PC specs for skyrim?

Pre-Release Archive

Moderator: Tea Party Mods

User avatar
Fiar
Journeyman
Journeyman
Posts: 284
Joined: Sat Mar 08, 2008 4:27 am
ES Games: Morrowind, Oblivion, and Skyrim (All PC)
Platform: PC, 3DS
Status: Piloting a MadCat Mk2
UESPoints: 1
Location: Inner Sphere

Re: PC specs for skyrim?

Post by Fiar »

Jormungand wrote:I have a question, as I am not as literate with computer graphics and gaming. I'm jumping ship from the 360 to the PC, so I need some guidance here :(

Okay, so my computer (desktop) looks like this:

HPE-270f
Windows 7 (64-bit)
i7-930 Processor (1st Generation)
8GB RAM (DDR3)
1TB HD
ATI Radeon HD 5770 graphics card (1GB DDR5 dedicated graphics memory)

Now according to the Skyrim specs released, I should meet the "Recommended" specs to run Skyrim with my computer. According to the hierarchy chart at Tom's Hardware, my HD 5770 is the basic equivalent to the recommended ATI Radeon 4890.

Question #1: I have planned (or hoped to) play Skyrim from my PC and hook it up to a 40" LCD 1080p TV. With my current graphic card listed above, can it do this on the recommended settings? Or is the output on a 40" HD 1080p TV going to be too much for my graphics card on the recommended settings? (Since it is bigger, higher resolution?, etc. I heard this makes a difference TV vs monitor).

Question #2: We obviously don't know the specs for "Ultra" yet (or do we?), but I'm probably comfortable assuming my processor and Ram will be sufficient for "Ultra", correct? But my graphic card, on the other hand, will be severely lacking (specially on a 40" 1080p TV). What should I upgrade to that will allow my computer to play Skyrim in "Ultra" setting using a 40" LCD 1080p TV?

Thank you to anyone who can help, and please be detailed with an answer as I am new to all this. :)

Q1: As I also have the same GPU, I imagine you may need to turn down your resolution down on the higher settings.

Q2: If you want to stick with the Radeon card, the 5850/5870 will be a good choice. If you want to switch to Nvidia, I recommend 560 to 580. I'd say 480, not sure how well it compares to the 5770 though.

My take though, someone can probably give better insight.
Avron the S'wit wrote: Fiar, you so sassy <3
Heard it here, folks!
Formerly known as FireAcolyte, but now twice as awesome
UESP's Burning Marshmallow
User avatar
The Edgy Redguard
Champion
Champion
Posts: 849
Joined: Tue Jul 29, 2008 10:05 pm
ES Games: Skyrim, Oblivion GOTY, Morrowind GOTY, Redguard, Daggerfall, Arena
Platform: PC
Status: Is actually back this time...
Location: Canada,Eh?

Re: PC specs for skyrim?

Post by The Edgy Redguard »

FireAcolyte wrote:
Jormungand wrote:I have a question, as I am not as literate with computer graphics and gaming. I'm jumping ship from the 360 to the PC, so I need some guidance here :(

Okay, so my computer (desktop) looks like this:

HPE-270f
Windows 7 (64-bit)
i7-930 Processor (1st Generation)
8GB RAM (DDR3)
1TB HD
ATI Radeon HD 5770 graphics card (1GB DDR5 dedicated graphics memory)

Now according to the Skyrim specs released, I should meet the "Recommended" specs to run Skyrim with my computer. According to the hierarchy chart at Tom's Hardware, my HD 5770 is the basic equivalent to the recommended ATI Radeon 4890.

Question #1: I have planned (or hoped to) play Skyrim from my PC and hook it up to a 40" LCD 1080p TV. With my current graphic card listed above, can it do this on the recommended settings? Or is the output on a 40" HD 1080p TV going to be too much for my graphics card on the recommended settings? (Since it is bigger, higher resolution?, etc. I heard this makes a difference TV vs monitor).

Question #2: We obviously don't know the specs for "Ultra" yet (or do we?), but I'm probably comfortable assuming my processor and Ram will be sufficient for "Ultra", correct? But my graphic card, on the other hand, will be severely lacking (specially on a 40" 1080p TV). What should I upgrade to that will allow my computer to play Skyrim in "Ultra" setting using a 40" LCD 1080p TV?

Thank you to anyone who can help, and please be detailed with an answer as I am new to all this. :)

Q1: As I also have the same GPU, I imagine you may need to turn down your resolution down on the higher settings.

Q2: If you want to stick with the Radeon card, the 5850/5870 will be a good choice. If you want to switch to Nvidia, I recommend 560 to 580. I'd say 480, not sure how well it compares to the 5770 though.

