Elder Scrolls: V Skyrim - how much computer?

[Nnymrod]

Quick question, I intend to build a new system in november when TES:V Skyrim comes out, and I want to know how much computer to buy.

I do not have an exact figure on budget, but cheaper is better. Just to chose a number to work with, I'll say $600.

I would like to be able to get 40fps in 1080p with video settings set to high, but if that is just out of the question, I suppose 1680x1050 would suffice. Obviously more is better.

Also, I realise that as the game is not released yet, all anyone can do is speculate about how intense the graphics are going to be.

How much CPU will I need for gaming in 1080p? is an i3-2100 enough, or could I get buy with less, if so, how much less? Could I get by with an Athlon ii X3 455?.

Sorry for the lack of clarity/specifics, but my time is limited. Thanks for all advice

 

[jaguarskx]

Unknown at this time.

Skyrim will be using the Creation Engine which is a game engine that Bethesda is developing in house. Since Skyrim is also being released for the Xbox and PS3, the game shouldn't be too demanding. Then again chances are it will be running at 720p on those consoles and then stretched to fill a 1080p screen.

My advice is to wait.

If you need to buy a new computer now, then I would most likely go with the i3-2100 since it can easily beat the quad core Phenom II X4 955 Black Edition in games.

 

[Nnymrod]

Yeah... I will be waiting, I plan to finalize the build and buy everything end of OCT, unless I have money before then.

 

[mgf derp]

Since this game isn't out yet it is difficult to judge what kind of hardware would produce those results for the best price/performance ratio. And I do believe that Skyrim will be using a new internally developed game engine (correct me if I am wrong). So again hard to judge. What you could do is look at currently demanding game titles and see what kind of hardware produces those results (40fps @ 1920x1080) in those games and build off that. One recommendation I can give is that for playing at 1080p the i3-2100 would be my absolute minimum cpu.
Looking at games such as The Witcher 2, Crysis 2, and Civ 5 ( http://www.techspot.com/review/405-the-witcher-2-performance/page5.html, http://www.techspot.com/review/379-crysis-2-performance/, http://www.techspot.com/review/320-civilization-v-performance/) I would recommend the following:
Cpu- $190 Core i5 2400 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115074
$225 Core i5 2500k (if you can afford) http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115072
Gpu- ~$240 Nvidia GTX 560Ti http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=100007709%20600094002%20600107147&IsNodeId=1&name=GeForce%20GTX%20560%20Ti%20%28Fermi%29
~$240 AMD Radeon HD 6950 1GB http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=100007709%20600083901%20600095873%20600007779&IsNodeId=1&name=1GB
Motherboard- P67 Chipset $133 MSI http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813130582
P67 Chipset $160 ASRock http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157229
Z68 Chipset $130 Gigabyte http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128502
Z68 Chipset $170 Gigabyte http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128493
PSU- Non Sli 600w -$70 Corsair CX600 V2 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139028
600w $70 Silverstone Strider http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817256071
SLi 750w+ -$90 Antec Earthwatts http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371026
750w -$110 Corsair TX750 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139006
HDD- Whatever fits your budget and storage needs, brands Westren Digital Carvier Blue/Black or Samsung Spinpoint F3
DvD- Whatever fits the budget
Case- Subjective so up to you. Look for motherboard tray cutouts, cable routing holes, decent amount and size of fans. Brands CoolerMaster (HAF series, CM690 series, CM Storm series) NZXT (Phantom, M59) Rosewill (Higherend models)
Hope any of the following suggestions help. If you want any more advice just post and I'll be glad to assist

 

[jaguarskx]

Since this game isn't out yet it is difficult to judge what kind of hardware would produce those results for the best price/performance ratio. And I do believe that Skyrim will be using a new internally developed game engine (correct me if I am wrong).

Yes, it is called Creation Engine.

I mentioned that in my post above.

 

[Nnymrod]

athlon ii x3 455 and an HD 5770 - is this going to be enough?