[Lory Da Costa]

Ok so now I'm thinking these: Tower- http://www.amazon.com/CyberpowerPC-GUA250-FX-4100-Gaming-Desktop/dp/B005TJKGTM/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1341946274&sr=8-2&keywords=gaming+computer
Monitor- http://www.amazon.com/ViewSonic-VX2250WM-LED-21-5-Inch-Widescreen-Integrated/dp/B003HFCDLY/ref=pd_bxgy_pc_img_b
Graphics card (gonna install a new one)- http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814125412
Including a keyboard it comes to about $915. Will this computer run Skyrim on high/ultra? If it does, is it a good gaming computer for a good price? I won't be able to buy it until sometime in September, but I'd like to have a good idea on what I should get.

[Sweets Sweets]

Ok so now I'm thinking these: Tower- http://www.amazon.com/CyberpowerPC-GUA250-FX-4100-Gaming-Desktop/dp/B005TJKGTM/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1341946274&sr=8-2&keywords=gaming+computer

This is a poor choice. It's already overpriced for what you should pay for that level of gaming power, to add onto the total cost a video card upgrade without even knowing what PSU is in it (which is incredibly important). Nowhere in my google searches for this model from Cyberpower do I see the PSU listed. If it's anything like every other prebuilt machine from Cyberpower, it's a poor choice for the existing GPU choice and absolutely one you would not wish to upgrade with.

Here's a sample build of custom parts I threw together on Newegg that could outperform that Cyberpower machine out of the box for much less:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819106001
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157257
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822148321
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817207018
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231314
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119227
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827106333

Total cost in shopping cart, with shipping and sales, is $468.37. And that's with all high-quality, enthusiast-friendly parts. You could spend even a little less by forgoing overclocking features and still get just as reliable of a system.

And that's just trying to match the gaming power of the one you linked. It's actually a more powerful build. For the $610 range, I could easily put together a system that matches what you would have expected after installing the GTX 460, but with an actually good PSU. And for the grand total $750 combined price, you could put together a system that will nearly max the game out with buttery smooth performance.

I highly recommend building custom over purchasing prebuilt. Feel free to ask any questions you may have on the community tech thread here:
http://www.gamesas.com/topic/1386813-the-community-tech-thread-no-116/page__fromsearch__1

This particular thread is for assessing potential Skyrim performance, to which my response is... high, while it works. I have no faith in the quality of the PSU in that Cyberpower machine

[Laura Richards]

Hello everyone, I'm trying to figure out where my laptop stands now on its ability to play Skyrim. From what I've read, it looks like it'll be in the medium range; mostly, though, I'd just like to see how playing Skyrim on my laptop would compare to playing it on the PS3.

Using a Toshiba Satellite L775
Processor: Intel? Pentium? CPU B950 @ 2.10 GHz, 2100 MHz, 2 Cores, 2 Logical processors.
4GB System RAM
Intel HD Graphics 3000
All compatible with DirectX 9

To me it seems like the biggest issue will be the lackluster, default graphics card, but as long as it provides an experience comparable to the PS3 I think I can manage. In any event, I'm more concerned about having a smooth gameplay experience than maxing out my graphics.

[saxon]

Thinking of building one of these: http://www.build-gaming-computers.com/gaming-desktop-computer.html
How well do you think they will play it? Or something in between will? I'm looking to use a good bit of mods too but not that many.

Both systems have decent components for the most part, but both also have crap PSUs made with cheap low quality components. The 650W Ultra is more like a 500W unit, and a poor one at that...most Ultra PSUs are terrible. There's a nice deal on the Corsair TX650 for $78. There are several other cheaper quality units as well:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817151093
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371035
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371031

Hello everyone, I'm trying to figure out where my laptop stands now on its ability to play Skyrim. From what I've read, it looks like it'll be in the medium range; mostly, though, I'd just like to see how playing Skyrim on my laptop would compare to playing it on the PS3.

Using a Toshiba Satellite L775
Processor: Intel? Pentium? CPU B950 @ 2.10 GHz, 2100 MHz, 2 Cores, 2 Logical processors.
4GB System RAM
Intel HD Graphics 3000
All compatible with DirectX 9

To me it seems like the biggest issue will be the lackluster, default graphics card, but as long as it provides an experience comparable to the PS3 I think I can manage. In any event, I'm more concerned about having a smooth gameplay experience than maxing out my graphics.

