Tag: RTX 3060

  • Steam Machines Outperform 70% of PCs, Can Run All Games

    Steam Machines Outperform 70% of PCs, Can Run All Games

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Steam Machine’s specifications are reportedly better than 70% of current PCs, according to Valve engineer Yazan Aldehayyat.
    2. Concerns exist about the 8GB of VRAM in the Steam Machine’s AMD RDNA 3 GPU, but it aligns with the most common PC setups.
    3. Graphics comparisons show the Steam Machine’s capabilities are similar to a less powerful RX 7600 or slightly below the RTX 4060.
    4. The Steam Machine features an AMD Zen 4 CPU with 6 cores and 12 threads, providing competitive performance among popular processors.
    5. While Valve promotes the Steam Machine for high-tier performance, users may need to lower resolutions for demanding games due to limited VRAM.

    Some people have raised doubts about how the Steam Machine stacks up against the Xbox Series X or PS5. Early tests show that players might have to make some sacrifices when it comes to playing demanding games. However, Valve engineer Yazan Aldehayyat believes in the power of the cube. He claims that hardware surveys indicate the Steam Machine’s specifications are better than 70% of currently used PCs.

    Insights from the Podcast

    Aldehayyat shared his thoughts on a recent episode of Adam Savage’s Tested podcast. The hardware data compiled by Valve appears to support his assertions. One concern potential buyers have is the 8GB of VRAM in the Steam Machine’s semi-custom AMD RDNA 3 GPU. Still, according to the October survey, that memory size aligns with the most common setup, sitting at 33.46%.

    Graphics Comparisons

    Analysts often compare the graphics capabilities of this compact PC to a less powerful RX 7600 or slightly below the RTX 4060. The RTX 3060 leads the survey, with both the desktop and mobile RTX 4060 following behind. Interestingly, many gamers still utilize older hardware, such as the GTX 1650.

    Processor and Performance

    The Steam Machine also holds its ground against the most popular processors. Its AMD Zen 4 CPU, which has 6 cores and 12 threads, is similar to the top chips on Steam’s list. Moreover, the Steam Machine’s FSR 3 upscaling might give it an advantage over lower-end PCs in terms of performance.

    Aldehayyat mentioned that when creating the Steam Machine, Valve aimed for a balance between performance and cost. They also considered power usage, making it more of an “entry-level device” rather than a top-of-the-line system. This may seem contradictory to their claims of offering 4K/60fps visuals.

    User Preferences

    According to the survey, around 53% of participants play games at 1920×1080 resolution, while only 4.65% use 4K. Nevertheless, Valve promotes the Steam Machine as capable of high-tier performance.

    In his interview, Aldehayyat reassured listeners that the system would support all Steam games. However, hands-on demos have shown that the GPU’s limited VRAM might require gamers to lower resolutions for demanding titles like Cyberpunk 2077.

     

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    Steam Machines Outperform 70% of PCs, Can Run All Games

     

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  • GTA V Enhanced: Visual Upgrades and Better Anti-Cheat Features

    GTA V Enhanced: Visual Upgrades and Better Anti-Cheat Features

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Enhanced Edition of GTA V requires higher system specs, including an RTX 3060 or Radeon RX 6600XT graphics card and an Intel i5-9600K or Ryzen 5 3600 processor.
    2. Major visual improvements include ray tracing and upscaling support through AMD FSR 1 and 3, as well as Nvidia DLSS 3.
    3. Load times have significantly improved due to DirectStorage support, and audio has been enhanced with Dolby Atmos.
    4. The update introduces new features in GTA Online, such as the Career Builder and an upgraded anti-cheat system, along with a GTA+ membership option for PC gamers.
    5. The Enhanced Edition update is free for existing owners of GTA V on PC, but new players must purchase the legacy version to access it, available on Steam and Epic Games starting March 4, 2025.

    Rockstar has brought back Grand Theft Auto once again, but this time it’s been “Enhanced.” The studio has rolled out a major update designed to utilize the extra power of PCs while also improving the GTA Online mode. Here’s everything you should know.

    What’s Included in the 90GB Update for GTA V?

    The Enhanced Edition of GTA V has raised the bar on system requirements. Now, to get the best experience, you’ll need at least an RTX 3060 or a Radeon RX 6600XT, paired with either an Intel i5-9600K or a Ryzen 5 3600. One of the biggest changes is to the game’s visuals and graphics settings. This 12-year-old title now features ray tracing, along with upscaling support through AMD FSR 1 and 3, as well as Nvidia DLSS 3.

