: Will LP cores affect gaming performance?
A: No — they’re designed to sit idle during active gaming. Their job is to save power when the system is doing background tasks or sleeping, improving battery life without impacting frame rates.
Q: Does this confirm a PS6 handheld?
A: Not officially. Sony has not announced any portable PS6 hardware. The LP core discovery makes the concept technically feasible, but treat it as speculation until Sony or AMD confirms.
Q: How is this different from Intel’s E-cores?
A: Intel’s E-cores are efficiency cores comparable to AMD’s existing “dense” cores. AMD’s LP cores sit below efficiency cores — even lower power, even simpler, designed specifically for nearly-idle workloads.
Final Verdict
Score: 8/10 — Significant architecture news for PC enthusiasts
Buy it if… you’re planning a long-term PC build and want to future-proof — Zen 6 with LP cores promises unprecedented power efficiency.
Skip it if… you’re building a PC today — we’re still 1-2 years away from retail hardware with this technology.
This is the kind of quiet, incremental innovation that makes a huge difference once it reaches consumers. AMD is building the foundation for a future where your PC or handheld sips power when idle and unleashes full performance when you need it.
Internal links: Best CPUs for Gaming 2026 | Steam Deck vs ROG Ally Comparison