My take though, someone can probably give better insight.
The 560 is a magnificent card that requires only a 500w power supply. I look to purchase it in the next few weeks. It should max out Skyrim without much hassle.
Jormungand
Initiate
Initiate
Posts: 35
Joined: Sat Sep 30, 2006 6:00 pm
ES Games: Oblivion, Morrowind
Platform: PC, XBox 360
Status: Waiting for Skyrim....

Re: PC specs for skyrim?

Post by Jormungand »

Well about about this, do you think a single Radeon 6950 would work on a 46" LCD 1080p TV?
User avatar
Moeboid
Journeyman
Journeyman
Posts: 258
Joined: Sat Jun 26, 2010 4:49 pm
ES Games: Morrowind, Oblivion, Skyrim
Platform: PC
Location: Australia

Re: PC specs for skyrim?

Post by Moeboid »

Your frame rate has nothing to do with hoe large the TV is, only the resolution. And to answer your question, a single 6950 should be absolutely fine.
User avatar
AeraDunmerMoon
Journeyman
Journeyman
Posts: 250
Joined: Thu Mar 10, 2011 2:27 am
ES Games: Oblivion, Morrowind, Shivering Isles, KotN, Skyrim
Platform: PC, Xbox
Location: Colorado

Re: PC specs for skyrim?

Post by AeraDunmerMoon »

Hmm, I hadn't considered the effect of the graphics card while playing on a TV...
To see the world in a grain of sand
And heaven in a wild flower,
Hold infinity in the palm of your hand
And eternity in an hour.


Proud Owner of Skyrim
User avatar
The-Shadow-One
Apprentice
Apprentice
Posts: 166
Joined: Sat Apr 23, 2011 10:14 pm
ES Games: Oblivion GOTY, Skyrim
Platform: PS3
Status: Thinking about odd things, like Rubble Sharks.
UESPoints: 2
Location: Scotland

Re: PC specs for skyrim?

Post by The-Shadow-One »

how do i post my specs? i dont know how.. i got like a inspiron 1525.. is that good?
Call me Rainbow Fox if you want
In Command of Rainbow Fox Dungeon
"They call him the Joker. But my puddin' is no joke." -Harley Quinn
Hey, are you into roleplay?! Click here to join our awesome subforum!
User avatar
Dark Spark
Undecided
Undecided
Posts: 4746
Joined: Fri Dec 14, 2007 1:37 am
ES Games: Oblivion (SI); Skyrim (DB)
Platform: XBox
Status: Reality and I aren't on speaking terms right now
Other Profiles: DarkSpark135
UESPoints: 5
Location: Edge of the world and all Western civilization

Re: PC specs for skyrim?

Post by Dark Spark »

Looking over all this, I guess the PC in my living room will be able to handle Skyrim's Ultra specs.

Now, I've read that Oblivion never took full advantage of multi-core processors. Skyrim obviously will. The minimum specs call for a dual-core. Recommended specs call for a quad-core.

If someone were to have, say, a hexa-core machine in their living room, are we creeping back to Oblivion's "Oh, I don't need that much..." and ignores the additional resources, or will it be able to utilize all six processors?
The-Shadow-One wrote:how do i post my specs? i dont know how.. i got like a inspiron 1525.. is that good?
If your computer is running Windows, you can right-click the "My Computer" icon or whatnot and select "Properties" to display basic things like your processor speed and RAM.
Last edited by Dark Spark on Sat Oct 29, 2011 6:01 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Baurus: Our job is to get the Emperor out of situations like this. Though I'll admit, things aren't going exactly to plan.

Casandra: At the moment, the deadliest weapon at my disposal is a goblin's head on a stick. I'd be worried if this was the plan.
User avatar
The-Shadow-One
Apprentice
Apprentice
Posts: 166
Joined: Sat Apr 23, 2011 10:14 pm
ES Games: Oblivion GOTY, Skyrim
Platform: PS3
Status: Thinking about odd things, like Rubble Sharks.
UESPoints: 2
Location: Scotland

Re: PC specs for skyrim?

Post by The-Shadow-One »

ah i did can you run it and i fail to even get minium...
eh i wont be able to get mods ..probably but oh well..
Call me Rainbow Fox if you want
In Command of Rainbow Fox Dungeon
"They call him the Joker. But my puddin' is no joke." -Harley Quinn
Hey, are you into roleplay?! Click here to join our awesome subforum!
User avatar
Crispyman01
Layman
Layman
Posts: 6
Joined: Wed Oct 26, 2011 1:00 am
ES Games: Morrowind, Oblivion, Daggerfall
Platform: Xbox 360, PC
Status: Lost in the land of Tamriel
Location: Nirn

Re: PC specs for skyrim?

