GoKawiilSteam Survey: Nvidia RTX 3060 Still Ties for Most-Used GPU Despite Being Nearly 5 Years Old
Valve's October 2025 Steam hardware survey shows the RTX 3060, launched in February 2021, tied with the newer RTX 5070 as the most-used graphics card, each present in 3.78 percent of surveyed systems. That's down from 4.79 percent in August 2025, indicating its share is shrinking even as it remains the single most common card. Combined, RTX 4060 desktop and laptop variants account for 7.11 percent, nearly double the 3060's share.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
The data suggests many gamers are holding onto older hardware rather than upgrading, likely due to elevated prices for newer GPUs amid an AI-driven memory shortage. The 3060's generous 12GB VRAM, more than some newer models offer, may also be helping it stay relevant for 1080p gaming, the most common resolution among Steam users. This pattern could signal a broader slowdown in GPU upgrade cycles across the PC gaming market.
- RTX 3060 and RTX 5070 are tied as Steam's most-used GPUs, each at 3.78%.
- The 3060's usage share has dropped from 4.79% in August to 3.78% in October 2025.
- Combined RTX 4060 desktop and laptop usage (7.11%) nearly doubles the 3060's share.
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 12GB — The RTX 3060's 12GB of VRAM keeps it relevant for 1080p gaming years after launch, exactly as the article describes. With GPU prices still inflated, grabbing one of these remains a smart, budget-friendly way to build or upgrade a gaming PC.
See NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 12GB on Amazon → Affiliate link — we may earn a commission on purchases, at no extra cost to you. Product picked by AI based on this article; it is not a tested recommendation.Source: engadget.com — Luke James, 2026-11-14
Published there as: “Why is the NVIDIA RTX 3060 still the most popular GPU on Steam?”
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