AMD is getting closer than ever to Intel on Steam, with the latest Steam Hardware Survey showing a major milestone for Ryzen processors. According to the May 2026 results, AMD’s CPU share has climbed to 44.97%, putting the company just shy of the 45% mark and within striking distance of a long-awaited 50% split among Steam users.
This is a notable moment for AMD, especially considering how far the company has come since the first Ryzen processors launched in 2017. Ryzen transformed AMD’s position in the desktop CPU market, turning the brand from an underdog into one of the strongest choices for PC gamers, builders, and enthusiasts. Nearly a decade later, that momentum is still growing.
In March and April, AMD’s share on Steam was hovering around 44%. Over the past two months, the company gained nearly two additional percentage points, reaching what appears to be one of its highest CPU share figures ever recorded in the Steam Hardware Survey. AMD’s senior director of marketing, Saša Marinković, also highlighted the achievement on X, signaling how important this milestone is for the company.
One of the biggest reasons behind AMD’s continued rise is the popularity of Ryzen X3D processors. These chips, equipped with AMD’s 3D V-Cache technology, have become favorites among PC gamers because of their strong gaming performance, efficiency, and value. For many players, especially those building high-end gaming PCs, Ryzen X3D CPUs have become the go-to option.
The Ryzen 7 9800X3D and other Zen 5-based X3D processors have reportedly been selling extremely well, while AMD continues to support older platforms with new gaming-focused chips. That includes models tied to the Zen 4 family, as well as special releases for the long-running AM4 platform. This strategy gives AMD a major advantage: users on newer systems can buy cutting-edge chips, while those with older motherboards still have attractive upgrade options without rebuilding their entire PC.
AMD’s broader CPU lineup is also performing strongly. Even outside the X3D models, Ryzen processors continue to rank highly at major retailers, often dominating best-selling desktop CPU lists. This retail momentum helps explain why AMD’s presence on Steam keeps expanding. Gamers are not just buying premium Ryzen chips; they are also choosing mainstream and value-focused models for new builds and upgrades.
Despite AMD’s progress, Intel still leads the Steam Hardware Survey with around 55% CPU share. That means AMD has not overtaken its longtime rival yet, but the gap is now much smaller than it once was. If AMD continues to gain at the current pace, the possibility of a much closer split between the two CPU giants is becoming increasingly realistic.
Intel’s upcoming Nova Lake processors could play an important role in shaping the next phase of this competition. Gaming performance will be especially important, as Steam’s user base is heavily influenced by PC gamers looking for strong frame rates and platform longevity. If Nova Lake delivers a major leap, Intel may be able to defend its lead. If not, AMD could continue to close the gap.
The May 2026 Steam Hardware Survey makes one thing clear: AMD’s Ryzen strategy is working. Strong gaming performance, continued support for existing platforms, and the success of X3D processors have helped AMD reach nearly 45% CPU share among Steam users. With Intel still ahead but under increasing pressure, the desktop CPU battle is entering one of its most competitive stages yet.
