Steam Summer Sale 2026
Lennon Byatt
The Steam Summer Sale is one of the biggest events in the PC gaming calendar, offering huge discounts on some of the most popular games available. Whether you've just bought a new gaming PC or you're looking to expand your library, it's the perfect time to grab some incredible deals.
From action-packed shooters to open-world RPGs, we've rounded up some of the best PC games to keep an eye on during this year's Steam Summer Sale.
Recommended 1440p Gaming PC Specifications
For the best balance of performance and value, we recommend:
| Component | Recommendation |
|
CPU
|
AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D
|
|
GPU
|
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 or AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT
|
|
RAM
|
32GB DDR5 6000MHz
|
|
Storage
|
2TB PCIe Gen4 NVMe SSD
|
|
Motherboard
|
B650
|
|
PSU
|
750W 80 PLUS Gold
|
This specification is capable of running modern AAA games at high frame rates while providing plenty of headroom for future releases.
Browse AWD-IT's latest AMD Ryzen Processors:
https://www.awd-it.co.uk/components/cpu-processors/amd-cpu.html
Cyberpunk 2077
Following years of updates, Cyberpunk 2077 has become one of the best-looking and most immersive RPGs available on PC.
Recommended hardware:
- Ryzen 7 7800X3D
- RTX 5070
- 32GB DDR5 RAM
Read our guide:
Best Graphics Card for 1440p Gaming
https://www.awd-it.co.uk/gaming-news/best-graphics-card-for-1440p-gaming-2026.html
Helldivers 2
Helldivers 2 remains one of the most popular co-operative shooters, offering fast-paced gameplay and stunning visuals.
For the best experience, a modern graphics card and NVMe SSD are highly recommended.
Browse AWD-IT's latest Gaming PCs:
https://www.awd-it.co.uk/gaming-pc.html
Baldur's Gate 3
Still one of the highest-rated RPGs ever made, Baldur's Gate 3 offers hundreds of hours of gameplay and benefits from a modern multi-core processor.
Recommended CPU:
- AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D
Browse AMD Ryzen Processors:
https://www.awd-it.co.uk/components/cpu-processors/amd-cpu.html
Helldivers 2 remains one of the most popular co-operative shooters
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024
Flight Simulator continues to push gaming hardware to its limits.
For smooth gameplay we recommend:
- 32GB RAM
- RTX 5070 or RX 9070 XT
- 2TB NVMe SSD
Need more storage?
Read:
Best SSD for Gaming in 2026
https://www.awd-it.co.uk/gaming-news/best-ssd-for-gaming-2026.html
Playing at 1440p or 4K benefits greatly from the latest GPUs
Black Myth: Wukong
One of the best-looking games available today, Black Myth: Wukong rewards players with incredible visuals and demanding gameplay.
Playing at 1440p or 4K benefits greatly from the latest GPUs.
Read:
RTX 5070 vs RX 9070 XT
https://www.awd-it.co.uk/gaming-news/rtx-5070-vs-rx-9070-xt.html
Who Should Upgrade to 32GB?
We recommend 32GB if you:
- Play modern AAA games
- Stream on Twitch or YouTube
- Edit videos
- Use multiple applications while gaming
- Want a more future-proof gaming PC
If you mainly play esports titles such as Valorant, Rocket League or League of Legends, 16GB may still be sufficient.
Recommended Gaming Build
For an excellent gaming experience in 2026:
| Component | Recommendation |
|
CPU
|
AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D
|
|
GPU
|
RTX 5070 or RX 9070 XT
|
|
RAM
|
32GB DDR5 6000MHz
|
|
Storage
|
2TB NVMe SSD
|
Browse AWD-IT's latest:
- Gaming PCs
https://www.awd-it.co.uk/gaming-pc.html
- AMD Processors
https://www.awd-it.co.uk/components/cpu-processors/amd-cpu.html
- Graphics Cards
7. Close Background Applications
Apps such as browsers, RGB software and unnecessary launchers consume valuable system resources.
Before gaming:
- Close unused apps
- Disable unnecessary startup programs
- Pause downloads
8. Upgrade Your Gaming Mouse
Older office mice often have slower polling rates and sensors.
A modern gaming mouse offers:
- Higher polling rates
- Better tracking
- Lower click latency
Browse AWD-IT's latest Gaming Accessories:
Older office mice often have slower polling rates and sensors
9. Install Games on an NVMe SSD
Although an SSD won't directly reduce input lag, it improves overall responsiveness by reducing loading times and improving asset streaming.
