So I have had a continual problem ever since the game launched. I, like many others, waited two weeks for the patch to be released in hopes that it would solve my issue - it hasn't. It is completely unrelated to the fps/lag issues that a large majority of you are having with your save games. I think. My problem is present at the very beginning of the game, and throughout.

Here's the deal:

For whatever reason, when I explore the outdoor/wilderness almost anywhere west of Whiterun, my game freezes every 5 seconds or so for anywhere between 5-30 seconds at a time. And it seems the closer I get to Solitude, the longer the freezing is. It's as if my PS3 is trying to load all of the new textures but can't render them in time and so it freezes while it loads everything. However, anywhere east of Whiterun and my game runs fine. I've basically been restricted to doing quests in and around Winterhold and Riften because I am able to run around freely anywhere I please without any issues in the eastern parts of the game map.

Can anyone help me make sense of why this is happening? Why one half of the map is completely unplayable while the other is completely playable. I've deleted all data several times, even my save games. I have taken the disc back to Gamestop and exchanged it for a new one - didn't change anything. I've tweaked some of the PS3 settings mentioned here - nope. I am really at a loss as to where to go from here.

Strange. Could it be something to do with Imperial vs. Stormcloak quests that you've done or not done?

I can't explain why but I had similar problems. Most notably Riften and White Run always freeze on me, as does anywhere outside a city that is snowing. Most notably the northeast section of the map hates me. Also sometimes rain bothers me and sometimes it doesn't. Like you I always assumed there was so much going on that the PS3 couldn't render it correctly. Don't really know though.

nice man thong

As others have said, it seems that snow doesn't help matters.

I've only had a few hard system freezes (half a dozen, perhaps - knock on wood), and almost all of those were in the snowy wilderness around the Wreck of the Brinehammer (the old ship, somewhere in the northwest I believe).

Ive noticed a small change with snowfall. Before the patch the snow was so heavy i couldnt even see in front of me, i had to use the map a lot, Now when snow falls, its like a few flakes here and there. not a big deal, just sayin'

Haven't had any hard freezes, yet. Though it really doesn't matter, as sitting there for half a minute staring at a frozen screen waiting to be able to move again is just as annoying.