Steam Deck 2 Specs Leaked: Mysterious AMD Chip Appears in Drivers
AMD's latest Adrenalin 26.9.2 graphics driver was found to contain an unknown chip codenamed Gainsborough, appearing in the driver's Import / Export database file. Customs records show the chip uses a BGA FF6 package with 1,179 contacts, with specs close to the current Steam Deck.
🔹 Naming Pattern and Evidence Chain
The tipster points out that Gainsborough is the surname of Aerith, a character from Final Fantasy 7. The original Steam Deck's custom APU was codenamed Aerith (Aerith's given name), and the continuation of this naming system further supports the chip's connection to Valve's next-generation handheld. It's said the chip was built by AMD's S3 team, which previously developed PlayStation chips.
🔹 Predicted Specs from the Leak
| Spec Item | Predicted Parameter |
| Process Node | TSMC N3P (high power efficiency) |
| CPU Architecture | 4 to 8 Zen 6c cores |
| GPU Architecture | 12 to 24 RDNA 5 compute units |
| Package Type | BGA FF6 (1,179 contacts) |
🔹 Valve's Official Stance
Valve designer Pierre-Loup Griffais previously said the team is pursuing a generational leap that users can actually feel, and must strike a balance between performance, price, and battery life. Steam Deck 2 development is still progressing steadily, but the company has not confirmed the specific use of the Gainsborough chip.
All the above spec information comes from third-party leaks, and the final product form may still change.
Related link: Valve Steam Deck official website