Post by Crispyman01 »

The-Shadow-One wrote:how do i post my specs? i dont know how.. i got like a inspiron 1525.. is that good?
Another easy way to tell your system specs is to just download CCleaner, (if you don't have it already,) since it tells you all your basic computer components right at the top when you start it up. Just the laptop type doesn't give us a very good idea of what you're working with. I went ahead and looked up the specs for it, so if you have just the stock hardware for it, then good news and bad news. The good is that the processor should be able to run the game, being a dual core and whatnot, and the 2 GB of RAM will squeak by. The bad, however, is that the GPU (intel x3100) will definitely be unable to handle the load. :(
User avatar
The-Shadow-One
Apprentice
Apprentice
Posts: 166
Joined: Sat Apr 23, 2011 10:14 pm
ES Games: Oblivion GOTY, Skyrim
Platform: PS3
Status: Thinking about odd things, like Rubble Sharks.
UESPoints: 2
Location: Scotland

Re: PC specs for skyrim?

Post by The-Shadow-One »

yea my video ram wont manage it either so sigh...
I might steal my brothers new laptop (if he gets one) and uses that for skyrim.. but it would take a while
Call me Rainbow Fox if you want
In Command of Rainbow Fox Dungeon
"They call him the Joker. But my puddin' is no joke." -Harley Quinn
Hey, are you into roleplay?! Click here to join our awesome subforum!
User avatar
Crispyman01
Layman
Layman
Posts: 6
Joined: Wed Oct 26, 2011 1:00 am
ES Games: Morrowind, Oblivion, Daggerfall
Platform: Xbox 360, PC
Status: Lost in the land of Tamriel
Location: Nirn

Re: PC specs for skyrim?

Post by Crispyman01 »

If nothing else, Xbox's are extraordinarily cheap, so if you don't have one, you could pick one up with Skyrim. If the new laptop doesn't have a good vid card, you're gonna be looking at a game you'll have to play with worse graphics settings anyways.
User avatar
The-Shadow-One
Apprentice
Apprentice
Posts: 166
Joined: Sat Apr 23, 2011 10:14 pm
ES Games: Oblivion GOTY, Skyrim
Platform: PS3
Status: Thinking about odd things, like Rubble Sharks.
UESPoints: 2
Location: Scotland

Re: PC specs for skyrim?

Post by The-Shadow-One »

ah dont worry i got a ps3 to fall back on -hugs it- i jsut wanted pc cuz of mods and ability to make my sell god like..
Call me Rainbow Fox if you want
In Command of Rainbow Fox Dungeon
"They call him the Joker. But my puddin' is no joke." -Harley Quinn
Hey, are you into roleplay?! Click here to join our awesome subforum!
User avatar
Crispyman01
Layman
Layman
Posts: 6
Joined: Wed Oct 26, 2011 1:00 am
ES Games: Morrowind, Oblivion, Daggerfall
Platform: Xbox 360, PC
Status: Lost in the land of Tamriel
Location: Nirn

Re: PC specs for skyrim?

Post by Crispyman01 »

Yeah mods really revitalized oblivion for me after i tried it on the computer. Makes it a completely different game. I'll for sure pick this up for the computer, but first i will play the living hell out of it on the console. Then, months from D-Day, I'll have plenty of mods to choose from.
User avatar
Farlace
Initiate
Initiate
Posts: 48
Joined: Tue Oct 25, 2011 9:43 pm
ES Games: Morrowind, Oblivion, Skyrim
Platform: PC
Location: California

Re: PC specs for skyrim?

Post by Farlace »

If you do not know your PC specs and do not know how, I use a program called Speccy

Just copy and paste! :mrgreen:
Jormungand
Initiate
Initiate
Posts: 35
Joined: Sat Sep 30, 2006 6:00 pm
ES Games: Oblivion, Morrowind
Platform: PC, XBox 360
Status: Waiting for Skyrim....

Re: PC specs for skyrim?

Post by Jormungand »

How will we know what GFX card can be used to run on ULTRA?
Will a Radeon HD 6950 work for Ultra?

I want to play on Ultra but there is no information on it :*(
User avatar
SuperNull
Warder
Warder
Posts: 468
Joined: Tue Oct 25, 2011 9:50 pm
Status: Has Amazing Horse
Location: Other Places

Re: PC specs for skyrim?

Post by SuperNull »

Jormungand wrote:How will we know what GFX card can be used to run on ULTRA?
Will a Radeon HD 6950 work for Ultra?

