AMD Initiates Early Zen 6 CPU Development and Releases Initial Linux Patch for Enhanced Support

AMD has embarked on preparations for its upcoming “Zen 6″CPU architecture, marking a significant step as the company has released its first patch for Linux based on this new technology.

AMD’s Move Towards Next-Gen Zen 6 CPUs: Linux Patch Signals Upcoming Innovations

In an ongoing commitment to Linux support, AMD has consistently prioritized enabling their processors on this platform ahead of other operating systems. As highlighted by Phoronix, the recent release of the initial Zen 6 patch for the Linux kernel indicates that the company is shifting its focus towards its next-generation architecture. Although this patch does not reveal comprehensive information at this stage, it serves as a foundation for forthcoming developments related to the Zen 6 architecture.

The newly introduced patch includes the feature flag “X86_FEATURE_ZEN6”, which will help denote the presence of Zen 6 CPU cores within a system. This means that future patches can leverage this flag to highlight Zen 6 functionalities, making it evident to the operating system that these advanced cores are present. According to Phoronix, this patch also indicates that Zen 6 CPUs will utilize the Family 1Ah code, similar to their Zen 5 counterparts, with model IDs being the main differentiator. This could suggest that Zen 5 and Zen 6 will share some features and performance characteristics.

Designated as “urgent, ”the Zen 6 patch is expected to be included in the current Linux 6.15 cycle shortly. Anticipated features of the Zen 6 CPUs include the introduction of “Medusa Ridge”desktop chips, which will encompass configurations with 12, 24, and 32 cores. Additionally, AMD is set to unveil its EPYC “Venice”CPUs on the server front, integrating both Zen 6c and Zen 6 cores, indicating a wealth of new products on the horizon.

The timely appearance of Linux patches pertaining to the Zen architecture typically signifies that development is well underway. Therefore, more information about Zen 6-based products is likely to emerge soon, exciting enthusiasts and professionals alike.

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