Recent patches to the Linux kernel have added support for four new numerical ranges of AMD Family 26 processors, also known as Zen 5 CPUs. This development, confirmed by sources including Phoronix, introduces 64 potential new models spanning ranges 0-15, 32-47, 64-79, and 112-127. Each range potentially represents a different CPU or CPU category, such as Strix Point for mobile devices or Granite Ridge for desktops, although not all are expected to reach the market. The update follows closely after the discovery of Zen 5 Strix Point Geekbench results on social media, which has heightened anticipation for AMD's next-generation CPUs. Additional recent updates include enhancements to Linux’s GCC compiler and PMC driver specifically for Zen 5, although these patches have not provided new insights into the capabilities or specifications of the upcoming CPUs.
From the details available, significant enhancements are anticipated in AI and integrated GPU (iGPU) performance, attributed to advancements in XDNA 2 and RDNA 3+ technologies. XDNA 2 is projected to double AI computational ability, reaching upwards of 70 TOPS, which is a substantial increase over the current requirement of 40 TOPS for advanced AI PCs. The specifics of RDNA 3+ improvements remain under wraps, but AMD's historical performance suggests continued competitiveness in the iGPU market.
Overall, the insertion of 64 theoretical model numbers into the Linux kernel hints at AMD’s strategy to broaden its developmental scope. This could potentially include specialized designs for handheld devices, enhanced desktop GPUs, and adaptations for Zen 5C cores in Strix Point mobile CPUs, among other innovations.