I want to play on Ultra but there is no information on it :*(
It may be that you wont be able to use the everything-set-to-max config smoothly on ANY reasonable consumer PC.
I've seen some games do that in past and it's great for those that replay the game 5 or 10 years from now.
Jormungand
Initiate
Initiate
Posts: 35
Joined: Sat Sep 30, 2006 6:00 pm
ES Games: Oblivion, Morrowind
Platform: PC, XBox 360
Status: Waiting for Skyrim....

Re: PC specs for skyrim?

Post by Jormungand »

The thing is, I am totally willing to upgrade my system to play Skyrim on ULTRA, to get my fullest experience from the game. But Bethesda not releasing specs for ULTRA bothers the [&@%!] out of me because I don't know what to aim for or what to build to. You know?

I'm sitting here at a stand still when I could be getting my rig ready to play.
User avatar
MARS
Goatmom/Moderator
Goatmom/Moderator
Posts: 1650
Joined: Sun Jan 23, 2011 9:58 pm
UESPoints: 88
Location: Where the beats never end
Contact:

Re: PC specs for skyrim?

Post by MARS »

My bet for Ultra specs:
3.6-3.8 quad core.
nVidia GTX 590/ ATI Radeon HD 5450
4 GB RAM
Boss makes a dollar
I make a dime
That's why I'm forum posting
On company time
User avatar
Mucro
Journeyman
Journeyman
Posts: 368
Joined: Tue Jan 04, 2011 4:07 pm
ES Games: Oblivion GOTY, Skyrim
Platform: PS3, PC
Status: Exploiting poor people.

Re: PC specs for skyrim?

Post by Mucro »

Mars wrote:My bet for Ultra specs:
3.6-3.8 quad core.
nVidia GTX 590/ ATI Radeon HD 5450
4 GB RAM
Not sure if I can run it on Ultra...
User avatar
MARS
Goatmom/Moderator
Goatmom/Moderator
Posts: 1650
Joined: Sun Jan 23, 2011 9:58 pm
UESPoints: 88
Location: Where the beats never end
Contact:

Re: PC specs for skyrim?

Post by MARS »

Those are Ultra, Ultra specs. As in smoothless Ultra. Which is kinds of excsessive.
Boss makes a dollar
I make a dime
That's why I'm forum posting
On company time
User avatar
Mucro
Journeyman
Journeyman
Posts: 368
Joined: Tue Jan 04, 2011 4:07 pm
ES Games: Oblivion GOTY, Skyrim
Platform: PS3, PC
Status: Exploiting poor people.

Re: PC specs for skyrim?

Post by Mucro »

Mars wrote:Those are Ultra, Ultra specs. As in smoothless Ultra. Which is kinds of excsessive.
I've got rubbish specs, want me to post them again? ;)
Jormungand
Initiate
Initiate
Posts: 35
Joined: Sat Sep 30, 2006 6:00 pm
ES Games: Oblivion, Morrowind
Platform: PC, XBox 360
Status: Waiting for Skyrim....

Re: PC specs for skyrim?

Post by Jormungand »

Mars wrote:My bet for Ultra specs:
3.6-3.8 quad core.
nVidia GTX 590/ ATI Radeon HD 5450
4 GB RAM
Wow.... I guess that would be "Ultra"

BTW, you sure you got the right Radeon card? You probably thinking Radeon 6990? That's the equivilent to the GTX 590.


I guess I'm won't be able to ULTRA it either :(
User avatar
MARS
Goatmom/Moderator
Goatmom/Moderator
Posts: 1650
Joined: Sun Jan 23, 2011 9:58 pm
UESPoints: 88
Location: Where the beats never end
Contact:

Re: PC specs for skyrim?

Post by MARS »

@Muc: I'm sure I can pretend to be laughing at them quietely in a corner while driving a screwdriver through my hand in desperation.

@Jormungand: Yeah, that. Sorry, I'm not too big on hardware :P
Boss makes a dollar
I make a dime
That's why I'm forum posting
On company time
User avatar
Mucro
Journeyman
Journeyman
Posts: 368
Joined: Tue Jan 04, 2011 4:07 pm
ES Games: Oblivion GOTY, Skyrim
Platform: PS3, PC
Status: Exploiting poor people.

Re: PC specs for skyrim?

Post by Mucro »

Intelcore i7 950
GTX 580
12GB of ram
1TB of storage.





:D I posted them again!
User avatar
MARS
Goatmom/Moderator
Goatmom/Moderator
Posts: 1650
Joined: Sun Jan 23, 2011 9:58 pm
UESPoints: 88
Location: Where the beats never end
Contact:

Re: PC specs for skyrim?

Post by MARS »

Mucro wrote: 1TB of storage.
It's funny cause it's not really that much anymore :lol:
Boss makes a dollar
I make a dime
That's why I'm forum posting
On company time
Post Reply