Having Skyrim Issues (Looking for Upgrade Help)

[CarrierX]

So I am running an intel based PC I built with an Intel i5 3450 (3.1 ghz with 3.5 ghz turbo), 16 gb of ddr3 ram and a nVidia 550 ti.

 

However I am experiencing some issues with the game when I am playing, it frequently freezes for 10 seconds or so and then picks back up where it left off and I have some fps issues some times. I am running about 60 mods which are mainly texture replacers. Do you think I should upgrade my video card or my processor? I can only afford to do one this summer and still make my rent and car payments, thanks in advance!

[Georgiegril]

Freezes like you describe can be caused by other computer processes taking up your RAM--the pause is caused by your computer trying to free up sufficient available RAM. FPS issues can be caused by bottlenecking...

Before getting rid of your hardware, I would try:

 

Making sure to close down all unnecessary background apps, processes and services. Things like cloud sync, "waves" to backup drives, auto updates and the like can cause the repeated freezing problem.

Blow out your computer-- dust causes all manner of evil.

Perform basic computer upkeep--defrag, etc.

Check your power supply unit

Limit your FPS to 35 or 55, see which works better. This might solve fps issue.

 

You don't mention what version of windows, but if it is an old 32-but version, then you will want to upgrade that to the 64-bit version. Otherwise your computer cannot make use of the RAM you have.

 

Have you optimized your graphics settings? Check out the Geforce Guide, and also look at their optimal setting for your drivers.

Also make sure that you are updated to the latest drivers, and that you did a manual clean, complete update (manually removing old driver files, not using the Windows driver update) You can find out more about that here.

 

If you aren't using BOSS, that might also help. If the problem does not occur when you play without mods, it is likely a problem with the mods you picked overloading your driver, or specific settings of various mods causing issues. Lots of texture mods have multiple versions, you might try using some of the medium or low or "lite" versions and see if that helps.

 

Finally, I am not sure about your processor--is it Quad core? If not, upgrading it could help. Your graphics card should be fine, IMO.

[CarrierX]

Sorry I am running windows 8 (64-bit) and the i5 3450 is a quad core processor.

 

I will definitely try out some of the tips you had given and see if it helps at all and leave a post with results, thanks for your quick response!