Prioritizing computer upgrades

[Anon210]

Like everyone else, I love Skyrim, but my system is seriously inadequate to run it. Especially when in the overworld, I experience what I guess is frame rate loss--when it's running, it runs smoothly, but multiple times per minute I'll get 5-15 second freezes. In some particular areas (Kilkreath Temple), the framerate loss/freezing is so bad as to be unplayable; the rest of the time it's just very annoying.

 

I think my graphics card is fine, but I know my processor and RAM are not up to anything like the recommended specs. Also, there may be an overheating problem; at least two of the fans on my tower are out. I don't really know anything about computers, so I don't know which of these deficits is most likely to be causing the problems I'm experiencing. Accordingly, I'm asking: given that I have limited funds and can't necessarily afford to upgrade all the problem areas at once, in which area (processor, RAM, fans) will I get the most performance improvement for my dollar? Or is this a case where I need to upgrade everything in order to fix the problem? Specs below:

 

Intel Core 2 6600 @ 2.40 GHz

2 GB RAM

Radeon 5770 HD 1 GB

 

Any advice would be appreciated.

[Illiad86]

You're graphics card is fine, I have the same card. You're processor is a bit slow and quite old these days. You should also at least have 4GB of RAM these days as well.

 

I'd suggest getting a new motherboard, 4GB DDR3 RAM, and a Quad Core Processor (AMD or Intel). Depending on what processor/mobo you want, the price is quite different. You can get a nice AMD quad core and motherboard for around $240. I'm not sure on what would be the best budget Intel. DDR3 1600 RAM runs around $50.

[volnaiskra]

General rule of thumb is that the graphics card is the most important by far. If you want a serious improvement, invest in a better one. Preferably nvidia, as they tend to have better support for certain features. Also, they tend to perform better. Maybe a gtx 560, or a second hand gtx280. EDIT: actually, your current one is quite decent. No need to upgrade unless you want top of the line

 

The cpu seems fine to me, though perhaps it is a little old, and skyrim is supposedlvery cpu-heavy. Upgrading that might mean a new mobo though, which means you're halfway to getting a whole new computer.

 

The RAM is likely to make the least difference, but will be by far the cheapest (providing you have enough free slots on your mobo for it). So start there.

 

I'm also concerned about those broken fans. If the comp is overheating, that could be causing your freezes. You should get them checked out. For now, you can try running your pc while it's open, with a desk fan pointing in, and see if that helps.

 

Also, if you getmore ram, consider upgrading to windows 7.thatll probably help with performance too.

[DkFox]

If you were looking at replacing your processor, you wouldn't need to go any higher than the i5 2500k or i7 2600k, both of which are fairly awesome.

That said you will need a new motherboard if you get a processor.

In terms of graphics cards, the GTX 560 Ti is pretty good too, I'm currently running 2 in SLI. Geting 60-100 fps on ultra graphics.

Definitely go with DDR3 if you were to choose a memory upgrade (2GB is pretty low nowadays, esp if it's DDR2).

And if you have money to burn, a solid state hard drive will speed up loading times and general system performance.

 

I would say memory is where you are lacking the most currently, on Amazon UK Corsair Vengeance DDR3 1600MHz is rediculously cheap at the moment, definitely worth it.

*NOTE* you will almost certainly need a new motherboard if you do this, so it may not work out the cheapest option.

 

On a side note, have you tried overclocking your CPU? I was running a Q6600 @ around 3.2 with the stock fan for about 3-4 years without problems.

+a new case isn't too expensive if overheating is an issue!

+what Dbleja said about Windows 7 if you are running .... Vista *shudders*

Edited November 18, 2011 by DkFox

[Midicow]

Or you could get something similar to

 

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.757905

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131767

 

And make sure you've got a decent main-brand psu or you could be risking frying the s*** out of everything, and it'll help you run cooler too.

 

For your rig, a 400-600 watt antec earthwatts should provide enough amperage on the 12volt rail(s).

 

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371035

Something like that.

