What should I upgrade for better performance in heavily modded skyrim?

tinkerer2290 · Oct 5, 2015

Hey all,
I upgraded my psu and gpu earlier this year, but since I started heavily modding my skyrim game I am thinking it's time to upgrade my 3yr old CPU and mobo, and maybe get a new case and liquid cpu cooler while I'm at it.

Current components:
Stock i5-3570k
Biostar tz77b
Evga 970 Ssc
Some crappy midtower case

For a case I mainly want something silent with good airflow, preferably no window.

I'd really appreciate some suggestions.

Thank you,
Alex

Tradesman1 · Oct 5, 2015

Are you OCing the 3570K at all, it's a great OCer, I'd prob want a different mobo though, something like the ASRock Z77 Extreme 4 (about $120) - the 3570K is plenty of CPU for any game

tinkerer2290 · Oct 5, 2015

No I'm not OCing because whenever I tried it wasn't stable, and my board doesn't help much there. Whenever I play skyrim (180+ mods) my cpu is maxed out. I also think something is overheating cause occasionally all of a sudden the game freezes and my computer powers down, no BSOD or anything.

Barty1884 · Oct 5, 2015

Your board is likely what's stopping you there. I'd maybe look at a new, OC capable motherboard and try to OC the CPU first. If you still can't get it stable, then you can look at the CPU.

Are you monitoring temps at all?

Assuming you're on the stock cooler?

Tradesman1 · Oct 5, 2015

tinkerer2290 :

_________________

That mobo is limiting you, if the budgets there, could upgrade to Haswell or Skylake, and can prob use many of your existing components.

tinkerer2290 · Oct 5, 2015

Barty1884 :

Okay, I'll look into that. Any ideas for a new mobo that is "futureproof"?

Monitoring my temps? I am now... <.< >.>

Yep, stock cooler, multiplier, voltage.

To recap, I need suggestions for a mobo, liquid cooling and a case. I have some ideas but popular opinion would help me choose.

Archgaull · Oct 5, 2015

Basically the problem is that anything on the LGA1155 socket just isn't "future proof" anymore.

tinkerer2290 · Oct 5, 2015

So, I'm looking for a motherboard that will let me overclock my current i5-3570k (LGA 1155), with the option to upgrade to an i7-4790k (LGA 1150) if overclocking isn't good enough. Is there such a thing? Sorry, I'm terrible with motherboards... I think that's why I went cheapo with my current one. I honestly don't understand the benefit of an expensive board.

Tradesman1 · Oct 5, 2015

You have a choice of getting a new mobo and OCing the 3570K ..... or ..... if you decide to try Haswell a new mobo and CPU, with skylake would still need new mobo and CPU and depending on the mobo might need new DDR4 DRAM (there are some DDR3 Skylake mobos available)

tinkerer2290 · Oct 5, 2015

Okay so I loaded up RealTemp and monitored my CPU temps while playing skyrim, and it frequently goes over 80C. My hunch about overheating was right because my system is set up to shut down at 90C to prevent damage. What a pity.

This just goes to show that I need to apply thermal paste more often than once .. ever... lol

So yeah, I'm just gonna try a beefier CPU and get better cooling and everything while I'm at it. How about it?

i7-4790k - $329.99 <-- I heard that's really good for gaming atm
ASUS Z97-A - $129.99
MSI Z97-G45 - $129.99 <-- This or ASUS Z97-A? Or something else?
Liquid cooling <-- I cannot decide ...
Antec Performance Series Case P-100 - $74.99

edit: Corsair H100i looks nice, but it's $109.99. I was hoping for something under $90 or $100.

Tradesman1 · Oct 6, 2015

For primarily gaming can even drop to the 4690K, I'd go the Z87-A or their Z97-Pro Gamer, won't touch MSI mobos due to their poor QC

tinkerer2290 · Oct 6, 2015

What would you get for the case? I was thinking Antec P-100 or the next size up, but is there anything I'm missing as far as compatibility? I already know my RAM will work with the Z97-A. I have (2) 3.5mm HDDs and (1) SSD which should all fit just fine... 2-3 cougar case fans to put into the new case. Hmmm...

edit: it just occurred to me that the h105 won't fit in this Antec P-100 case... >_<

Tradesman1 · Oct 6, 2015

Case is a matter of personal preference and need to decide on cooling first, if going with a tower air type cooler, will want a case wide enough for the cooler, if going liquid AIO want to ensure the case can accommodate the cooler

Brandon LCW · Oct 6, 2015

If you have the cash, go for the i5-6600k with an Asus Z170-A. OC to 4.6-4.7Ghz, it becomes a beast.

If you have even more cash, an i7-6700k with a Maximus VIII Hero or Z170 Deluxue will last you YEARS.

Case wise, Corsair 450D, Fractal R5. Sleek, clean, loads of functionaility.

tinkerer2290 · Oct 6, 2015

Brandon LCW :

What's the difference between a $130 Motherboard and a $230 one?? I don't understand what would be worth that extra $100, plz help.

Brandon LCW · Oct 6, 2015

You can definitely for the Z170-A (Its 165$ btw), its an awesome board, my current board too.
More power phases (Better at OC) is one.
If being able to squeeze out 0.1-0.2 Ghz more from a board is not your thing, by all means, a 165-199$ board will serve you just fine.

Rest assured, both will serve you just fine, regardless of price.

tinkerer2290 · Oct 7, 2015

Okay, I got the antec p100, i7-4790k, z-97A, and the h105 liquid cooler because I've read some sites that say it will fit and others that say it wont... I'm just gonna try it out.

Oh, and 8gb more ram to bump up to 16 for good measure.

I might get another gtx 970 ssc to put In sli... hmm maybe not lol

Tradesman1 · Oct 7, 2015

Let us know how it goes, especially if any problems

What should I upgrade for better performance in heavily modded skyrim?

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