Linux 7.3 released with I/O improvements, AMD Zen 6 prep, Steam Controller driver
Linux 7.3 kernel shipped on schedule with faster I/O, AMD Zen 6 platform preparations, a new Steam Controller driver, and fixes for Samsung 990 PRO/EVO Plus SSD firmware issues.
Summary
Linus Torvalds released Linux 7.3 on schedule. The kernel includes performance-oriented storage improvements, early platform support code for AMD's upcoming Zen 6 processors, and a new kernel driver for the 2026 revision of Valve's Steam Controller. It also carries workarounds for Samsung 990 PRO and 990 EVO Plus SSDs that report incorrect capabilities on certain firmware versions, plus a fix for rare SMP boot hangs dating to 2024. Longtime XFS and kernel developer Darrick Wong has stepped down after 23 years.
What's in Linux 7.3
- I/O performance: Faster I/O paths for modern systems, though specific benchmarks or subsystems are not detailed in the source.
- AMD Zen 6: Early platform preparation code merged, not full enablement.
- Steam Controller 2026: New kernel driver added for the revised hardware.
- AMD GPU: Improvements for older GPUs and better vRAM management on memory-constrained systems.
- Samsung SSD workarounds: Firmware capability lies on 990 PRO and 990 EVO Plus addressed.
- SMP boot hang fix: Resolves rare hangs during symmetric multiprocessor boot, present since 2024.
Why it matters
The Samsung SSD workarounds directly protect users with popular consumer hardware from data integrity risks. The Zen 6 preparations keep Linux ahead of upcoming AMD silicon, and the Steam Controller driver maintains Valve hardware compatibility in-kernel rather than relying on userspace.
Original reference: www.phoronix.com →