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The Most Popular GPU on Steam and Optimum Upgrade Path for Gamers.

Introduction – Most Popular GPU on Steam

As of recent surveys by Steam, the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 has been the most popular GPU among PC gamers. According to the Steam Hardware Survey, a significant portion of gamers still use the GTX 1060, despite the evolution of graphics cards in the market. If you’re one of those gamers still relying on the GTX 1060, or a similar mid-range GPU, it’s important to understand how to make an optimum upgrade to keep up with the latest games and simulators, while ensuring that your other PC components—such as the CPU, RAM, and motherboard—are not holding you back.

This blog post will cover:

• The current state of GPU popularity on Steam, with emphasis on the GTX 1060 and similar cards
• The best upgrade paths for GTX 1060 owners
• Considerations for AM4 (AMD) and Intel systems
• Performance benchmarks for popular games and simulators
• CPU, RAM, and motherboard upgrades for optimal performance

The State of Graphics Cards on Steam – Most Popular GPU on Steam GTX 1660

As of the latest Steam Hardware Survey, the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 holds the top spot in terms of market share, followed by cards like the GTX 1650, GTX 1050 Ti, and RTX 2060. These mid-range GPUs were very popular during their time due to their balance between performance and price. While NVIDIA’s newer RTX 3000 and RTX 4000 series have surpassed these older models in terms of performance, many gamers with the GTX 1060 and similar cards are looking to upgrade.

Here is a quick look at the top five most popular GPUs on Steam, as of the most recent survey:

1. NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060
2. NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650
3. NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti
4. NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060
5. NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050

Despite newer models offering superior performance, these older cards remain popular because they provide decent performance in most modern games at 1080p resolution. However, with newer game releases and the growing demand for higher graphical fidelity, GTX 1060 owners are starting to feel the limitations of their hardware.

Current Graphics Card Landscape

Before diving into the upgrade paths, let’s look at how different GPUs perform in popular games. The performance metrics below show the expected FPS at 1080p with high settings for a selection of recent games:

Performance of Popular GPUs in Games

GPU	Cyberpunk 2077 (FPS)	Call of Duty: Warzone (FPS)	Red Dead Redemption 2 (FPS)	Microsoft Flight Simulator (FPS)
GTX 1060 (6GB)	40-50	60-75	40-50	35-45
RTX 2060 (6GB)	60-80	85-100	60-75	50-65
RTX 3070 (8GB)	80-100	120-150	90-110	70-90
RTX 4080 (16GB)	110-140	160-180	120-140	100-120

As the table above shows, the GTX 1060 struggles with modern AAA titles at high settings. It’s still a decent card for older or less demanding games, but for newer releases like Cyberpunk 2077, Call of Duty: Warzone, and Microsoft Flight Simulator, you will notice significant performance drops.

Optimum Upgrade Path for GTX 1060 Owners

If you’re still using a GTX 1060, upgrading to a newer GPU will dramatically improve your gaming and simulator experience. But choosing the best upgrade path depends on a number of factors, including your current system configuration and budget. Let’s break down the upgrade options for both AMD and Intel users.

AMD Users (AM4 Platform)

If you’re an AMD user with an AM4 motherboard, upgrading the GPU is often a straightforward process. However, you may also need to upgrade your CPU to prevent bottlenecks, especially if you’re still using a budget AMD processor like the Ryzen 3 1200 or Ryzen 5 1600.

GPU Upgrades:

For AMD users, there are several excellent GPU choices for various budgets:

• Mid-range Upgrade: RTX 3060 or RTX 4060
  If you’re looking for a solid performance boost without breaking the bank, the RTX 3060 or RTX 4060 is an excellent upgrade. These cards provide strong 1080p and 1440p performance and are perfect for most modern AAA games.
• High-end Upgrade: RTX 3070, 3080 or RX 6800 XT
  For gamers seeking 4K gaming or high-frame-rate 1440p gaming, the RTX 3070 or RX 6800 XT are solid choices. The RTX 3080 offers even better performance, but it may require a more powerful PSU.

CPU Upgrades:

The AM4 platform supports a wide range of Ryzen processors, but if you’re upgrading your GPU to something more powerful, you’ll want to avoid bottlenecks. Here’s a look at the recommended CPU upgrades:

• Mid-range CPU Upgrade: Ryzen 5 5600X
  The Ryzen 5 5600X is an excellent upgrade for gaming. It offers 6 cores and 12 threads, making it suitable for modern titles and simulations without bottlenecking your GPU.
• High-end CPU Upgrade: Ryzen 7 5800X or Ryzen 9 5900X
  If you’re going for a high-end GPU, consider upgrading to a Ryzen 7 5800X or Ryzen 9 5900X for maximum gaming performance. These CPUs provide plenty of cores and threads for multitasking and running demanding simulators like Microsoft Flight Simulator.

