Skyrim not performing well on PC

[Chronologist]

So, I recently (well, today) purchased a Cyberpower PC online, specifically the 6002 model. It's easy to find on Tiger Direct. I installed Steam, bought and downloaded Skyrim, and the game chugs like no-one's business. On the lowest settings it's less than smooth, and on anything higher than Low the framerate is reduced to maybe 12 frames per second, 6 or less at highest qualities.

So, since this computer is supposed to have tons of RAM and processing power, is it something wrong that I'm doing, or have I been scammed? If I have, I'd like to return it as soon as possible, in case they claim I broke something.

Any ideas?

 

[octafish]

Two things, that GPU isn't great, does it even meet the minimum requirements? Also Skyrim won't use more than 2Gb of RAM unless you enable Large Address Awareness. There is a new mod for this since the most recent patches have disabled simply turning on LAA. Try looking for "Skyrim 4gb mod". Take my advice with a grain of salt as I don't have the game.

Look here, first result when I googled Skyrim http://ca.answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20111205152047AAgIBSn

 

[Najos]

Drivers? I didn't bother to look up your PC, though, so no idea what your specs are. You should probably post your specs if you want serious help.

 

[Capt. Crankypants]

Here, this helped me to an amazing degree. Made my computer, which had occasional, unfixable lag-spikes on Low and Medium, run brilliantly on High. It's a must-have for skyrim PC users.

http://www.skyrimnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=91

Give it a shot. I dunno how it works and I don't care, but it's simple to put in, and works great. I dare not question the computer wizards that make everything run better.

Captcha: oweement profiteth

Step1:Oweement
Step2:???
Step3rofiteth

 

[Gdek]

So I went looking for the computer you mentioned, which was somewhat difficult to find. I would advise just posting your computer specs next time you are seeking computer advice.

Anyways acting on the assumption that this is the model of your computer here: http://www.shoptoit.ca/brand-cyberpower-systems/cyberpowerpc-gamer-ultra-gu6002-gaming/27879997/
If this is not your computer go ahead and disregard my post.

If that is the case then your graphics card is fairly poor (GT 520). For quick reference guide go here -> http://www.videocardbenchmark.net/gpu.php?gpu=GeForce+GT+520. As you can see it's not really a competitor for any decent video card.

On a lighter note, the rest of your machine looks decent. You should be able to just upgrade the video card and likely the PSU to get it in working order.

 

[Boysie]

Advertising a PC with that graphics card as a "Gamer Ultra" is taking the p**s!
I've actually thrown older generation cards with higher passmark scores than that in the bin because they wouldn't give me playable framerates in newer games! (old 7800gtx)

A friend fell for a similar cynical misrepresentation a few years ago. He ended up buying a half decent graphics card and fitting it himself when I explained. Instant (actual) gaming PC.

Unfortunately It's going to cost you some more money.

Do some looking into comparisons of graphics cards. A basic rule of thumb is that higher end previous generation cards will often out perform entry level new generation cards. e.g. a GTX460 will likely give you far better FPS than say a GTX530.

compatibility with new versions of directx etc. is a different matter, but shouldn't become an issue untill the next generation of consoles launches and games stop being developed to run on years old console hardware.

p.s. lol! the first captcha I was expected to enter for this is in actual arabic script. I haven't a clue how to enter arabic text!

 

[Jandau]

I didn't look up the computer specs you posted, but considering that the game runs smoothly on Mid settings on my 4 year old GeForce 9500, you either did something silly (like forget to update drivers) or you got sold a piece of poop...

 

[KingsGambit_v1legacy]

Update your drivers, see if other games play alright, verify integrity of the game, ensure that it's updated (1.3), temporarily disable background applications such as antivirus, anti-malware, etc.

I have a 3 year old GPU and run the game on max settings, with a few HD texture mods from skyrimnexus, works smooothly. The odd CTD that I believe to be an engine issue, and the rare stutter during fast-paced, high-action parts is about it, otherwise it's very smooth.

Not knowing the spec of your machine, I cannot comment on it, but it could be the case that your GPU is very old and/or not powerful enough. The fact that millions of others run the same game fine implies it's something about your PC causing the poor framerate.

 

[Azure-Supernova]

My GPU scrapes the recommended (HD Radeon 5770 1Gb) and it runs fine on High. I get the occasional FPS drop, oddly in the same places as my cousin does on his HD 6850 rig.