I feel your PS3 would fare better. Your CPU, while based on Sandybridge architecture, is rather slow. The HD 3000 chip is no card by a long stretch, just a mere onboard graphics chip. While it is ranked in the low-medium to medium range within the list, that's presuming the CPU has horsepower...you can probably expect your settings to be on the lower side of things.

[Emzy Baby!]

Currently running Skyrim at 1920x1080 on mostly high settings with an MSI K9A2 CF, AMD Athlon II x2 5600 (2.9Ghz), 4GB DDR2, and AMD 3870 512Mb.

Have ordered Asus P8Z77-M, Intel i5-3450 (3.1Ghz), 8GB DDR3, still using AMD 3870 512Mb. Will this be able to max out Skyrim? Or is it more dependant on GPU performance? In any case I will soon be getting a 7850 when it drops to about ~￡150.

Also, off topic, when I get the new PC I will be formatting my SSD and hard drives. How do I backup Skyrim save games, settings, mods etc?

[Veronica Flores]

For skyrim save files you would need to go to my documents and copy the 'Skyrim' folder to a usb or something. To keep all the mods.... Well, if they're only steam mods it doesn't really matter because they'll be downloaded again, but if you have nexus mods/don't want to download everything again, go to the skyrim folder found in the steam folder (wherever steam is installed... for me it's - (C:)/program files (x86) / steam / steamapps / common / skyrim - and then copy the whole data folder to an external HDD or usb that can hold all your mods (the data folder holds all your mods, textures, mesh changes, etc.).

Then once skyrim has been reinstalled, just copy those folders back to the same location. The data one to where skyrim is installed, just drop it in the main skyrim folder and then drop the other folder (skyrim - holds all the saves and graphics settings, whatnot) in my documents.

[Eibe Novy]

That can get messy, I prefer to just note all my mods and completely reinstall everything fresh.

[Kelvin Diaz]

That can get messy, I prefer to just note all my mods and completely reinstall everything fresh.

Yea I personally prefer this option too, it insures you have the latest version of the mods and can help prevent really random obscure issues in skyrim. (not sure if it would do that, just makes me feel better)

[Vera Maslar]

I just recently got this on pc and when I load it up the grey dragon is a very light purple and then the screen proceeds to fill up with the color ...when i get into the game ulfic is the same color I my system has the minimal specs and i dont even play on high i play on medium ?i dont know how to fix this plese reply on how to fix this bug

[Melanie]

Looking to build my first gaming computer. I've played Skyrim on the PS3 and after having played Morrowind with mods would like to be able have the same capabilities with Skyrim, in addition to other PC games. I intend to use this through a 50" LG 1080p plasma TV using a XBox 360 (or other) controller as opposed to keyboard and mouse (if possible) on the majority of games I'd be playing. If anyone would be willing to offer advice/comments to my proposed set up for Skyrim specifically and gaming in general, I'd appreciate it:

i5-3570K Ivy Bridge
MSI N560GTX-Ti Twin Frozr II 2GD5/OC GeForce GTX 560 Ti (Fermi) 2GB 256-bit GDDR5
ASUS P8Z68-V/GEN3 LGA 1155 Intel Z68 HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard with UEFI BIOS
Mushkin Enhanced Chronos MKNSSDCR120GB 2.5" 120GB SATA III MLC Internal Solid State Drive (SSD)
G.SKILL Ares Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600
CORSAIR Enthusiast Series TX750 V2 750W ATX12V
Antec Nine Hundred Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case with Upgraded USB 3.0
Rosewill RCX-Z1 CPU Cooler
SONY 18X DVD-ROM 48X CD-ROM SATA DVD-ROM

[CHANONE]

16 GB of RAM is too much for games, in my opinion. 6 GB or 8 GB is the absolute maximum one should really bother with unless they're doing things like dev work or something.

[jadie kell]

Call it a little bit of future proofing. I could do 8 GB and upgrade to 16 GB sooner, or 16GB and go to 32 GB later. I'm getting (I think) a pretty decent processor/motherboard combination that should stay relevant long enough that I might...just maybe...be thankful to have spent a few extra bucks on RAM to start with. The only thing I see as a weak point is the GPU which I would potentially get another 560 ti and SLI them when that card is a bit cheaper, or settle with it for long enough to go and get a high end card in 1-3 years.

Granted I am new at this, but it seems to me the GPU is the fastest advancing piece of the puzzle, which needs to be updated more often. The rest I think should get me through a few years if not more as long as I make a GPU upgrade a little bit down the line. If I've taken what I've read the wrong way, please feel free to correct me. Constructive criticism is appreciated, especially because this is my first go around building a PC.

