RTX 3060 Regains Top Spot on Steam Survey
The GeForce RTX 3060 reclaimed the most-used GPU position in the October 2026 Steam Hardware Survey from the RTX 5070.
Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in Computers
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NVIDIA's GeForce RTX 3060 returned to the top position among GPUs in the October 2026 Steam Hardware Survey, edging out the RTX 5070 that led in September. The RTX 3060 and RTX 5070 each held a 3.78% share in October.
Why it matters
Rising GPU prices and limited availability have disrupted the graphics card market, shaping which hardware gamers can buy. Supply pressures and OEM preferences for lower-capacity RAM configurations also make it harder for DIY builders to find adequate memory.
The RTX 3060 and RTX 5070 each held 3.78% of surveyed systems in October, with RTX 5060-series cards between 2.7% and 3.15%. The 8 GB VRAM configuration returned to the top position while the 16 GB VRAM configuration declined 0.86%.
The players
NVIDIA
NVIDIA is the American chipmaker whose GeForce RTX line, including the RTX 3060 and RTX 5070, dominates the discrete graphics card segment among PC gamers.
Valve
Valve is the video game company that operates Steam and publishes the monthly Steam Hardware Survey used to track PC hardware adoption.
The details
The October survey shows the RTX 3060 overtaking the RTX 5070, which had led in September with a 6.15% share. Shifts in System RAM also stood out, with 16 GB configurations gaining while 32 GB configurations declined.
Timeline
September 2026: RTX 5070 reached the top Steam GPU position with a 6.15% share.
October 2026: RTX 3060 regained the top spot in the Steam Hardware Survey.
Market Landscape
The monthly Steam Hardware Survey has become a closely watched gauge of PC gaming hardware adoption, and this month's reversal shows how quickly the top spot can change. Ongoing price increases and constrained supply continue to push buyers toward older or lower-capacity options.
Gamers comparing graphics cards may find that older models like the RTX 3060 remain widely used and accessible as newer cards face price pressure. Buyers building a PC should also weigh the 8 GB and 16 GB VRAM options alongside rising system RAM costs.
The takeaway
Hardware popularity can shift quickly, so checking current prices and availability before buying is more useful than relying on last month's rankings. Comparing VRAM and system RAM configurations against your games' requirements can help avoid overpaying for capacity you won't use.
What happens next
The November Steam Hardware Survey is expected to show whether the RTX 5070 regains the top GPU position, with projections suggesting it could reach about a 4% share.
Further reading
For more on the components driving these shifts, explore our Computers coverage.
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