Steam has refreshed its hardware leaderboard with December 2022 statistics, offering a clear snapshot of what PC players in North America and beyond are using. The data shows the GTX 1650 continuing its position as the most popular video card, a shift that had already surprised many by surpassing the long-dominant GTX 1060. Over the most recent month, GTX 1650 adoption dipped slightly by 0.06%, while the RTX 3060 demonstrated the strongest momentum, with owners rising by 0.45%.
In the software space, Windows 10 remains widespread but is slowly losing ground, slipping 0.18% to a share of 65.42%. Windows 11, on the other hand, gained traction, increasing by 0.44% to reach 28.42% of Steam users.
The most popular hardware in December:
- Operating System – Windows 10 (65.42%);
- RAM – 16 GB (51.85%);
- Processor – 6 cores (33.03%);
- Video Card – NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 (5.99%);
- Video memory – 8 GB (26.95%);
- Screen resolution – 1920×1080 (64.60%);
- Language – English (36.09%);
- Storage space – more than 1 TB (48.47%);
- VR Headset – Oculus Quest 2 (41.35%).
These figures help gamers gauge the typical PC configuration used by a broad audience and can guide buyers toward sensible upgrade paths. The operating system landscape shows a clear transition period as more players explore Windows 11’s features, performance improvements, and security updates while many continue to rely on the familiarity and software compatibility of Windows 10. The dominance of mid-range memory and processing power indicates a focus on balanced builds that deliver solid room for modern titles without overspending. A standard 1080p display remains the norm for a large portion of users, underscoring why 1920×1080 remains a driving resolution choice for many system builders.
The popularity of 8 GB video memory suggests a reluctance to move up aggressively on VRAM in the current market, even as more games lean into higher texture detail on a broad set of engines. The Nvidia GTX 1650’s continued prominence points to its strong price-to-performance ratio and broad compatibility, while the RTX 3060’s growth signals growing interest in ray-traced effects and deeper graphical settings for a growing segment of Steam players. Storage capacity trends show that most users prioritize ample space, often exceeding 1 TB to accommodate large titles and frequent updates. The prevalence of English as the operating language mirrors the distribution of English-speaking players on the platform.
From a Canadian and American perspective, these trends echo practical decisions for new and upgrading builds. Builders in both markets tend to favor GPUs that offer reliable performance in popular titles while balancing upfront costs. Mid-range processors with several cores remain a sensible baseline, paired with 16 GB of RAM to maintain system responsiveness during multitasking and gaming. A 1080p monitor continues to be a practical default for many players, even as higher-resolution displays become more accessible. In short, December’s snapshot confirms a stable, affordable path for gamers who want solid everyday performance without overspending on hardware that may quickly feel dated as new titles arrive.
The data also underlines the ongoing importance of a balanced system. A solid combination of a capable CPU, adequate RAM, a dependable GPU, and ample storage leads to a smoother gaming experience across a wide library. For those looking to upgrade, the most impactful steps usually involve targeted improvements rather than sweeping overhauls: replacing a dated GPU or adding RAM can yield noticeable gains without breaking the bank. As more players join with Windows 11, developers can expect ongoing optimization that enhances compatibility and performance on newer systems, while Windows 10 still provides a broad, familiar foundation for those who value stability and broad software support.
In summary, December’s hardware mix reflects a pragmatic, price-conscious approach that prioritizes reliability, compatibility, and real-world gaming performance. North American players in particular lean toward proven configurations that enable smooth gameplay across a wide range of titles, while still embracing the latest Windows and GPU options as prices normalize and software ecosystems mature.
Note: Data referenced in this article aligns with the period reported by VG Times, reflecting common consumer choices across North America during December 2022.