Why PC Gamers Are Called the Master Race: Debunking Hardware Elitism

Have you ever heard the term 'PC Master Race' flung around in gaming circles? While some claim it's a badge of honor, it's often a jest made by those who realize the reality of the situation. In this article, we’ll explore the roots of this phrase, the truth behind the hardware configurations of the average PC gamer, and why the label might not be as deserved as some might think.

The Roots of PC Master Race

The term 'PC Master Race' is often used sarcastically by those who recognize the disdain some PC gamers have for other platforms. There's a segment in the gaming community that takes a stance of hardware elitism, mocking other gamers for not having the fanciest or most expensive setups. It's akin to the 'mine is better than yours' mentality that many of us, especially in a world where we can afford to be more tolerant, outgrow. For instance, I still play at 1080p resolution because it provides a visually comfortable experience that allows me to squeeze out a few extra frames per second (FPS), even though my hardware could handle higher resolutions comfortably.

The Average PC Gamer: A Reality Check

To understand where this perception comes from, it's essential to look at the typical hardware configuration of a PC gamer. According to Steam's January 2023 hardware survey, the average PC gamer is using:

A 4-core Intel CPU, with 43% of Steam users having a 4-core CPU. A 6-core Intel CPU, used by about 22% of users. An 8-core Intel CPU, utilized by only 11% of users. Threadripper users, who barely make up 0.01% of users, as they are an extremely niche market.

When it comes to RAM, only 44% of Steam users are running 16GB of RAM, with another 29% using 8GB. Impressively, more than one-third of users are running less than 16GB, which is quite low for a gaming rig by today's standards. This fact often paints a picture of lackluster hardware in the gaming world, even for those who are considered 'seriously' into it.

Graphics Cards: Still Evolving

Although more powerful GPUs are on the market, the most popular cards among Steam users from the 10-series and 20-series are the 1060, 1050Ti, 1070, 1080, and 1080Ti, respectively. The 20-series cards barely reach 10% market share, and the first 30-series entry, the 3080, is in 35th place, representing just a half percent of users. Ray tracing, while becoming more popular, is not yet a mainstream feature, with those early adopters making up a tiny fraction of the gaming population.

VRAM and Storage: Not So High-End After All

The VRAM available on these GPUs is another aspect to consider. Although it varies depending on the card, about 75% of gamers are running with 8GB or less of VRAM. Interestingly, the average GPU gives between 6GB and 8GB of VRAM, meaning the median VRAM on a gaming card is actually quite low for today's standards.

In terms of storage, the majority of gamers still have a lot of room to grow. Around 55% of Steam users have 1TB or more of storage, with just 43% running less. However, having a large SSD or multiple drives is still relatively rare, indicating that many PC gamers are still using their hard drives for storage.

A Realization: The PC Master Race Is a Misnomer

When you consider all this data, it becomes apparent that the average PC gamer is playing on a rig that is below spec for even last-gen consoles. So, the next time someone puffs up their chest and proclaims themselves part of the 'PC Master Race,' they're either blowing smoke or engaging in dry humor. Allow them to enjoy their delusions; you can go off and enjoy a fun game or two.

While these numbers might not be exciting for the hardware enthusiasts, they offer a stark contrast to the exaggerated claims made by some PC gamers. Perhaps it's time to embrace a more holistic view of gaming and recognize that there's room for everyone, regardless of their hardware setup.