Gaming CPU Core Counts on the Rise
Valve’s January 2024 Steam survey results reveal a continued increase in the preference for CPUs with higher core counts, particularly octa-core and better CPUs. While this upgrade pattern may not necessarily mean that users are exclusively shifting to these higher core count CPUs for gaming, it does indicate an inevitable trend of upgrading from older systems. Valve’s survey methodology focuses on core count and clock speed rather than specific SKUs, making it difficult to determine the exact CPU models preferred by Steam users. However, the survey trends suggest that users are upgrading from older dual, quad, and hexa cores to CPUs with 10 cores or more.
Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 Dominates, RTX 40 Series Still Not in Top 10
When it comes to graphics cards, the Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 continues to reign supreme according to the Steam survey. However, there has been a slight drop in its usage. Interestingly, none of the RTX 40 series desktop GPUs have made it to the top 10 list yet. The closest contenders are the RTX 4060 and RTX 4060 Ti cards. Given the high number of RTX 10 series and RTX 30 users in the top 10, it may take a while before the RTX 40 Super series makes its way into the rankings. There have been recent deals on the GeForce RTX 3050 8GB, and Nvidia partners have released cut-down variations of the RTX 3060 with 6GB of VRAM. Additionally, there has been an increase in the usage of RTX 3060-based gaming notebooks and RTX 4060 graphics.
16GB RAM Preferred, 1080p Still the Most Common Monitor Resolution
The Steam survey reveals that 16GB of system memory is the preferred RAM quota for almost half of Steam users, with 32GB being the choice for a significant portion as well. In terms of monitor resolution, 1080p remains the most popular choice, followed by 1440p. It is unlikely that this resolution will change soon, as users would want to pair higher-performing graphics cards with higher-resolution monitors. Although newer 1440p monitors are being released, it may take some time before there is a noticeable change in GPU and monitor resolutions.
Virtual Reality Gaining Momentum
Virtual reality (VR) is seeing solid growth among Steam users, as indicated by the survey. The Oculus Quest 2 is the most popular VR headset among Steam’s VR gamers, with 40.64% of users opting for it. The Valve Index follows at 15%. The Meta Quest platform, known for its accessible pricing, experienced significant growth in January, with a 4.78% increase, capturing 14.05% of the VR headset user base on Steam. This growth suggests that the VR headset space is likely to see further expansion in the future.
Windows 11 and Windows 10 Neck and Neck
The preferred operating system among Steam users is a notable trend to observe. While Windows 10 64-bit has been the dominant choice for a while, Windows 11 64-bit is rapidly catching up, with 44.24% of users now using it compared to 51.43% who stick with Windows 10. This upward trend suggests that Windows 11 may soon replace its older counterpart as the leading operating system among Steam users. Overall, Windows remains the platform of choice for the vast majority of Steam users, with 96.52% on Windows, including those using End-of-Life (EOL) operating systems such as Windows 7 and 8.1. Linux and MacOS have smaller user bases, representing 1.95% and 1.54% of Steam users, respectively.
Steam’s Potential Expansion into Apple and Portable Gaming Consoles
Apple’s recent decision to allow GeForce Now and Xbox game streaming apps in its store has raised speculation about Steam’s potential involvement in augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) games for Apple’s new $3,499 Apple Vision Pro device. Valve is also reportedly considering optimizing SteamOS for other portable gaming consoles with similar game controls. While these steps may not pose a significant challenge to Windows’s dominating position in the Steam survey, they have the potential to contribute to Steam’s market share growth.
Analyst comment
Gaming CPU Core Counts on the Rise: Positive. The market will see an increase in demand for CPUs with higher core counts as users upgrade from older systems.
Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 Dominates, RTX 40 Series Still Not in Top 10: Neutral. The market may see a slight decrease in usage of RTX 3060, and it may take some time before the RTX 40 series becomes popular.
16GB RAM Preferred, 1080p Still the Most Common Monitor Resolution: Neutral. The market will continue to see demand for 16GB RAM and 1080p monitors, but there may be slow adoption of newer resolutions.
Virtual Reality Gaining Momentum: Positive. The VR headset space is expected to expand further as indicated by the solid growth of Oculus Quest 2 and Meta Quest platform.
Windows 11 and Windows 10 Neck and Neck: Positive. Windows 11 is rapidly catching up to Windows 10, suggesting it may soon become the leading OS among Steam users.
Steam’s Potential Expansion into Apple and Portable Gaming Consoles: Positive. Steam’s potential involvement in Apple’s AR and VR games, as well as optimizing for portable gaming consoles, can contribute to Steam’s market share growth.
