Updating Game Graphics. Have 128 GB RAM NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3090. 2k or 4K Textures?

[LegallyBlindGamer727]

Basically I never got really too into modding Skyrim graphically because my old computer was a potato. Do you think it would be a good idea to download texture mods at 2k or 4k? I've mostly been using 2k for right now but wondering if I should just go with 4k with the new rig? I know this isn't a very good question as there are a lot of mods out there but I figured people with more experience might know better. Thanks.

[IsharaMeradin]

I would compare the different texture resolutions in-game. If you cannot tell a difference without being supper zoomed in (i.e. using console commands to free the camera and get really close), go with the lowest resolution that looks best. After all, there is no point in making your GPU work to use higher res textures that cannot be differentiated from lower res textures in normal gameplay.

 

But that is just my 2 cents worth.

[Deleted3576383User]

I recommend reserving your virtual memory for the player avatar and large objects like mountains and dragon skeletons and setting everything else to 2K or under. You can see the difference between 2K and 4K pebbles and such when you are testing the texture mods, but consider that it is a diminishing returns and how much better it looks from vanilla. Stability and a steady frame-rate contribute to the enjoyability of the game. Don't want to avoid Falkreath because of frame drops. That said, you have a powerful GPU and textures will probably not be a problem. If you are playing on a very high resolution like 4K or on an ultrawide monitor, only then might 2K and under textures start to become evident in regular play. But in that case, you're probably stressing the GPU already and don't want to add more load. If that happens, consider changing some INI settings using the STEP website as an aid. I unlocked a lot of potential recently by discovering the game was rendering highly detailed shadows way out in the distance where it was literally invisible.

Edited February 16, 2023 by Guest

[LegallyBlindGamer727]

I recommend reserving your virtual memory for the player avatar and large objects like mountains and dragon skeletons and setting everything else to 2K or under. You can see the difference between 2K and 4K pebbles and such when you are testing the texture mods, but consider that it is a diminishing returns and how much better it looks from vanilla. Stability and a steady frame-rate contribute to the enjoyability of the game. Don't want to avoid Falkreath because of frame drops. That said, you have a powerful GPU and textures will probably not be a problem. If you are playing on a very high resolution like 4K or on an ultrawide monitor, only then might 2K and under textures start to become evident in regular play. But in that case, you're probably stressing the GPU already and don't want to add more load. If that happens, consider changing some INI settings using the STEP website as an aid. I unlocked a lot of potential recently by discovering the game was rendering highly detailed shadows way out in the distance where it was literally invisible.

Thank you. This detailed answer is more what i was looking for. I'm honestly mostly using 2k textures atm. I think i'll keep it that way.

[Novem99]

With this video card you can go 4k all the way. I have 3080ti and use 4k textures whenever they are available.

 

But It's also true you won't see that much difference unless you take a closer look.