Browse AWD-IT's Solid State Drives:
https://www.awd-it.co.uk/components/solid-state-drives-ssd.html
Read our guide:
Best SSD for Gaming in 2026
https://www.awd-it.co.uk/gaming-news/best-ssd-for-gaming-2026.html
Best Sim Racing Setup for Beginners: Start With the Essentials
You don’t need a full cockpit immediately. A well‑chosen beginner setup helps you develop skills faster and keeps costs under control.
1. Steering Wheel and Pedals (Top Priority)
Your wheel and pedals are the most important part of any sim racing rig. Force feedback allows you to feel grip changes, kerbs, and steering resistance—crucial for learning car control.
Beginner tip: Focus on force feedback quality rather than raw power.
Your wheel and pedals are the most important part of any sim racing rig. Force feedback allows you to feel grip changes, kerbs, and steering resistance—crucial for learning car control.
Creators in attendance
Stacked lineup
Experience zones
Arcades · Sim rigs · PCs
Tech on display
Latest gen builds
Verdict
Showroom certified
Pick Your Tier
We've named each tier after a tournament stage, because let's be honest, that's exactly the kind of thing we'd do. Find your budget and dive in.
Group Stage
Round of 32
Quarter Final
World Cup Final
10. Reduce Graphics Settings
Lowering settings such as:
- Shadows
- Ray Tracing
- Ambient Occlusion
can significantly increase FPS, reducing overall system latency.
11. Upgrade Your CPU or GPU
If your hardware is several generations old, upgrading can dramatically improve frame rates and responsiveness.
Not sure where to start?
Read:
Best Gaming CPU Under £300
https://www.awd-it.co.uk/gaming-news/best-gaming-cpu-under-300-uk.html
or
Best Graphics Card for 1440p Gaming
https://www.awd-it.co.uk/gaming-news/best-graphics-card-for-1440p-gaming-2026.html
If your hardware is several generations old, upgrading can dramatically improve frame rates
Expected Gaming Performance
|
Game
|
1440p High
|
1440p Ultra
|
|
GTA 6 (Predicted)
|
120 FPS
|
90 FPS
|
|
Cyberpunk 2077
|
120 FPS
|
95 FPS
|
|
Black Ops 7
|
180+ FPS
|
150+ FPS
|
|
Fortnite
|
240+ FPS
|
200+ FPS
|
Performance will vary depending on drivers, game updates and graphics settings.
12. Optimise Your Internet Connection
Although internet latency is different from input lag, a stable wired Ethernet connection provides a much better online gaming experience than unreliable Wi-Fi.
The 7800X3D pairs exceptionally well with today's most powerful graphics cards
Best Graphics Cards to Pair with the Ryzen 7 7800X3D
The 7800X3D pairs exceptionally well with today's most powerful graphics cards, including:
- AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5080
If you're still deciding which GPU to buy, check out:
Best Graphics Card for 1440p Gaming
https://www.awd-it.co.uk/gaming-news/best-graphics-card-for-1440p-gaming-2026.html
You can also browse AWD-IT's latest Graphics Cards:
Frequently Asked Questions
Will 32GB RAM increase FPS?
Not significantly. The biggest improvements are smoother gameplay, reduced stuttering and improved multitasking.
Is DDR5 worth buying?
Yes. If you're building a new gaming PC, DDR5 offers better performance and a longer upgrade path.
Can I mix different RAM kits?
It's generally recommended to use matching RAM kits from the same manufacturer and speed for the best stability.
Final Thoughts
The Steam Summer Sale is one of the best opportunities each year to build an incredible PC game library without breaking the bank.
Pairing great games with the right hardware ensures you'll get the best possible experience, whether you're exploring massive open worlds, competing online or flying across the globe.
Looking to upgrade before your next purchase? Browse AWD-IT's range of Gaming PCs, Graphics Cards, Processors and Storage to make the most of your new games.
Related Guides
- How Much RAM Do You Need for Gaming?
- Best SSD for Gaming in 2026
- Best CPU for RTX 5070 in 2026
- Best Graphics Card for 1440p Gaming
- Best Motherboard for Ryzen 7 7800X3D
- GTA 6 PC System Requirements (Predicted)
- Best Gaming PC Under £1500 UK