Most Popular GPU on Steam – RAM Considerations:

Most AM4 platforms support DDR4 RAM, and you’ll want to make sure you have enough RAM to avoid bottlenecks. 16GB of DDR4-3200 MHz or faster is generally the sweet spot for gaming. If you’re into heavy multitasking or sim racing, consider going for 32GB.

Intel Users (LGA 1200 and LGA 1700 Platforms)

Intel users have more flexibility in terms of GPU upgrades but may need to consider more significant changes, especially if you’re using an older platform like LGA 1200 or LGA 1151. For instance, upgrading from a Core i5-9600K to a Core i7-12700K or i9-13900K will require a new motherboard and possibly new RAM (DDR5 for newer Intel chips).

GPU Upgrades:

Intel users have a similar range of upgrade options to AMD users:

• Mid-range Upgrade: RTX 3060 or RTX 4060
  These GPUs provide excellent 1080p and 1440p performance. If you’re gaming at 1080p, an RTX 3060 or RTX 4060 will provide a noticeable performance boost from the GTX 1060.
• High-end Upgrade: RTX 3080 or RX 6800 XT
  For 1440p or 4K gaming, an RTX 3080 or RX 6800 XT is ideal. These cards will provide smooth frame rates in modern games and simulators at higher resolutions and settings.

Most Popular GPU on Steam – CPU and Motherboard Upgrades:

If you are upgrading your GPU, you’ll likely need a new CPU and motherboard, especially if you’re on an older Intel chip. For newer Intel platforms, consider the following:

• Mid-range CPU Upgrade: Intel Core i5-12600K
  The Core i5-12600K provides excellent gaming performance with 10 cores and 16 threads. This CPU strikes a good balance between cost and performance, ensuring there are no bottlenecks for most modern GPUs.
• High-end CPU Upgrade: Intel Core i9-13900K
  For gamers looking for the best performance in both gaming and productivity tasks, the Core i9-13900K offers unparalleled performance. This chip has 24 cores and 32 threads, ensuring smooth gameplay in demanding titles like Cyberpunk 2077 and Microsoft Flight Simulator.

RAM Considerations:

For Intel’s 12th-gen and 13th-gen chips, you’ll need DDR5 RAM to get the most out of the system. Aim for at least 16GB DDR5-4800 MHz for solid gaming performance, though 32GB may be required for high-end simulators.

Cost-Effective Upgrades

If budget is a concern, the best path for most GTX 1060 owners would be:

1. GPU: Upgrade to an RTX 3060 or RTX 4060 for 1080p and 1440p gaming.
2. CPU (AM4): Upgrade to a Ryzen 5 5600X if you

are on a lower-end Ryzen chip, or a Ryzen 7 5800X if you want to future-proof your system for higher-end gaming and multitasking. 3. CPU (Intel): Upgrade to a Core i5-12600K if you’re on an older Intel processor and want a strong gaming upgrade. 4. RAM: Make sure you have at least 16GB of DDR4-3200 MHz or DDR5-4800 MHz for a solid gaming experience. 5. Motherboard: Ensure your motherboard is compatible with your new GPU and CPU, especially if you’re on an older Intel platform.

With this path, you get significant upgrades in terms of gaming performance without needing to overhaul your entire system. These mid-range upgrades also offer a solid balance of price-to-performance, allowing you to enjoy modern titles and simulators at high settings without breaking the bank.

High-End Gaming Build for Enthusiasts

For those looking to upgrade to 1440p or 4K gaming, or if you’re serious about VR or demanding simulators like Microsoft Flight Simulator or Assetto Corsa with high mods, you’ll want to consider more powerful components.

GPU:

• NVIDIA RTX 3080 / 3080 Ti / 4070 Ti / 4080
  These GPUs will enable smooth gaming at 1440p and 4K at ultra settings, even in graphically demanding games. If you’re an enthusiast looking for top-tier performance, an RTX 3080 or RTX 4070 Ti is perfect, offering great value for the level of performance they provide. The RTX 4080 offers even better performance but is significantly more expensive.
• AMD RX 6800 XT / RX 7900 XTX
  For those preferring AMD, the RX 6800 XT or RX 7900 XTX offers competitive performance in 1440p and 4K gaming, often at better price points than NVIDIA’s top-tier cards. These GPUs are also great for ray tracing and provide strong performance in many modern games and simulators.

