Can I Run The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition?
2016 · Action RPG · Check your PC against the official system requirements below.
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition system requirements
| Requirement | Minimum | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| Processor (CPU) | Intel i5-750 / AMD Phenom II X4-945 | Intel i5-2400 / AMD FX-8320 |
| Graphics (GPU) | NVIDIA GTX 470 1GB / AMD HD 7870 2GB | NVIDIA GTX 780 3GB / AMD R9 290 4GB |
| Memory (RAM) | 8 GB | 8 GB |
| Video memory | 1 GB | 3 GB |
| Storage | 12 GB | 12 GB |
Source: published system requirements
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition FPS benchmarks (estimated)
Estimated frame rates
| GPU tier | 1080p | 1440p | 4K |
|---|---|---|---|
| EntryGTX 1650 / RX 6500 XT | 60-75 | 40-55 | 25-30 |
| MainstreamRTX 4060 / RX 7600 | 145-180 | 95-125 | 60-75 |
| High-endRTX 4070 Super / RX 7800 XT | 245-310 | 165-210 | 105-130 |
| EnthusiastRTX 4080 Super / RX 7900 XTX | 300+ | 225-290 | 140-180 |
FPS figures are estimates derived from the published minimum and recommended requirements at high settings, not measured benchmarks. Real-world results vary with CPU, RAM, drivers and in-game options.
Steam Deck & laptop compatibility
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition runs well on Steam Deck. Players can expect an estimated 72 FPS at the Deck's 1280x800 screen. This ensures a very fluid and enjoyable gaming session.
To experience The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition at 60 FPS in 1080p, a gaming laptop should have at least an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2050 Laptop GPU. The NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 Laptop GPU serves as the approximate floor for maintaining playable framerates around 30 FPS. Laptop GPUs generally perform slower than their desktop equivalents.
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition is the remastered version of Bethesda’s open-world RPG, adding upgraded visuals, improved lighting and 64-bit support over the original release. The reworked engine raises the minimum bar slightly compared with the 2011 game, with 8 GB of RAM and a GTX 470 1GB class card listed as the entry point.
The recommended specification pairs a Core i5-2400 or FX-8320 with a GTX 780 3GB or Radeon R9 290 4GB, which delivers a stable 60 frames per second at 1080p with high settings. The install footprint is a relatively light 12 GB, and the game runs well on modern mid-range hardware. Because the Special Edition supports a thriving modding scene, additional VRAM and memory headroom help when high-resolution texture packs are installed.
Frequently asked questions
What are the minimum requirements for Skyrim Special Edition?
The minimum is an Intel i5-750 or AMD Phenom II X4-945 CPU, a GTX 470 1GB or HD 7870 2GB GPU, and 8 GB of RAM.
How much RAM does Skyrim Special Edition need?
Bethesda lists 8 GB as both the minimum and recommended figure. More memory helps when running texture mods.
Is Skyrim Special Edition demanding on modern PCs?
No. With a recommended GTX 780 class card the game runs smoothly at 1080p, and current hardware far exceeds the requirements.