The numbers are in! Valve has just released the much-anticipated Steam Hardware Survey for June 2025, and as always, it gives us a crystal-clear snapshot of what hardware millions of PC gamers are actually using. This isn’t about hype or marketing; this is real-world data that paints a vivid picture of the current landscape.
Whether you’re planning your next PC build, considering an upgrade, or just curious about the state of PC gaming, these stats are invaluable. Let’s break down the key takeaways, from the GPU wars and CPU battles to the exciting shifts in the world of VR.
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Steam Hardware Survey June 2025: The Definitive Report on PC Gaming Trends
The GPU Battlefield: NVIDIA’s Unshakeable Dominance
There’s no beating around the bush: Team Green is still the undisputed king of the hill.
According to the Steam Hardware Survey June 2025, an overwhelming 74.07% of Steam gamers are using an NVIDIA GPU. This is a testament to the sheer market penetration of their GeForce lineup, from the high-end RTX series to the more budget-friendly options.
Team Red, however, is holding its ground firmly. AMD commands a respectable 17.68% market share. While they are a distant second, their Radeon cards, like the popular Radeon RX 7800 XT, continue to be a compelling choice for gamers seeking great performance and value.
Interestingly, Intel’s Arc GPUs now account for 7.88% of the market. This is a significant milestone for Intel’s discrete graphics venture, showing they are successfully carving out a niche in the entry-level and mid-range segments.
The CPU Duopoly: Intel Holds the Line, But AMD is Closer Than Ever
The battle for the heart of our gaming rigs is as fierce as ever. The latest data shows Intel leading the charge with 59.29% of the PC Processor market share. Gamers continue to trust processors like the Intel Core i7-14700K for high-end gaming performance.
However, AMD is hot on their heels with an impressive 40.71% share. This highlights the massive success of their Ryzen processors, which have won over a huge portion of the gaming community with their efficiency and multi-core performance. This intense competition is fantastic news for consumers, driving innovation and keeping prices in check. If you’re looking for the best CPU for your next gaming build, you have incredible options from both camps.
The Core Count Revolution: 6 and 8 Cores Are the New Standard
The days of quad-core CPUs being “good enough” for gaming are officially over. The survey shows a clear trend towards higher core counts:
- 6-core CPUs: 29.46% (Most popular)
- 8-core CPUs: 26.33%
- 4-core CPUs: 24.49%
This data proves that modern games are increasingly optimized to take advantage of more cores and threads. A 6 or 8-core processor is now the sweet spot, providing enough power for demanding games and background tasks without breaking the bank.
VR Headsets: The Meta Quest 3 is the New Star Player
The Virtual Reality space is seeing some of the most dramatic shifts. The Oculus Quest 2 remains the most popular VR headset on Steam at 31.43%, but its dominance is waning.
The real story is the meteoric rise of its successor. The Meta Quest 3 has surged to a 16.05% market share. Its superior passthrough, higher resolution, and pancake lenses are clearly resonating with VR enthusiasts. If you’ve been on the fence, our review of the Meta Quest 3 can help you decide.
Other notable players include the Valve Index (10.05%), still a favorite among high-end VR users, and the Pico 4 (6.00%), which is making inroads as a strong competitor to the Quest lineup.
Key Takeaways for Gamers from Steam Hardware Survey June 2025
- GPU: NVIDIA remains the safest bet for performance and features, but AMD offers fantastic value.
- CPU: The choice between Intel and AMD is a matter of preference and budget; both offer top-tier gaming performance.
- Cores: Don’t skimp on your CPU. A 6-core processor is the new minimum, with 8-cores being the ideal choice for future-proofing.
- VR: The Meta Quest 3 is the future of mainstream VR, offering a massive upgrade that is quickly being adopted.
This survey provides a powerful guide for all of us in the PC gaming community. It reflects the hardware that developers will target and the technology that will shape the games of tomorrow. For more details, you can visit the official Steam Hardware & Software Survey page.
What do you think of these trends? Do they match your current PC setup? Let us know your specs in the comments below!