CPU:

• AMD Ryzen 9 5900X / 7950X
  The Ryzen 9 5900X or Ryzen 9 7950X offers up to 16 cores and 32 threads, making them perfect for enthusiasts who need high multitasking capabilities. These CPUs are ideal for simulators and modern games, and they will eliminate any CPU bottlenecks in high-end setups.
• Intel Core i9-13900K / i9-14900K
  Intel’s Core i9-13900K is currently one of the best gaming processors available, providing incredible single-core and multi-core performance. The i9-14900K (expected for 2024) will take it even further. These processors are ideal for 4K gaming, streaming, and high-end tasks like video editing and 3D rendering.

RAM:

• For the best gaming and productivity experience, consider 32GB of DDR5-6000 MHz RAM. Faster RAM speeds can benefit modern games and simulators, particularly those that require fast data processing, such as flight simulators or real-time strategy games.

Storage:

• 1TB or 2TB NVMe SSD (PCIe Gen 4)
  A high-speed SSD is crucial for fast load times, especially for large games and simulators. An NVMe SSD with PCIe Gen 4 offers excellent data transfer speeds, ensuring that you’re not bottlenecked by storage, especially when running large, open-world games like Cyberpunk 2077 or Red Dead Redemption 2.

Cooling and Power Supply:

• For high-end components, don’t skimp on cooling and power. Consider AIO liquid cooling for your CPU to keep it under control, especially if you’re overclocking. For power, a 750W – 1000W PSU from a reputable brand like Corsair, EVGA, or Seasonic is recommended to ensure stable power delivery to your GPU and CPU.

Benchmarks After Upgrade

Once you upgrade your GPU, CPU, and other components, you can expect significant improvements in gaming performance. Below are some potential benchmarks for a high-end setup using an RTX 3080 and Ryzen 9 5900X, for example:

Cyberpunk 2077 (Ultra Settings):

• Before: GTX 1060 — ~40 FPS
• After: RTX 3080 — ~100 FPS

Microsoft Flight Simulator (High Settings):

• Before: GTX 1060 — ~35 FPS
• After: RTX 3080 / Ryzen 9 5900X — ~70-90 FPS

Red Dead Redemption 2 (Ultra Settings):

• Before: GTX 1060 — ~40 FPS
• After: RTX 3080 — ~80-100 FPS

Call of Duty: Warzone (Ultra Settings):

• Before: GTX 1060 — ~60 FPS
• After: RTX 3080 — ~120 FPS

Most Popular GPU on Steam – Conclusion

Upgrading your gaming PC from a GTX 1060 is a great way to enjoy the latest games and simulators at better performance and quality. The most popular upgrade paths involve swapping out your aging GPU for an RTX 3060, RTX 4070, or RX 6800 XT, depending on your budget and gaming resolution preferences.

For AM4 users, the upgrade path is relatively simple, with options like the Ryzen 5 5600X or Ryzen 7 5800X providing a balanced upgrade. If you’re on Intel, upgrading to the Core i5-12600K or Core i9-13900K will provide strong performance gains, but you may need to invest in a new motherboard and potentially DDR5 RAM for newer generations.

A complete upgrade—including a new GPU, CPU, motherboard, and sufficient RAM—will ensure that your system is future-proofed for the latest AAA titles, simulation games, and virtual reality applications. Whether you’re gaming at 1080p or aiming for 4K visuals, there’s a range of upgrade options to consider.

The key to an efficient upgrade is balancing your budget, performance needs, and system compatibility. By making smart choices with the right combination of hardware, you can expect to enjoy smooth gameplay and immersive experiences in modern games and simulators for years to come.

Author

Brendon McAliece (Aka Gunnie) is a military veteran with 23 years working on Jet Fighters, their weapons systems and ejection seat/module systems as well as munitions and R&D. Involved with flight simulation since the 1980s, he has flown all the major flight simulators over the years.

He is an Australian expat who has lived in Malaysia, UK, Saudi Arabia and more recently Thailand. He is a multi-lingual blogger who loves to share his life experiences here on LetsFlyVFR.com and DreamingGuitar.com, with his lifestyle and Travel experiences Blog plus his Dreaming Coffee website.

Learn More @ DreamingGuitar.com – DreamingCoffee.com – LetsFlyVFR.com

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