Help with Skyrim requirements

[Vladteimaplr]

Hey, I'm new to this site and am just starting to get into games on my PC.

I am hoping to run Skyrim on Medium/High settings but I don't think I will be able to with my current set up.

Vista Home Premium 32bit
Nvida 240gt 512mb
2.2 Ghz quad core processor
3 gb DDR2 RAM
300w PSU

I am on around a 200 dollar budget.

What do you guys think I should buy for 200 dollars?

Thanks!

 

[Vladteimaplr]

Sorry, forgot to mention my monitors max resolution is 1440x900.

 

[bdizzle11]

Hmm, the graphics card will definitely be the biggest thing holding you back there. You should definitely try to overclock that CPU also. On a 300w PSU you wont be able to run much there. Maybe get a $50 or so PSU (500-600) watts and a 6870 or 6850/560. What processor do you have out of curiousity?

 

[Vladteimaplr]

Hmm, the graphics card will definitely be the biggest thing holding you back there. You should definitely try to overclock that CPU also. On a 300w PSU you wont be able to run much there. Maybe get a $50 or so PSU (500-600) watts and a 6870 or 6850/560. What processor do you have out of curiousity?

AMD Phenom 9500

Are there any tools you would recommend to overclock my stuff safely and easily? I'm pretty new to all this.

 

[bdizzle11]

If you are using a prebuilt computer which I suspect you may be? Then i dont think you will be able to overclock. Im no expert in overclocking so someone else may be able to help you more there. Your processor even at stock clocks should still be fine for skyrim though, seems to be very well optimized or just not graphically intense. I would stick with my previous recommendation here.
With just a quick browse I would say these two would do you well...
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371034
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102908

 

[Vladteimaplr]

Thanks! Do you think it's OK that I'm using DDR2 RAM? I also have 4 GB made a mistake earlier Vista takes up like a ton of it tho so basically 3.

 

[Vladteimaplr]

Best answer selected by Vladteimaplr.

 

[bdizzle11]

THe ddr2 ram will slow you down some but because you have 32 bit windows you cant upgrade it past that. The skyrim requirements say you only need 2 gigs so you should be okay. Good luck!