I did this for Fallout 3, and it was the biggest blast in the world. Same is for vegas, made a linear game better.

Now I bought the Console version of Skyrim for the fear of it not running on my PC, apparently it can be it isn't at the recommended specs.

And I have been tempted by the Proposition of Werewolf overhauls (One of my Favorite features). Among many other mods. Even texture packs get me really excited.

So, I don't have the greatest specs in the world right now. Any recommendations for specs to run Skyrim? And is the conversion worth it for this one?

Just wondering, because I noticed the Xbox version is... Well let's say it feels like it doesn't run very smooth at all. And the Werewolf texture is ugly.

I have a 2.2 Ghz dual core and a GT 230M video card, and it runs just fine on medium settings for me. I'm not getting above 30 FPS in a majority of places, but I'm still having loads of fun.

2.7 Ghz dual core, GeForce GT 240.

How does that sound?

I'm curious about this too, I'm not very savvy with computers though. I would like to see what people think, as I was planning on getting a desktop in the future with some gaming capability.

Well, I don't know how much money you're looking to spend, but my PC runs Skyrim on Ultra High with 60+ FPS, and I'm going to install a second graphics card soon so that I can manually increase my settings to ridiculous.

Something to know is that Skyrim appears to be far more GPU intensive than CPU intensive.

Are you inquiring about buying a new PC? I'm not sure.. If so, I've just bought a relativly computer that runs Skyrim perfectly on ultra. http://www.novatech.co.uk/pc/range/irushpro.html. (seems to have gone up a few bob, but reasonable nonetheless)

Hmm, that's not a bad price for a PC of that caliber. Another option is to have it custom made/made locally, or make it yourself if you have the knowhow. Certainly it's far better than paying the ridiculous prices that, say, Alienware or iBuyPower would try to charge you.

Bascially you don't need to have the recommended specs to run Skyrim smoothly.

In fact even if you have the recommended specs you are still probably not able to run Skyrim smoothly(the framerate will sometimes drop to as low as 30 with my spec).

Skyrim actually can't use more than 2G of ram or more than 2 threads of a CPU(while it recommends 4G ram and quad core CPU).

I'm using a radion hd 6870 running every graphics setting as high as it will go.

Game looks [censored] amazing. High rez texture packs will make your eyes want to [censored] the screen.

I'm asssuming that if you need to ask in a forum, you're not too handy with computers.

Wouldn't reccomend building a PC from scratch if you don't know what you're doing.

If you are going to buy a new PC, you should make sure that you get components that have a good money/performance ratio. And components that are getting up to the top end. You don't want the real top end, because then you'll pay 50% more for a 10-20% performance increase. Anyone wanting to build a gaming PC now, I'd recommend them:

- Intel i5-2500k CPU.
AMD is just not competitive for a gaming PC at the moment. Only for budget systems. Hyperthreading isn't worth it either. The i5-2500k is the best balance at the moment. Cost 180 euros in my country (including taxes).
- Nvidia gtx560ti based videocard.
Around 200-220 euros. AMD 6950 would be the alternative. At first Nvidia cards ran Skyrim better. Not sure about the current situation, since AMD released new drivers.
- 4 GB of DDR3-1600 RAM.
Costs about 40 euros. You could get 8GB, because RAM is so cheap these days. But for gaming performance, or just surfing, etc, the extra 4GB will hardly help.
- A Z68 based motherboard.
I like the ASRock ones. Don't get anything fancy, like a SLI/CF capable board. Basic Z68 boards are ~ 100 euros.

Total price: 540 euros for the core of your gaming system.
That's the CPU, motherboard, videocard and RAM.
Skyrim will run very well with that machine.

You'll need more stuff. But maybe you can use the components from your old machine.
Monitor, case, mouse, keyboard, cables.
You can even install your old OS. Although I do recommend using Win7 these days.
The only other component you need to check out is your PowerSupply (PSU). Very old PSUs might not be powerful enough for a modern system. Although the i5-2500k + gtx560ti won't be drawing that much power.

