AMD 'Gainsborough' APU spotted in driver — likely Steam Deck 2 chip

A forum user found "Gainsborough" listed in AMD's Adrenalin 26.9.2 driver files, and import records show test units shipped to Asia in late July. The chip uses an FF6 BGA package with 1,179 contacts.

Valve's original Steam Deck runs on AMD's "Aerith" and "Sephiroth" APUs — both Final Fantasy VII characters. Gainsborough is the last name of Aerith Gainsborough from the same game. AMD's partners who track the company's roadmap say they have no info on this part, which tracks for a custom silicon deal.

If this is the Steam Deck 2 chip, it would be built on a newer node than the current RDNA 2-based Van Gogh APU. Valve hasn't confirmed Steam Deck 2, but has said publicly they're waiting for a "generational leap" in handheld performance before releasing a successor. A custom RDNA 4-based APU with better efficiency would fit that requirement — though this is still conjecture until Valve or AMD say something official.

Worth tracking if you're holding off on a Steam Deck purchase. Check current handheld benchmarks.