AMD Gainsborough Chip Emerges, Potentially Linked to Future Handheld Devices

Discovery of AMD Gainsborough

Recent AMD driver updates have disclosed a previously unknown chip codenamed "Gainsborough." This discovery was reported by leaker Moore’s Law is Dead and IT Home. The codename follows a pattern established by previous Steam Deck chips, such as "Aerith" for the original Steam Deck.

Technical Specifications and Process

The Gainsborough chip is identified as a semi-custom design, indicating it is tailored for a specific client. It is manufactured using TSMC’s N3P process. Import/export records reviewed by IT Home show that AMD is already shipping test equipment for the Gainsborough chip for validation purposes, suggesting a potential customer is evaluating its suitability for a device.

Physical Characteristics and Power Target

Import records also indicate that Gainsborough will be a compact chip, featuring an FF6 package measuring 25mm by 25mm. This size aligns with information from leaker Gotou_3rd, who stated that AMD's upcoming Ryzen Z3 and Z3 Extreme handheld chips will also be 25mm by 25mm. A leaked slide fragment suggests the Z3 targets a 15-watt power envelope, consistent with the Steam Deck and Steam Deck OLED.

Uncertainty Regarding Steam Deck 2 Link

Despite the suggestive codename and technical details, a direct link between Gainsborough and a Steam Deck 2 remains unconfirmed. Semi-custom chips do not always end up in their initially intended devices; for example, the original Steam Deck's chip was reportedly not originally designed for the Steam Deck. Additionally, Valve has stated that AMD, not Valve, chooses these Final Fantasy-themed codenames, reducing the significance of the naming convention as an indicator of Valve's plans.