Building a PC yourself isn't that hard. Anyone who isn't too clumsy can figure it out themselves. If you know someone who has a little experience and wants to help, doing it with the two of you is a matter of 2-3 hours at most. I recommend you don't mess with overclocking. (I'm sure people will come here telling you how XXX is a great CPU or videocard, so cheap, and it can be overclocked so nicely. Just ignore that type of advice).

FYI, my system has only half that power (E8500 cpu and gtx260). And it runs Skyrim at 25-60 fps (with ultra settings and 4xAA). I'm waiting for the new CPUs and GPUs that will be released in March. It's hard to be patient. If I'd buy a system now, I'd be what I recommended above. I have 2 friends with such systems, and they are very very happy with their new PCs.

I would. How else does one learn? Actually putting components together to make a computer is an easy and predictable process. There are only some things you should know beforehand.

1. Things fit only one way. If it doesn't fit with gentle pressure, stop.
2. Don't press components into the motherboard too hard ('too hard' being when you start seeing the board flex). If you must, and you know the component is going to fit in, support the mobo with styrofoam or something.
3. When you fit the CPU to the chipset holder, it will make a crackling noise as you lock it down. It is the most cringe-inducing sound in the world, but it is normal.
4. Don't forget to plug the CPU cooler fan onto the proper pins.
5. Get tweezers for the little one-pin case plugs.

Upgrades. How I learnt.

If you want to add texture mods, then I would suggest getting the best CPU and GPU that you can find. The mods that you see now are just a taste of what modders can do. You can expect to see better looking mods when CK comes out while require more PC power. As for RAM, I think it will be safe if you have 8gigs of RAM, just to be ready for all the mods that will come out the coming months...and years....

I'm not sure how your processor is (I'm running an i7 920 which is becoming outdated), but with a GTX 260 I'm running ultra settings very smoothly. If you're worried about a video card, get a 260-- they're really cheap.

I recently traded in my PS3 version (I had the same fears as you, my video card frequently overheated) and man am I glad I made the change to PC-- better graphics, mods, super fast load times. SO much better!!! Go for it.

Edit: If you're trying to get a new computer, check out www.ibuypower.com, I've bought two computers from them and they've never disappointed. VERY cost effective if you're apprehensive about building your own pc.

Aside from the different specs other have posted here, if you are not into your console version, sell it off while you can get at least some decent money back on it. Once you buy the PC version, it is yours and cannot be re-sold. If money is of no issue, then it doesn't matter.

2.3Ghz dual core, 3 Gig Ram, Nvidia 8700, run on medium setting smooth as an Movie.

Just Upgrading for those who are wondering, I can get free help on construction. (Fathers an engineer)

Don't go to crazy, not asking for extreme graphics. Just maybe Medium and wouldn't lag if I installed some pretty retextures.

Sounds like you wouldn't have any problems running at the same or higher level of graphics that I run it on.

Did they, now? Which new drivers are we referring to? I'd love to download them, myself.

My Catalyst just updated earlier, it should prompt you if your using W7. Then click on steam and (update AMD drivers)

Then you don't need really need expensive upgrades for medium settings. A 3.0 dual core, 2 gigs ram, ATI HD 5770, gave me a default High setting already. Good frame rates too.

How much do you have to spend TC?

Right, I just checked their website, and downloaded the latest version of Catalyst (11.11) there. Opened up Steam and checked my drivers, and they're now up to date. We'll see if I see a boost in Skyrim's performance shortly.

I run the game at medium with a few custom tweaks in the Nvidia control panel (like 16x AF) and a ton of texture addons (basically everyone you can think of from towns to roads to even blood spatter) and it runs just fine.

I'm using an older Athlon X2 7750 dual core o/ced to 3.2 ghz, 2 gbs of ddr800 ram, and a very out dated 9800+ graphics card.

The only real thing that slows me down is having shadows set too high or the view distance.