 

I encourage looking around yourself though. You'll probably find something better than I've linked, and there might be reduced price sales going on at some point. My above are just examples.

 

You said you're tight on money, which is why I'd definitely not recommend intel. Nor Nvidia.

Intel and Nvidia are enthusiast brands, and as such they will give you better performance than amd/ati, but will be quite a bit more expensive.

 

Honestly, just make sure you put the thermal grease on correctly and let it cure (except for certain brands that don't need curing) and the stock cooler should work fine.

 

Those + your card should run Skyrim just fine. If it doesn't then I wouldn't blame it on the hardware, particularly.

Edited November 18, 2011 by Midicow

[Fatalmasterpiece]

Replace the fans asap. It's cheap and easy. No hardware will run properly unless it is kept at proper temperatures. Even a Lamborgini needs oil changes.

[jvarnes]

Before you spend anything do what you can with the gear you have. I would start by checking the CPU fan and heatsink for thick dust buildup. Especially with your case fans being out. Get canned air and blow out everything especially the CPU, power supply fans and most importantly the fan on the graphics card. Give everything a thorough cleaning. Then run it as suggested with case open and a fan blowing directly inside to see if it's a heat issue. You can also download various free programs to check internal temps (if your motherboard supports it) and fan speeds. I have an ASUS so I use ASUS PC PROBE. Not sure what your board is. Also Speedfan (http://www.almico.com/speedfan.php). Other folks can probably recommend more useful tools in this regard or just do some Googling.

 

If you are sure (or even if not) that it's a heat issue look into case fans as they are important and not very expensive at all. They also should be very easy for you to install. You can get them for anywhere between $4 - $12 each depending on the size and how noisy they are. Newegg.com is a great place to get computer parts. Good prices and lot sof reviews you can look over before deciding on a purchase.

 

Defrag the drive the game is installed on. This is not likely the issue, but it can't hurt and it just might have an impact on your game play making it a lot smoother, more stable and lowering load times.

 

Next thing is to start lowering settings in the game to see if you can find a way to play stutter free. Disable all shadows first as they always tax graphics cards and CPUs (apparently even more so in this game), Then start lowering all fade sliders for objects, people, etc. Drop the resolution down as small as it will allow. Try something like 800 x 600. Just see if dropping everything down makes the game smooth out. Be sure to play for at least 30 minutes at lowered settings to see if there is a difference (unless the stutter keeps persisting during the first 10 minutes of gameplay).

Finally turn subtitles on and turn music and sound off and play for as long as you can stand it to see if that eliminates the problem. This game definately has some issues with various soundcard drivers.

 

I'm willing to bet the game can be run on your hardware just fine IF you can find out where the problem is coming from. Now I'm not saying it will look as fantastic as all the screenshots you are seeing. For that you will need to invest money in some upgrades.

 

Also with time will come mods that help lower end machines. Keep an eye at SkyrimNexus downloads for lower res texture packs and stutter eliminating utilitites. Many of these sorts of things came out for Oblivion because of all the folks who had lower end rigs, but really wanted to enjoy the game. I've no doubt they will be coming soon for Skyrim as well.

 

I'll let others advise you about what their opinions are on upgrading hardware is. In my experience the graphics card is the most important thing and I think you have that covered, followed by CPU and RAM. (PS 2 gigs of system RAM is fine for this game ESPECIALLY if you have Windows XP... heck even Windows 7 should be OK with 2gb).

 

Good luck man!

Edited November 18, 2011 by jvarnes

[bilarion]

I'm running Skyrim with a Core2Duo @ 3GHz, PowerColor Radeon HD4890 and 2GB RAM on Windows 7.

I'm playing with high graphics and good framerates.

First of all check the heating. Open up the case and dust everything out.

Second, make sure you have the latest graphics drivers.

Then upgrade or overclock you cpu.

 

TL;DR: It's probably the heat or the CPU. These suggestions are if you want to play Skyrim fine with little to no money spent.

Edited November 19, 2011 by bilarion