The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
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Estimated FPS across quality settings and resolutions
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The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim FPS by GPU
Estimated framerates for 14 reference GPUs · pick a resolution and quality
Full benchmark grid · 14 GPUs × 4 qualities × 3 resolutions
1080p performance
| GPU | low | medium | high | ultra |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RTX 5090 | 999 fps | 999 fps | 999 fps | 999 fps |
| RTX 4090 | 999 fps | 999 fps | 999 fps | 999 fps |
| RX 7900 XTX | 999 fps | 999 fps | 999 fps | 999 fps |
| RTX 5080 | 999 fps | 999 fps | 999 fps | 999 fps |
| RTX 4080 Super | 999 fps | 999 fps | 999 fps | 999 fps |
| RTX 4070 Ti | 999 fps | 999 fps | 999 fps | 838 fps |
| RTX 4070 | 999 fps | 999 fps | 884 fps | 718 fps |
| RX 7800 XT | 999 fps | 974 fps | 779 fps | 633 fps |
| RTX 3080 | 999 fps | 947 fps | 758 fps | 616 fps |
| RTX 4060 Ti | 999 fps | 895 fps | 716 fps | 582 fps |
| RTX 3070 | 999 fps | 816 fps | 653 fps | 530 fps |
| RTX 4060 | 921 fps | 737 fps | 589 fps | 479 fps |
| RTX 3060 | 789 fps | 632 fps | 505 fps | 411 fps |
| GTX 1660 Super | 572 fps | 458 fps | 366 fps | 298 fps |
1440p performance
| GPU | low | medium | high | ultra |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RTX 5090 | 999 fps | 999 fps | 999 fps | 999 fps |
| RTX 4090 | 999 fps | 999 fps | 999 fps | 999 fps |
| RX 7900 XTX | 999 fps | 999 fps | 999 fps | 898 fps |
| RTX 5080 | 999 fps | 999 fps | 999 fps | 847 fps |
| RTX 4080 Super | 999 fps | 999 fps | 979 fps | 795 fps |
| RTX 4070 Ti | 999 fps | 967 fps | 774 fps | 629 fps |
| RTX 4070 | 999 fps | 829 fps | 663 fps | 539 fps |
| RX 7800 XT | 913 fps | 730 fps | 584 fps | 475 fps |
| RTX 3080 | 888 fps | 711 fps | 568 fps | 462 fps |
| RTX 4060 Ti | 839 fps | 671 fps | 537 fps | 436 fps |
| RTX 3070 | 765 fps | 612 fps | 489 fps | 398 fps |
| RTX 4060 | 691 fps | 553 fps | 442 fps | 359 fps |
| RTX 3060 | 592 fps | 474 fps | 379 fps | 308 fps |
| GTX 1660 Super | 429 fps | 343 fps | 275 fps | 223 fps |
4K performance
| GPU | low | medium | high | ultra |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RTX 5090 | 999 fps | 884 fps | 707 fps | 575 fps |
| RTX 4090 | 999 fps | 821 fps | 657 fps | 534 fps |
| RX 7900 XTX | 921 fps | 737 fps | 589 fps | 479 fps |
| RTX 5080 | 868 fps | 695 fps | 556 fps | 452 fps |
| RTX 4080 Super | 816 fps | 653 fps | 522 fps | 424 fps |
| RTX 4070 Ti | 645 fps | 516 fps | 413 fps | 335 fps |
| RTX 4070 | 553 fps | 442 fps | 354 fps | 287 fps |
| RX 7800 XT | 487 fps | 389 fps | 312 fps | 253 fps |
| RTX 3080 | 474 fps | 379 fps | 303 fps | 246 fps |
| RTX 4060 Ti | 447 fps | 358 fps | 286 fps | 233 fps |
| RTX 3070 | 408 fps | 326 fps | 261 fps | 212 fps |
| RTX 4060 | 368 fps | 295 fps | 236 fps | 192 fps |
| RTX 3060 | 316 fps | 253 fps | 202 fps | 164 fps |
| GTX 1660 Super | 229 fps | 183 fps | 147 fps | 119 fps |
Where to buy
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
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About
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim is a landmark open-world RPG released in 2011 that revolutionized the fantasy genre through unparalleled player freedom. The game lets you create any character type and tackle its vast world however you choose, whether through combat, magic, stealth, or pure exploration. With an 88/100 rating, Skyrim's combination of immersive storytelling and emergent gameplay made it a defining title for a generation of PC gamers.
Skyrim remains remarkably accessible on modern hardware despite its age. The minimum requirement of 2GB RAM means even older systems can run it, though you'll want a dedicated GPU for smooth performance at higher settings. An Nvidia GTX 960 or AMD R9 290 will comfortably deliver 60 FPS at high settings with decent draw distances, while integrated graphics can handle 30-40 FPS at lower resolutions and reduced graphics quality. Our benchmark data provides specific fps numbers across different GPU tiers and configurations.
If you enjoy immersive RPGs with endless exploration and role-playing potential, Skyrim is absolutely worth playing. Its age means you'll get outstanding performance and can heavily mod the game to enhance visuals or gameplay.
Performance profile
November 2011 release. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim targets mid-2000s-to-early-2010s hardware — any modern entry-level GPU (GTX 1650 tier or newer integrated graphics) handles it at 1080p Ultra without breaking a sweat.
RPGs like The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim stress VRAM during long sessions — texture streaming, mods and open-world traversal inflate memory use over time. 8 GB VRAM is a practical floor; 12 GB+ is worth the headroom at 1440p and above.
Extremely light — The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim runs at 60 FPS 1080p on any integrated GPU (Intel Iris Xe, AMD Radeon Graphics) or a decade-old discrete card like the GTX 1050. A current-gen RTX 4060 pushes 4K Ultra without effort.
Storyline
The Empire of Tamriel is on the edge. The High King of Skyrim has been murdered. Alliances form as claims to the throne are made. In the midst of this conflict, a far more dangerous, ancient evil is awakened. Dragons, long lost to the passages of the Elder Scrolls, have returned to Tamriel. The future of Skyrim, even the Empire itself, hangs in the balance as they wait for the prophesized Dragonborn to come; a hero born with the power of The Voice, and the only one who can stand amongst the dragons.