[Frank Firefly]

RAM is only going to drop in price. Do not get more than you need now. "Future proofing" is not smart as prices go down, not up for the most part.

Don't go above 8 GB of RAM as it is a complete waste of money.

The GPU is fine. I still do fine with my GTX 260.

[Tiffany Holmes]

I understand prices go down and not up over time. However, to buy 8 GB now, then maybe another 8 GB (or 16 GB) in a year, and then toss that to replace it with 32 GB a year later? Factor in that and you're probably even in the long run. I'm willing to sacrifice up front costs if it means less hassle for the same amount of money long term.

Again, thats what I'm inclined to believe right now. If that theory is lousy, I'll consider feedback.

[Brandon Bernardi]

No, buy it when you need it. Not when you want it. You'll save the most money that way and get the most bang for your buck. Need being based on what you do. If you find you're running out of memory, that's when you buy it. Not before.

[Kevan Olson]

Hey guys, just wondering if my laptop would run this without an issue.


2.66 GHz Intel Core i7

8 GB 1067 MHz DDR3

NVIDIA GeForce GT 330M 512 MB

[c.o.s.m.o]

Should play fine, but only on Medium I'd expect.

[Darren]

Hello everyone again! So I placed an order early last Wednesday for the Lenovo Ideapad Y580 I had been looking at...skip forward to today, I've cancelled the order. Absolutely horrible service on their part, I'll never deal with Lenovo again simply based on their customer service strategy of "1. Advertise falsely until money obtained 2. Toss customer from department to department until they become too tired of the hassle of constant delays, 2 hour wait times and inconsistent answers to questions 3. Laugh because we have their money". I should have done a quick Google search on their support rather than the laptop reviews, because their own forums are full of people with similar and often even worse experiences. So now I'm back close to square one and am eyeing the Sager NP91xx series, specifically either the NP9130 or NP9150. I've found a reseller of Sager called XoticPC that seems to get pretty decent reviews for customer service and offers a better warranty package as well as student discounts, has anyone here had any firsthand experience with them? Also a more technical question...the NP9130 they have listed is closer to my budget goals but lists a 3rd Generation Intel Ivy Bridge Core? i5-3210M (2.5-3.1GHz, 3MB Intel? Smart Cache, 35W Max TDP) rather than the i7 3610 (which is available as a $70 upgrade). Would this make a significant difference in Skyrim performance itself, or would it primarily be something noticeable or not-so-noticeable in startup, performance etc? The stock GPU on both the 9130 and the 9150 is the NVidia GTX 670M with 1.5 GB of what I believe is called VRam? The 9150 however has a $100 upgrade option for a GTX 675M with 2 GB of VRam. Would this be a noticeable difference should I decide to go with the NP9150 for it's difference in stock processor, or would both cards perform relatively the same, even with mods?

[Jade Muggeridge]

Hi everyone,

Can one of you smart people advise me if I can run Skyrim on my laptop? I'm not terribly concerned with how good the graphics will look, simply if it will run at a playable level. If I want to see it looking pretty I can play it on my 360, I just don't always get to use the television and I need my fix another way

Processor: AMD A6-3400M
GPU: Radeon HD 6520G 512MB (not on that massive list at the start, go figure)
Memory: 6GB

I'm in particular concerned about the processor as it seems it generally runs at 1.4GHz but goes up to 2.3GHz? Is this sufficient or is it going to overheat or something always trying to max out?

Thanks in advance!
Jenny

[Tasha Clifford]

Hi everyone,

Can one of you smart people advise me if I can run Skyrim on my laptop? I'm not terribly concerned with how good the graphics will look, simply if it will run at a playable level. If I want to see it looking pretty I can play it on my 360, I just don't always get to use the television and I need my fix another way

Processor: AMD A6-3400M
GPU: Radeon HD 6520G 512MB (not on that massive list at the start, go figure)
Memory: 6GB

I'm in particular concerned about the processor as it seems it generally runs at 1.4GHz but goes up to 2.3GHz? Is this sufficient or is it going to overheat or something always trying to max out?

Thanks in advance!
Jenny

The Bethesda release announcement had a helpful link to a Tom's Hardware graphics card list: http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/best-graphics-card-gaming-performance,3042-7.html

I think based on where my card falls I *should* be able to run it on low settings, so long as my processor is up to the task, which I am still uncertain about.

