NVIDIA’s entry-level RTX 50-series GPUs are experiencing an unexpected surge in popularity, with the RTX 5060 and RTX 5070 leading the charge in Steam’s latest hardware survey. While the RTX 5060 Ti 16GB remains a sought-after choice, its skyrocketing prices—now nearing double its launch MSRP—have forced gamers toward more affordable alternatives. The result? A dramatic shift in adoption rates, as budget-conscious buyers flock to the 8GB variants and mid-range models.
The data reveals a clear market response to supply constraints and pricing volatility. The RTX 5060’s share jumped from 1.78% in December 2025 to 2.50% in January 2026—a 40% increase in a single month. Meanwhile, the RTX 5070 saw a 19% rise, climbing from 2.41% to 2.87%, now representing the most popular GPU in NVIDIA’s latest series on Steam. These gains come as NVIDIA has reportedly prioritized production of the RTX 5060, RTX 5060 Ti 8GB, and RTX 5070, leaving the 16GB RTX 5060 Ti in short supply and at inflated prices.
The shift isn’t just about raw numbers—it reflects broader trends in GPU pricing and availability. With the RTX 5060 Ti 16GB now commanding nearly $700 at retail, many gamers are opting for the 8GB version or stepping up to the RTX 5070, which offers better performance for demanding titles. AMD’s RX 9000 series, meanwhile, remains a rare sight in Steam surveys, with only the RX 9070 appearing at a minimal 0.16% share, underscoring NVIDIA’s dominance in the mid-range segment.
- GeForce RTX 5060: 8GB GDDR6, 1408 CUDA cores, 1815 MHz boost clock, 175W TDP
- GeForce RTX 5070: 8GB GDDR6, 2048 CUDA cores, 2265 MHz boost clock, 220W TDP
- GeForce RTX 5060 Ti 8GB: 8GB GDDR6, 1664 CUDA cores, 2190 MHz boost clock, 165W TDP
- GeForce RTX 5060 Ti 16GB: 16GB GDDR6, 1664 CUDA cores, 2190 MHz boost clock, 220W TDP
- GeForce RTX 5070 Ti: 16GB GDDR6X, 2560 CUDA cores, 2490 MHz boost clock, 285W TDP
- Radeon RX 9070: 12GB GDDR6, 2048 stream processors, 2575 MHz boost clock, 225W TDP
- Radeon RX 9070 XT: 16GB GDDR6, 2560 stream processors, 2720 MHz boost clock, 275W TDP
The RTX 5060 and RTX 5070 strike a balance between affordability and performance, making them ideal for 1080p gaming and light content creation. The 8GB models, while limited in VRAM for newer titles, handle most games at medium-high settings, while the RTX 5070 pushes further with ray tracing and DLSS support. The surge in adoption highlights a market adapting to scarcity—where supply dictates demand, and gamers are making pragmatic choices rather than sticking to original preferences.
AMD’s absence from the survey beyond the RX 9070 suggests either limited adoption or delays in appearing on Steam’s radar, a trend that may shift as prices stabilize. For now, NVIDIA’s RTX 5060 and RTX 5070 are the clear beneficiaries of a market forced to prioritize accessibility over ideal configurations.
