Steam Hardware Survey shows 16 GB RAM and RTX 3060 return to top spots

Valve's October 2026 Steam Hardware & Software Survey shows several categories returning to previous leaders after shifts in September. 16 GB system RAM returned to the top spot with a 41.42% share, an increase of 3.60 points. This follows a month where 32 GB RAM led the survey. The 32 GB tier dropped 5.16 points to 37.06%.

Image: TechPowerUp

The GeForce RTX 3060 is again the most common GPU at 3.62%. The RTX 5070 share fell from 5.86% to 3.56%. Regarding resolution, 1080p remains the most common at 50.23%, while 1440p dropped 5.22 points to 21.82%.

On Windows, Intel holds a 53.48% CPU share, while AMD sits at 46.51%. Windows 11 usage rose to 72.51% and Linux rose to 3.95%. Language data shows English at 39.04% and Simplified Chinese at 21.98%.

In the VR category, Meta Quest 3 maintains a 27.27% share, while Steam Frame represents 4.13% of the VR devices recorded. Headset owners make up 1.75% of the total survey. These fluctuations likely stem from variations in voluntary participant responses rather than genuine hardware shifts.