[Sheeva]

Just wondering if my PC could run Skyrim.
I can upgrade it, if needed.

English Windows? 7 Home Premium (64 BIT)
Intel? Core? i3-2120 Processor (3.30GHz, 3MB L3 Cache, 2C)
1GB GDDR5 NVIDIA? GeForce? GT 545
4GB 1333MHz (2x2GB) Dual Channel Memory
1TB Serial ATA (7,200 rpm)
Internal High-Definition 7.1 Performance Audio

[Sarah MacLeod]

Hi bassically idk what half of this stuff means so... will mine run it?
This is from my "system" thing on control panel;
Mannefacturer: Samsung
Rating: 4.7 windows experience index
Processor: Intel? core? i3-2330M CPU @ 2.20GHz 2.20GHz
RAM: 4.00 GB
System type: 64-bit opperating system

its also Windows 7.
It cost ￡500+ so if it cant run it... well i guess i wont be playing Skyrim for PC anytime in the next 2 years
also, idgaf about high quality graphics. As long as i can play it, and i can have a go of a few mods for the first time, i'll be happy.

[Charlotte Buckley]

Talos, the only Geforce 545 I'm familiar with is an "Optimus" laptop card, and IMO, all of the Optimus stuff is just not good enough.

Edited July 24th. I looked up the GT 545, and it will run Skyrim, but not at high resolution, or if that's the way you want to run, you'll have to lower some settings below the Medium Quality level. It doesn't compare well to current gaming cards; the closest I could find belongs to the Geforce 9n00 generation from several years ago

http://www.gpureview.com/show_cards.php?card1=666&card2=606

Darkeye, if you do not have a discrete graphics card, you will not be playing the game the way it was designed. Onboard video chips, particularly those from Intel, are very weak sisters, for certain. I didn't say it wouldn't "sort of" work, just that you shouldn't expect to enjoy the game using it.

[Marta Wolko]

Darkeye, if you do not have a discrete graphics card, you will not be playing the game the way it was designed. Onboard video chips, particularly those from Intel, are very weak sisters, for certain.

Oh okay
Thanks

[Darlene Delk]

So, I've been trying, mostly failing to find a good PC to run Skyrim at med. to max graphics, preferably at the higher end. I came across this on NewEgg. What would this do? As a note, I'm not to good with computers so don't freak at me.



General Spec
Brand CyberpowerPC Model Gamer Ultra 2098 (GU2098) Type Gaming Processor AMD FX-4100 3.6GHz Processor Main Features 64 bit Quad-Core Processor Memory 8GB DDR3 1333 Hard Drive 500GB SATA II 3.0Gb/s 7200RPM Optical Drive 1 24x DVD±R/±RW Dual Layer Drive Graphics AMD Radeon HD 6670 1GB Audio Sound card - Integrated Ethernet Gigabit Ethernet Power Supply 500W Keyboard Xtreme Gear USB Keyboard Mouse Xtreme Gear USB Mouse Operating System Windows 7 Home Premium 64-Bit Special Features AZZA Orion Gaming Case
Motherboard
Chipset NVIDIA GeForce 7025
CPU
CPU Type AMD FX-Series CPU Speed FX-4100(3.6GHz) CPU Socket Type AM3+ CPU Main Features 64 bit Quad-Core Processor
Graphics
GPU/VPU Type AMD Radeon HD 6670 1GB
Memory
Memory Capacity 8GB DDR3 Memory Speed DDR3 1333 Memory Spec 4GB x 2 Memory Slot (Total) 2
Hard Drive
HDD Capacity 500GB HDD Interface SATA II HDD RPM 7200rpm
Optical Drive
Optical Drive Type DVD±RW Optical Drive Spec 24x DVD±R/±RW DUAL LAYER DRIVE
Audio
Audio Chipset Integrated Audio Channels 7.1 Ch Audio
Communications
LAN Chipset Integrated LAN Speed 10/100/1000Mbps
Front Panel Ports
Front USB 2
Back Panel Ports
PS/2 2 Video Ports 1 VGA, 1 DVI, 1 HDMI Rear USB 4 RJ45 1 port Rear Audio Ports Yes
Expansion
PCI Slots (Available/Total) 1x PCI-e 16x
2x PCI-e 1x
1x PCI
Physical Spec
Dimensions 20.00" x 17.00" x 7.5" Weight 30.6 lbs.