Linux 7.3 is expanding hardware support across upcoming AMD processors, laptops, mini PCs, and gaming handhelds, with several x86 platform driver updates aimed at newer systems.
One of the biggest additions is early support for AMD’s Zen 6 architecture. The kernel now includes updates for processors in the Zen 6 family, while AMD platform drivers have also gained new interfaces and support for upcoming hardware.
The release also brings native RGB controls for Ryzen AI Halo systems and a long list of improvements for ASUS, HP, Lenovo, LG, Samsung, MSI, and OneXPlayer devices.
Linux 7.3 Starts Preparing for AMD Zen 6
Linux 7.3 lays some of the groundwork for AMD’s next generation Zen 6 processors.
The AMD HSMP driver now supports Protocol v7, which is used by Zen 6 family 1Ah Model 80H processors. The AMD PMF platform driver has also been updated for the same CPU family and now includes a new ioctl interface for exposing device metrics.
| Linux 7.3 addition | What it changes |
|---|---|
| Zen 6 support | Early platform groundwork for upcoming AMD processors |
| AMD HSMP | Adds Protocol v7 support |
| AMD PMF | Adds Zen 6 family support and device metrics interface |
| Ryzen AI Halo | Native LED and RGB control |
| ASUS laptops | More Armoury power limit control and ProArt key support |
| HP laptops | GPU MUX and separate CPU and GPU fan control |
| Lenovo | Yoga Book driver and ThinkPad USB Type C security support |
| Samsung | Galaxy Book6 Pro support |
| Handhelds | MSI Claw and OneXPlayer improvements |
These changes do not mean Zen 6 processors are fully supported in every scenario yet, but they show that Linux support is being prepared ahead of broader hardware availability.
Ryzen AI Halo Gets Native RGB Control
Linux 7.3 also introduces a Ryzen AI Halo LED driver.
This allows Linux to directly control or toggle LEDs and RGB lighting on Ryzen AI Halo mini PCs powered by Ryzen AI Max+ processors.
Previously, lighting controls on this type of hardware could depend more heavily on manufacturer specific utilities. With the new driver, RGB management can be handled directly within Linux.
That is a practical improvement for people using Ryzen AI Halo systems as Linux desktops or compact workstations.
ASUS, HP and Lenovo Laptops Get New Features
Laptop support receives a large number of changes.
ASUS ProArt PX13 owners gain support for the dedicated ProArt key, while the ASUS Armoury driver can now adjust power limits on more systems.
LG laptops also gain support for additional platform events, and the LG Gram 16T90SP receives a keyboard backlight fix.
HP systems benefit from GPU MUX switching support and independent PWM controls for CPU and GPU fans.
Lenovo receives a new driver for the Yoga Book 9 14IAH10. Newer ThinkPads also gain support for USB Type C security features that allow charging while blocking data transfers.
That could be particularly useful in public charging situations where you want power without exposing USB data access.
Samsung and Uniwill Systems Also Improve
Linux 7.3 adds support for the Samsung Galaxy Book6 Pro.
Uniwill based laptops gain several additional features, including keyboard backlight controls, automatic boot when AC power is connected, and USB power sharing.
These updates continue a broader trend of Linux gaining better support for manufacturer specific laptop functions that previously depended on Windows software.
Gaming Handheld Support Expands
Gaming handhelds are also part of the update.
Linux 7.3 adds support for the M Center keys on MSI Claw devices, while the OneXPlayer X2 Mini Pro is also included in the latest platform driver changes.
That matters as Linux becomes more common across handheld gaming PCs, where custom buttons, power controls, lighting, and platform specific hardware often need dedicated kernel support.
Linux 7.3 therefore looks like a broad hardware enablement release rather than one focused on a single feature. Early Zen 6 groundwork is the most forward looking addition, while the laptop, handheld, RGB, fan, MUX, and USB improvements should provide more immediate benefits across existing systems.
Discussion (0)
Be the first to comment.