Graphics cards with 16 GB VRAM have gained more popularity in the last month as gamers transition to 16 GB GPUs.
Latest Steam Hardware Survey Reveals 8 Core CPUs and 16 GB GPUs are the Most Popular Configurations for Gamers
This was inevitable since 8 GB graphics cards have started to bottleneck performance in intensive titles where 8 GB VRAM doesn’t supply enough juice to run games smoothly. For the last few years, we have seen how modern titles have started to gobble up a lot of VRAM, and even GPU manufacturers like AMD appear to be advertising their high-VRAM GPUs for “no-compromise” performance.
We still see 4 GB GPUs like the RX 9050 launching in 2026, but it doesn’t negate the fact that gamers have started to understand the importance of high-capacity VRAM for gaming. This can be seen on the charts as well, and now one of the most significant changes is visible on the Steam Hardware Survey for July 2026.
As you can see, the most popular VRAM configuration for GPUs is now 16 GB, which is twice the size compared to the most popular VRAM capacity we have been seeing at the top in Steam Hardware Surveys. 16 GB GPUs now account for 25.90% of total GPUs, while 8 GB GPUs trail with 25.32%. This is the first time we are seeing the 16 GB configuration leading in the charts, and it will likely stay there for a long time, considering it has been seen gaining shares continuously for several months.
However, due to the supply constraints, we might see lower capacity VRAM GPUs more commonly in the market, which could affect the data in the coming months, especially when higher VRAM GPUs have become almost unaffordable for the masses. It will be a shame to see PC hardware suffering from such a regression, but things are already out of control.
At the same time, we also see a noticeable share increment for the 8-core CPUs. Previously, 6-Core CPUs remained the most popular CPU configuration but 8-Core CPUs have taken the lead and now sit with a 27.85% share, while 6-Core CPUs are marginally behind with a 27.52% share. Both of these changes are significant, but there is one more concerning change we have spotted in Steam Hardware Survey
Apparently, 8 GB system RAM is starting to see an increase in its share, thanks to the current RAMpocalypse, which has forced vendors to deploy no more than 8 GB RAM in their PC devices. The share of 16 GB RAM has declined a bit, and there is very little increment in the shares of higher memory capacities like 32 GB and 64 GB.
About the author: Sarfraz Khan is a hardware reporter with a focus on PC components and the builder community. With years of experience writing about PC hardware and laptops, his work has been featured on several reputable technology publications.
Sarfraz’s hands-on experience is demonstrated through his first-person accounts of using and comparing different hardware configurations, providing practical and relatable insights for everyday users. His technical analysis is respected by peers in the enthusiast community and has been cited by specialized hardware sites such as Germany’s Igor’s Lab.
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