Consumer behavior in the PC gaming sector is showing new trends, influenced by performance improvements and changing perceptions of value. The latest July Steam Hardware Survey reveals movement in processor preferences among gamers—a development that continues to reshape competitive dynamics in the market. With gamers constantly evaluating speed, efficiency, and cost, the rivalry between AMD and Intel has never been more apparent. As software and hardware demands evolve year after year, manufacturers face growing pressure to address shifting user priorities.
Compared with earlier reports, the current data reinforces a steady rise in AMD’s popularity, which began with the launch of the Ryzen architecture in 2017. While AMD reached a 30% market share in May 2021, numbers now show the company at 40.39%, the highest recorded for the brand in Steam’s survey history. Historically, Intel maintained a significant lead, sometimes with over 60% share, though that margin has gradually narrowed. Fluctuations in previous years were often attributed to new product cycles and gamer loyalty, but ongoing statistical increases for AMD suggest persisting momentum beyond temporary surges.
Intel Faces Declining Share as AMD Hits a New Milestone
Intel’s share of Steam’s user base fell by 0.75% in July, reducing its share to 59.5%, while AMD gained 0.74%. Notably, this marks the first time AMD’s share has exceeded 40%, reflecting a longer-term trajectory of growth. The past decade witnessed Intel outpacing AMD, but recent figures indicate a narrowing gap, fueled largely by AMD’s appeal to value-centric and performance-focused users.
What Is Driving Gamers’ Shift Toward AMD CPUs?
The adoption of AMD’s high-performance Ryzen and X3D series CPUs is a key factor behind this transition. The Steam Hardware Survey’s breakdown by CPU speed shows that most AMD CPUs used by gamers fall within the 3.7GHz-and-above category, whereas Intel’s largest group is within the lower 2.3GHz to 2.69GHz range. This suggests that many users are opting for AMD’s higher-speed offerings in pursuit of better gaming experiences. As one AMD spokesperson commented,
“We continue to see strong demand for our high-end Ryzen CPUs among gamers seeking performance and value.”
How Do Operating Systems Affect CPU Market Share?
On Linux, the landscape is different: Intel remains ahead, yet still faces competition from AMD. Despite Linux accounting for just under 3% of Steam users, both brands are seeing interest in high-speed processors in that environment. However, Windows gaming dominates Steam’s platform, and here the trend is clearly shifting toward AMD. According to AMD,
“These results underscore our commitment to delivering innovative solutions that resonate with a wide spectrum of PC users.”
The ongoing changes in Steam’s survey data reflect broader industry pressures on legacy leaders to constantly adapt. While product cycles, supply chain logistics, and retail pricing all play roles, consumer preference for higher frequencies and perceived value has granted AMD new momentum. Intel’s strategy will likely involve greater focus on performance advances and pricing adjustments to regain its footing. For prospective buyers, monitoring these shifts provides insight into overall market health, technological trends, and future product directions. Understanding that dominance can shift reminds both brands and users to reassess options regularly in response to evolving needs.
- AMD’s share in Steam Hardware Survey now exceeds 40%.
- Gamers are gravitating toward AMD’s high-speed CPUs over Intel’s.
- Market dynamics indicate changing performance and pricing strategies ahead.
