AMD's upcoming "Zen 6" desktop processors are moving closer to release as the company begins Linux kernel support in the latest version 7.3. According to Phoronix, AMD has updated the Host System Management Port (HSMP) kernel module, adding protocol version 7, which is used by the Zen 6 Family 1Ah Model 80H processors.
Additionally, there are new AMD PMF platform driver features for these processors, likely referring to the "Zen 6" desktop "Olympic Ridge" processors. The AMD PMF driver now also offers device metrics through a new ioctl interface. With the "Zen 6" generation, AMD is reportedly increasing its CCD core count to up to 12 instances, whereas the previous-generation CCDs maxed out at 8 cores.
For versions with two CCDs, the core count starts at 12 cores and continues with 16 and 20-core models, topping off with the flagship 24-core dual CCD SKU. AMD is able to pack more cores per CCD due to the new manufacturing technology, which is TSMC's N2 2 nm node, providing better transistor density compared to the older nodes used in previous generations.
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