The October edition of the Steam Hardware Survey suggests that PC gamers are becoming more conservative with their hardware choices amid rising component prices throughout 2026.
Systems with 16GB of RAM now represent 41.42% of Steam users after increasing by 3.6%, making the configuration the most common in the survey. Meanwhile, systems with 32GB of RAM fell by 5.16% and now account for 37.06% of users.
The shift is also visible in graphics cards. Nvidia’s RTX 3060 regained the top position, growing by 0.08% to reach 3.62% of Steam users. The survey also recorded a move away from eight-core processors, while four-core CPUs increased by 1.57% and now appear in 12.36% of systems.
The figures arrive as PC components become more expensive, with high-end graphics cards reportedly disappearing from some retailers’ listings. The article also points to continuing pressure on memory supplies, citing Samsung’s expectation that more RAM will be directed toward AI data centers next year.
Other gaming hardware has reportedly been affected as well. The PS5 Pro sold out ahead of Grand Theft Auto 6, with used consoles listed by retailers for as much as $1,399, while Microsoft encouraged people to sell unused Xbox consoles. Rumors have also suggested that Microsoft’s next-generation Xbox could cost $1,800.
Unlike console buyers, however, PC builders can respond to higher memory prices by choosing less powerful configurations. The latest Steam survey indicates that many users are already doing so.
Sources: IGN.