AMD Gains CPU Share as Intel Hits Record Low on Steam September Hardware Survey

A new month has started, meaning that the Steam Hardware and Software Survey has just finished collecting data for September 2025. And there was a subtle, yet clear message about the CPU market: Intel has slipped to its lowest share on record among Steam users, while AMD continues to close the gap. Valve’s monthly snapshot shows Intel at about 58.61% and AMD around 41.31%. That shift is the main story this month and suggests a significant change in gamer preferences that warrants a closer examination. The recent movements are not massive, but they are consistent from one month to the next. AMD added roughly 2% points since June, continuing a pattern that started last year, while Intel has been losing ground month after month. A significant part of AMD’s momentum stems from its gaming-focused X3D chips and the strong reception they have received in benchmark and real-world tests.

Pricing and aggressive promotions for AMD-based systems have also helped. Intel’s share is falling even though it remains the largest single vendor, and recent CPU launches have failed to halt the downward trend among Steam users. If both companies continue at their current rates, AMD could become the more common choice among Steam players within a year, marking the first time this has happened in the survey’s history. What this means in practice is important for gamers, builders, and the wider PC supply chain. Hardware makers and retailers may shift their inventory and marketing strategies to meet the rising demand for AMD. Game developers are also taking notice. For Intel, the path back will require more compelling launches, clearer messaging, and competitive pricing. The company recently advertised gaming parity with top AMD SKUs and offered better content creation results. For AMD, the challenge will be to turn momentum into sustained leadership without sacrificing margins or running into supply constraints. Either way, the CPU rivalry is no longer a background story. It is directly “streamed” on Steam.