The latest Steam Hardware Survey reveals that NVIDIA’s GeForce RTX 4060 has surged to become the most popular graphics card among gamers, dethroning the long-standing RTX 3060. This shift is attributed to a significant increase in users, particularly from the Chinese market, which has influenced the survey results.
Key Takeaways
- The RTX 4060 now accounts for 8.57% of all Steam users’ systems.
- The RTX 3060 has dropped to 6.87%.
- Windows 10 and 32 GB of RAM also saw notable increases in popularity.
- The rise in Chinese-language users may have skewed the survey results.
The Rise of RTX 4060
The GeForce RTX 4060 has made headlines by surpassing its predecessor, the RTX 3060, in the February 2025 Steam Hardware Survey. This marks a significant milestone for NVIDIA, as the RTX 4060 has become the go-to choice for gamers looking for a mid-range GPU that supports advanced technologies like ray tracing and DLSS.
The survey indicates that the RTX 4060 is now present in 8.57% of systems on Steam, while the RTX 3060 has fallen to 6.87%. This shift highlights NVIDIA’s dominance in the GPU market, particularly in the mid-range segment.
Factors Influencing the Survey Results
Several factors have contributed to the surge in popularity of the RTX 4060:
- Increased User Base: The survey saw a notable increase in responses from users, particularly those using Simplified Chinese as their primary language. This demographic shift has likely skewed the results, as the Chinese gaming market is substantial.
- Technological Advancements: The RTX 4060’s support for cutting-edge technologies such as DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling) and ray tracing has made it an attractive option for gamers seeking high performance without breaking the bank.
- Market Trends: The ongoing trend of gamers upgrading their systems to meet the demands of modern gaming has also played a role. With 1080p resolution still being the most popular among gamers, the RTX 4060 offers a compelling balance of performance and price.
The Competition
While NVIDIA continues to lead the market, AMD’s presence is waning, particularly with its RDNA 3 lineup. The lack of competitive mid-range options from AMD has left a gap that NVIDIA has capitalized on. The most popular AMD card, the Radeon RX 6600, is far behind in the rankings, indicating a struggle for AMD to regain market share.
Conclusion
The RTX 4060’s rise to the top of the Steam Hardware Survey underscores NVIDIA’s stronghold in the GPU market, particularly in the mid-range segment. As gamers continue to seek powerful yet affordable graphics solutions, the RTX 4060 is well-positioned to meet these demands. However, the influence of the Chinese market on the survey results serves as a reminder of the complexities involved in interpreting such data. As the gaming landscape evolves, it will be interesting to see how both NVIDIA and AMD adapt to the changing needs of gamers.
