Benchmark Results: The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
Overclocking is the easiest way to circumvent CPU bottlenecks in Skyrim, but the $1300 PC can’t overclock as well as the unlocked Core i7-3930K. A higher graphics card overclock helps that machine take the lead at 2560x1600, though. That's an intense-enough setting that a lower-end CPU doesn't even play a role in the benchmark result.
Meanwhile, the $650 PC is still playable through 1920x1080 at our highest test settings, making squabbles between the other machines appear petty. Paul must be mighty proud right about now.