    Global Launch of GTA V Enhanced Edition

    Thanks to DirectStorage support, load times have seen a noticeable improvement. Beyond visuals, the audio has also been enhanced with Dolby Atmos support. This update is applicable to both Story Mode and GTA Online, although HDR is still not available. Within the GTA Online mode, players can explore a new Career Builder feature, alongside an upgraded anti-cheat system. Moreover, PC gamers can now sign up for the GTA+ membership.

    The Grand Theft Auto 5 Enhanced Edition update comes at no cost for those who previously owned GTA 5 on PC. However, you will have to purchase the legacy version to access this update. The re-release of GTA V officially went live on March 4, 2025. If you already possess the base game, the enhanced edition can be found on Steam and Epic Games.

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  • Nvidia Leads Steam Hardware Survey’s Most Popular GPUs List

    Nvidia Leads Steam Hardware Survey’s Most Popular GPUs List

    Steam has just released its hardware and software survey results for January 2025, and when it comes to GPUs, things haven’t really changed much. Nvidia continues to lead the pack, with the RTX 3060 desktop being the favorite among gamers. Following this is the RTX 4060 Laptop GPU.

    AMD’s Limited Presence

    Similar to previous surveys, AMD Radeon GPUs are not very prominent on the list. In fact, only three discrete GPUs—Radeon RX 6600, RX 580, and RX 6700XT—have managed to secure spots in the top 40. While there are several AMD integrated GPUs listed, the survey does not specify which models those are.

    The Rise of the Radeon 780M

    Among the top contenders, the Radeon 780M is likely the most prominent, found in various gaming handhelds like the Legion Go, which is currently priced at $549.99 on Amazon. Looking ahead, we may see more discrete AMD options once the Radeon RX 9070 and 9070 XT are launched. These new models will be part of the RDNA 4 series and are expected to compete with Nvidia’s RTX 4070 and RTX 4070 Super.

    Future Expectations

    On another note, Nvidia has introduced the first batch of its RTX 50 series, and more Blackwell GPUs are set to be launched later in February. If these new models can attract a similar number of gamers as the RTX 40 series, we might see a significant shift in the Steam hardware survey results by the end of the year.

    As far as CPUs go, Intel remains at the forefront in the latest Steam hardware survey. In terms of software, Windows 11 commands a 53.46% market share, while Windows 10 still holds a significant presence among gamers, with a 42.87% share according to the most recent survey.

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    Nvidia Leads Steam Hardware Survey's Most Popular GPUs List

     

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  • Nvidia Discontinues Popular RTX 3060 GPU

    Nvidia Discontinues Popular RTX 3060 GPU

    It appears that the graphics card that introduced numerous gamers to ray tracing and high-definition visuals is approaching its end. A recent rumor suggests that Nvidia is planning to halt production of the highly popular RTX 3060, a top performer in the Steam Hardware Survey.

    The information emerged from a post on the Chinese tech forum Bobantang, renowned for insider news within the hardware industry. Although Nvidia has not officially confirmed this, Board Channels has a credible history, having previously predicted the discontinuation of the RTX 3060 Ti.

    Final Orders for RTX 3060

    The forum post indicates that Nvidia has informed its manufacturing partners to submit final orders for the RTX 3060. This doesn’t imply that the card will disappear immediately. Existing stock will continue to be available through retailer channels for the coming months, providing gamers with a final opportunity to purchase this reliable GPU.

    Launch and Market Impact

    Launched in February 2021 during a period when crypto-mining and chip shortages caused GPU prices to skyrocket, the RTX 3060 initially came in a 12GB GDDR6 version, with an 8GB variant introduced later. Both versions offered a good balance between price and performance. Despite early buyers facing inflated prices, the 3060 eventually became an affordable option for gamers eager to experience Nvidia’s Ampere architecture.

    Currently, the RTX 3060 leads the Steam Hardware Survey with a 5.71% market share. It provided a considerable performance upgrade over its predecessor, the GTX 1660 Ti, ensuring smooth gameplay at 1080p and decent performance at 1440p with some graphical tweaks. The inclusion of ray tracing, even at a limited capacity, further enhanced its attractiveness.

    Transition to RTX 40 Series

    With Nvidia’s new RTX 40 series on the horizon, the landscape is shifting. The RTX 4060, set to succeed the RTX 3060, offers superior performance at a comparable price. While the 3060 will likely remain available in the used market, the 4060 presents a more appealing option for new buyers.

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