Acquiring a processor is not an easy task, since in most cases, we will use it for many years. Steam statistics do not give specific data on Intel and AMD processor models, but they do give interesting data. From the frequency and core data, it seems that most users opt for a mid-range processor.
As always, we must be very careful when interpreting the data offered by the largest video game store. Here is data from recurring users (who enter quite frequently) with data from users who have not been connected for months or years. Within this, we can draw some conclusions.
Intel continues to lead on Steam, but AMD continues to gain ground
If you want to build a gaming computer, you currently have two options when it comes to processors: AMD or Intel. These are the only two mainstream PC processor manufacturers. Although there are laptops with ARM-based chips, these are the fewest and usually, they are in systems that barely move the minesweeper.
Not surprisingly, Intel leads the Steam stats with a share of 68.03% , but slowly losing share. AMD has managed to increase its market share by 1.24%, thus reaching a share of 32.81% . Note that AMD has managed to reduce the difference little by little, which has become greater than 80%.
These data are quite irrelevant, since they fall within the data that are well known. Perhaps the most interesting thing is to see the number of cores and the frequencies of these processors. There is some pretty interesting data here. But more interesting would be to know which are the most used processors, something that Steam does not give.
Recurring frequency in processors
Well, the frequency of the most common Intel processors is below 3.0 GHz , while in AMD processors it is above 3.0 GHz . Indicate that the data refers to the base frequency, not to the Boost frequency.
According to statistics, 17.98% of users use Intel processors whose frequency is between 2.3 GHz and 2.69 GHz . Something interesting is that there is a reduction in the share of these processors of -0.77%. It is followed by processors with a frequency between 3.3 GHz and 3.5 GHz with a share of 16.29% , an increase of 0.68%. We have in third position those that have between 2.7 GHz and 2.99 GHz with a share of 13.38% , falling a -047% share.
The data seems to indicate that users opt for mid-range and entry-level processors. For the most part, it seems to go for non-K Core processors , which have lower base clocks. It also seems to point in the direction of laptop processors, which also have lower base clocks than Core-K, for example.
Now we go with the frequencies of the AMD processors . The most common are processors with a frequency between 3.3 GHz and 3.69 GHz with a share of 14% , rising 0.89%. Then we have the processors with frequencies higher than 3.7 GHz , with a share of 7.83% , which are up 0.72%. Finally, we have those between 3.0 GHz and 3.29 GHz , which have a share of 5.21% and fall -0.02%.
This data clearly indicates that users are mostly using AMD Ryzen processors, including APUs. It does not seem that the Ryzen processors for laptops have much of a presence, since these are usually below 3.0 GHz due to consumption and temperature.
How many cores does Steam “recommend” for gaming?
Within the data, Steam gives us data on the number of cores, something that gives us a very interesting picture. Based on this data, 10.2% (-1.16%) of users have a 2-core processor. 19.12% (+0.72%) of users use a processor with 8 cores . 1.99% (+0.3%) have a 12-core processor and 0.6% (+0.08%) have a 16-core processor.
The interesting thing is that more than 65% of Steam users use 4-core and 6-core processors. Specifically, 33.03% (-0.7%) of users use 4-core processors and 32.89% (+0.63%) use 6-core processors.
It seems that most users stick with mid-range and entry-level processors priced below €250. The truth is that for gaming the number of cores does not matter much, the frequency matters more.
Yes, there is a niche of almost 20% that opts for 8-core processors. Most likely, these processors are AMD Ryzen 7, which are quite cheap. It is also possible that they belong to the Zen2 architectures, which are at a very good price for being “old”.
Conclusions
Valve hides the name of the processors, something that does not happen in graphics cards, which is a curious thing. Based on the data, it seems that Intel dominates, in terms of laptop processors, because of such low frequencies. While in AMD, desktop Ryzen predominates over those intended for laptops.
If we combine this frequency data with the number of cores, it seems even more revealing in both cases. Users opt for the mid-range and input in terms of processors from both manufacturers. In the case of Intel, it points more strongly to chips for gaming laptops.
