Key points
- An AMD engineering sample APU named Gainsborough appeared in OpenBenchmarking results.
- The codename follows Valve's pattern of using Final Fantasy VII references for Steam Deck silicon.
- Early tests show the chip is slightly faster than the current Steam Deck processor, but drivers are unfinished.
The short version
- TechPowerUp identified an AMD 'Gainsborough' APU in a leak on the OpenBenchmarking platform.
- The chip features six cores and twelve threads with a base clock speed of 2.4GHz.
- The naming convention suggests this hardware is intended for Valve's next-generation handheld console.
The details
TechPowerUp reported that an AMD engineering sample, identified by the codename Gainsborough, was found in benchmark data on OpenBenchmarking. This specific APU configuration includes six cores and twelve threads, operating at a base clock of 2.4GHz. The discovery is significant because Valve has previously used codenames derived from the video game Final Fantasy VII for its Steam Deck hardware components. Past chips were named Aerith and Sephiroth, and Gainsborough is the surname of the character Aerith, according to leaker Kepler.
The leaked benchmark results show the Gainsborough APU paired with 24GB of system memory during testing. This memory amount does not necessarily indicate the final specification for the Steam Deck 2, as it may simply reflect the configuration AMD or Valve used for this specific engineering sample. The global shortage of RAM components could also influence final hardware decisions, making this data point preliminary rather than definitive.
In performance testing, the chip scored 3,508 points in Furmark at a resolution of 1024 x 768. For comparison, the current Steam Deck scores 3,323 points at a higher resolution of 1280 x 800. While the raw numbers appear only marginally better, these results come from early engineering drivers that are far from optimized. Final performance is expected to improve significantly once software support is mature.
The context
Valve has not officially announced the Steam Deck 2, but this leak provides indirect evidence that development is underway. The use of a Final Fantasy VII-inspired codename is a strong indicator of Valve's involvement, given their established naming tradition for previous hardware iterations. The presence of an engineering sample in public benchmarking databases suggests that prototype hardware is currently being tested by manufacturers or partners.
The performance gap between the leaked chip and the current Steam Deck is small in these early tests. Critics might view the initial numbers as underwhelming for a generational upgrade. However, engineering samples typically run on unstable or incomplete drivers. Historical trends in hardware development show that optimized drivers can yield substantial performance gains over initial engineering builds.
What to watch
- Official announcements from Valve regarding new handheld hardware or software updates.
- Further benchmark leaks that might provide clearer data on final specifications.
- Industry reports on AMD's roadmap for mobile or embedded APUs.
- Supply chain news regarding memory availability for handheld devices.
What it means for organisations
Organisations managing corporate gaming assets or IT infrastructure should monitor official vendor channels rather than relying on benchmark leaks for procurement planning. Procurement teams usually wait for confirmed product roadmaps before adjusting hardware refresh cycles. Security teams should remain aware that early engineering hardware may have unpatched vulnerabilities, though this does not affect current deployed devices. Internal communications should clarify that no immediate action is required for existing Steam Deck deployments, as this leak concerns future, unreleased hardware.
Background: Supply chain attacks
A supply chain attack targets the software or hardware you use before it reaches you. By compromising a trusted vendor, attackers insert malicious code that installs automatically on your systems when you update or deploy the product. This bypasses perimeter defenses because the malicious payload arrives with a valid digital signature.
Read the full guide: Supply Chain Attacks: How Trust Becomes Your Biggest Security Risk
What to do and how to stay safe: Valve
- Verify hardware specifications through official vendor announcements before making purchasing decisions.
- Monitor official security advisories for any vulnerabilities related to new hardware releases.
- Ensure current devices are running the latest official software updates to maintain security.
- Avoid installing unofficial drivers or firmware from unverified sources during early testing phases.
Step-by-step guide: Secure Home Routers for Small Business Networks
General security guidance from the TechSec Headlines newsroom. It is not confirmed advice from the organisations named in this story.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Steam Deck 2 officially released?
No, Valve has not officially announced the release of the Steam Deck 2. This is based on a leaked benchmark.
What is the codename of the leaked chip?
The leaked AMD APU is codenamed Gainsborough, which follows Valve's naming pattern based on Final Fantasy VII.
How does the performance compare to the current Steam Deck?
In early tests, the Gainsborough chip scored slightly higher than the current Steam Deck, but drivers are unfinished.
