"Gaming community potentially moving towards standard 32GB RAM, as per Steam survey, with a potential trend change happening by year's end"
In the ever-evolving world of technology, there are numerous shifts happening in the realm of gaming hardware and software. Here's a roundup of some key trends that have emerged in recent times.
Firstly, the demand for modern AAA games is driving an increase in the use of 32GB RAM among Steam gamers. According to Valve's Steam Survey data, as of March 2025, 43.12% of users had 16GB of RAM, while 32.85% boasted 32GB. This percentage has been steadily changing, with the number of users with 32GB RAM growing, and those with 16GB decreasing. It's predicted that the crossover of 16GB and 32GB usage could happen before the end of 2025.
Hardware manufacturer MSI has been at the forefront of this change, launching the GeForce RTX 5090 graphics cards featuring 32GB GDDR7 VRAM. This significant increase in memory capacity is designed to boost performance beyond previous models like the RTX 4090. Game developer 3D Realms also recommends 32GB of RAM for their upcoming game Painkiller, to ensure smooth gameplay and resource availability.
However, finding the right graphics card can be a challenge. The Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060, for instance, is currently scarce on popular retail sites like Newegg, with only two samples available at high prices. Alternatives include looking for abundant stocks in other regions or opting for discounted RTX 4060 PC systems.
As for operating systems, Windows 10 remains a considerable 35% chunk of users as we approach its end of life. Windows 11, on the other hand, has broken the 60% barrier in the latest stats. Linux, meanwhile, had a slight dip in the survey, with just 2.65% of Steam gamers using this OS.
The dominance of 1080p screens in the survey remains strong at just over 54%, while 1440p is at a little over 20%. The biggest gainer in primary display resolution stakes is 2560 x 1600 pixels (WQXGA), primarily associated with laptops.
Lastly, it's worth noting that most modern computers, especially desktops and gaming laptops, allow owners to boost system RAM using compatible SODIMMs or similar. However, modern graphics cards do not have socketed ICs, preventing everyday users from adding more memory to the board.
These trends underscore the dynamic nature of the gaming technology landscape, with users increasingly demanding more powerful hardware and developers pushing the boundaries of what's possible.
