PC gamers may want to consider a memory upgrade, as Steam’s latest survey reveals that 16GB of RAM is no longer enough. For the first time ever, the data shows a clear shift: the number of users with 32GB of RAM is steadily increasing.

These days, it’s nearly unthinkable to run the latest games with only 8GB of RAM. PC hardware evolves fast, and what was once standard quickly becomes outdated. The same seems to be happening with 16GB. According to Steam’s latest survey, 32GB of RAM is on track to become the most common configuration among players.

Data gathered between March and August 2025 shows the percentage of users with 16GB has dropped from 43.12% to 41.67%, while those with 32GB have risen from 32.85% to 35.42%. This steady growth suggests the transition to 32GB may accelerate in the coming months.

Several factors are fueling this trend: new PCs shipping with more advanced setups, the falling price of DDR5 modules, and the heavy requirements of modern AAA titles. RAM has shifted from being a luxury to a nearly essential investment for smooth, unrestricted gaming.

Some individual games already demand more than 16GB for optimal performance. Returnal, for instance, recommends 32GB for a flawless 4K/60 FPS experience, while Star Citizen requires the same for exploring its massive world without stuttering. While not yet an industry standard, it’s clear that many users are preparing for the switch.

Resolution trends are shifting too

The Steam survey also highlighted other hardware trends. The 2560×1600 resolution has grown in popularity thanks to gaming laptops, while 1080p still dominates with over 54% of users. Meanwhile, Windows 11 adoption has surpassed 60% among players for the first time, gradually replacing Windows 10.

Source: 3djuegos