The August update of the Steam Hardware and Software Survey has provided new insight into memory usage among PC gamers. While 16 GB of RAM remains the most common configuration, accounting for 41.88% of systems, 32 GB is closing in at 36.46%. Compared to July, this represents a 1.31% increase, suggesting that 32 GB may soon become the standard for new systems.
Several market and technology factors are driving this shift. With DDR5 now widely adopted across current-generation Intel and AMD platforms, many new builds begin with dual-channel kits made up of two 16 GB modules. This places 32 GB as a baseline option, while 8 GB DDR5 DIMMs remain rare, making single-module 16 GB setups less common. As memory prices continue to fall and OEMs offer higher-capacity configurations, more users are choosing 32 GB for desktops, laptops, and prebuilt systems.
Software requirements are another influence. Modern AAA games are increasingly listing 32 GB as the recommended amount for smoother performance at high and ultra settings. Beyond gaming, streamers and content creators benefit from additional headroom when running recording software or other tools in parallel. Professionals working with editing, rendering, CAD, and simulation also gain measurable advantages from larger memory pools.
Emerging use cases further reinforce the trend. The rise of local AI applications, while typically dependent on GPU VRAM, can place significant demands on system memory when running large models or CPU-driven workloads. This has encouraged hobbyists and professionals experimenting with AI to adopt higher memory capacities.
Future-proofing also plays a role. Many gamers choose 32 GB with the expectation of upgrading other hardware, such as the GPU, later on, ensuring the system remains capable without needing another memory upgrade.
If the growth trend continues, 32 GB may overtake 16 GB in the Steam Survey before the end of the year, marking a notable shift in how PC gamers equip their systems. With 64 GB kits also becoming more affordable, higher capacities are steadily moving closer to the mainstream.
Sources: Steam Survey, via Tom’s Hardware
