Can my rig run Skyrim really well?

[JobVanDam]

I just got this new computer and it's pretty safe to say my rig can run Skyrim really well but doing a few test runs it isn't "optimal".

I turned off Vsync and tweaked my .ini files with the Nvidia guide and this one. All my driver files have been updated.

By default the settings are set to Ultra and while just moving around Whiterun it floats around ~120 fps. I go outside and it drops to around ~60fps. Then sometimes when it seems to be loading textures and such it drops to ~30fps with really bad stutter.

I'm just inquiring cause I been reading up about how Skyrim stutters if your rig is too powerful and at 60Hz. I do have quite a few background and environmental mods running and grabbed many, many high res textures from the Nexus.

I'm just wondering is it really some combination of mods preventing me from maintaining a rock solid 60fps I have seen in a few videos or is my rig just too powerful and should I be looking into MSI Afterburner or other utilities/mods like that?

 

Intel Core i7-3770k CPU @3.50GHz

16.0GB RAM

Windows 7 64-bit

Nvidia GeForce GTX 660 Ti (x2 video cards)

266 GB SSD

DirectX 11.1

Samsung 22'' LCD monitor set to 1680x1050, 60Hz (can't put it any higher)

 

Thanks for the help.

Edited December 7, 2012 by JobVanDam

[FiftyTifty]

SLI/Crossfire is renowned for it's micro-stutter.

 

Try running optomizer textures.

 

Also, try setting Skyrim to use four, then two cores.

[bben46]

Here is a link to my troubleshooting blog.

pay particular attention to the General section on optimizing your computer & Operating system.

http://s1.zetaboards.../4751769/1/#new

This is updated often so come back later for more.

 

If you use any of this and have some success - or even if nothing works - please post back here what you did that worked or didn't work. That kind of information can be invaluable to other members having the same or similar problems - And to me in fixing any problems in the blog.

 

As for fps - it's highly overrated. The xbox is capped at 30, and xbox fanbois rave about how good it looks & runs :rolleyes:

 

Movies run at a constant 24 FPS, NTSC (US Standard) TV at 23.9 FPS. PAL (European standard )at 25 (The Hobbit is an exception as it is going to be at 48fps - looking forward to see how that works out :tongue: ) So if you can get a constant 30 you are seeing video at better fps rate than TV or movies.

 

One reason we perceive that the game is running slower is that on a PC the unregulated fps jumps around constantly, and each jump takes a very short time to adjust to. By capping the fps at a rate slightly below the average, it will run much smoother with far fewer jerks. And although I haven't checked - possibly a cooler video card too.

 

On my own system, after some experimenting I have capped the fps at 43 fps. Previously, I could get a fairly constant 60+ on interiors with a very few dips down into the upper 40s. and spikes well over 100. and outside mostly 50+ with drops into the upper 30s. Capped I rarely see less than 42, but never higher than my cap. If you insist you absolutely must run at ultra settings, you may have to cap the fps a bit lower - experiment to see what is the best trade between fps & eye candy for your personal game. :thumbsup: