The Steam Hardware Survey for December 2024 is out, and it looks like gamers are making some intriguing shifts in how they’re configuring their gaming rigs. From the rise of AMD CPUs to the adoption of 64GB of RAM and Windows 11, the data paints a picture of where the PC gaming community is headed—and what trends we're likely to see more of in 2025. But let’s not just skim the surface here. Let’s dive deep into the implications of these changes and what they mean for PC enthusiasts, gamers, and the tech industry as a whole.
Still, 16GB remains king at 45.07%, but it’s dropped by 0.86%, echoing the industry’s gradual push into more demanding hardware standards.
Biggest VRAM shift in December:
So, what’s your take? Is it time to swap out your Intel chip, double your RAM, or finally bite the Windows 11 bullet? Let us know your thoughts over at the forums!
Source: Tom's Hardware AMD CPUs, 64GB RAM, and Windows 11 show strong gains in the latest Steam Hardware Survey
AMD CPUs Are Stealing Intel’s Thunder
Let’s start with perhaps the most surprising piece of evidence in the survey: AMD’s gain of almost 5 percentage points in CPU market share over a single month. This brings AMD’s presence on Steam to a commendable 38.73%, up against Intel’s 63.43%. While Intel still holds dominance, this is a significant shift for AMD, especially given Intel’s historical advantage in pre-built OEM systems and laptops.What’s Driving AMD’s Growth?
- Zen 5 Architectures: AMD’s latest Zen 5 processors, especially models featuring the innovative 3D V-Cache, have clearly hit a sweet spot with gamers. The extra cache provides up to 15% higher performance in gaming, making AMD’s CPUs a no-brainer for anyone assembling a DIY desktop rig intended for competitive or graphically intensive gaming.
- AM5 Platform Longevity: Unlike Intel, which habitually changes socket types with new CPU generations, AMD’s AM5 socket is designed for a longer lifecycle. This appeals to gamers and tinkerers alike who want to future-proof their systems rather than replace motherboards every two years.
- Price Per Performance: Historically, AMD has excelled at delivering high-performance CPUs at lower price points compared to Intel. With options ranging from budget picks like the Ryzen 5 series to flagship gaming powerhouses like the Ryzen 9 7XXX3D, AMD ensures there’s something for every budget.
Why Intel Isn’t Out (Yet)
Intel still leads for a reason: pre-built desktops and laptops coming out of major manufacturers (like Dell and HP) are overwhelmingly Intel-based, and these devices continue to dominate sales among casual and mainstream users. Furthermore, Intel's latest Core Ultra CPUs, which focus on pushing performance for workstations and gaming rigs, could potentially regain lost ground as they hit the market in 2025.The Rise of 64GB RAM Configurations
Next on the list of eyebrow-raising trends is the emergence of 64GB RAM setups among Steam users. While still a niche category at 3.94%, this configuration is now gaining momentum faster than any other RAM size category, climbing by 0.59% last month.Do You Really Need 64GB of RAM?
If you’re just booting up "CS:GO" or "Fortnite," probably not. However, certain advanced gaming scenarios and workflows could absolutely justify it:- AAA Titles: Modern game engines are memory-hungry beasts. Open-world games with complex AI and dynamic environments tend to benefit from having more RAM.
- Game Streaming: Players who stream on Twitch or YouTube while running multiple applications (OBS, Discord, etc.) need lots of memory to keep everything running smoothly.
- Video Editing and 3D Rendering: Gamers who also dabble in content creation face memory-heavy tools like Adobe Premiere, Blender, and Unreal Engine that can soak up every last gigabyte.
Why Is This Trend Happening Now?
One explanation lies in the evolution of RAM pricing. A year or two ago, 64GB kits were prohibitively expensive, targeted only at professionals or extreme enthusiasts. Today, thanks to improved production scales and DDR5 adoption, the cost has decreased significantly. Gamers building rigs for longevity are more likely to splurge on extra RAM when it’s more affordable.Still, 16GB remains king at 45.07%, but it’s dropped by 0.86%, echoing the industry’s gradual push into more demanding hardware standards.
Windows 11 Takes Over Steam
Got Windows 11? If not, you’re officially in the minority of Steam gamers. The December survey shows Windows 11 running on 54.96% of rigs—a leap of 6.16% last month—with Windows 10 dropping to 42.39%.Why the Growth?
This uptick was inevitable as Windows 11 becomes the new default on pre-built PCs, but there are also technical reasons gamers are making the upgrade:- Performance Improvements: DirectStorage, a marquee feature of Windows 11, allows games to load assets directly from NVMe SSDs, thereby cutting load times and reducing stuttering.
- Better Hardware Optimization: Windows 11 offers improved scheduling and thread prioritization for multi-core CPUs, particularly benefiting AMD Ryzen processors.
- Software Support: Microsoft has begun restricting feature updates for older OS versions like Windows 10, nudging users toward adopting its flagship platform.
VRAM: The Bottleneck Nobody Asked For
Ah, the VRAM wars. Despite GPUs getting more powerful, the survey reveals that 70% of gamers are still stuck on GPUs with 8GB or less VRAM. While that may suffice for older or indie titles, modern AAA games like "Starfield" and "Cyberpunk 2077" can gorge on VRAM, making anything less than 12GB feel like a bottleneck.Biggest VRAM shift in December:
- 16GB GPUs saw an increase of 0.88%, showing gamers are starting to recognize the need for beefier cards.
- 6GB GPUs took a nosedive, dropping by 2.42%—a telling sign of just how dire the mid-range GPU situation has become.
What Does This Mean for 2025?
For PC enthusiasts, these trends point toward better hardware adoption but rising entry costs. To summarize:- Look out for a more competitive landscape between AMD and Intel as AMD continues its surge.
- If you're building a gaming rig, consider at least 32GB of RAM, given how fast requirements are scaling.
- Windows 11 is no longer a "wait-and-see"; it’s officially “the now” for gamers who want the best optimization and features.
- As for GPUs, start saving for a model with 12GB VRAM or higher unless you’re content with pixelated textures and pop-in gadgets.
So, what’s your take? Is it time to swap out your Intel chip, double your RAM, or finally bite the Windows 11 bullet? Let us know your thoughts over at the forums!
Source: Tom's Hardware AMD CPUs, 64GB RAM, and Windows 11 show strong gains in the latest Steam Hardware Survey
