Skyrim not performing well on PC

[Chronologist]

So, I recently (well, today) purchased a Cyberpower PC online, specifically the 6002 model. It's easy to find on Tiger Direct. I installed Steam, bought and downloaded Skyrim, and the game chugs like no-one's business. On the lowest settings it's less than smooth, and on anything higher than Low the framerate is reduced to maybe 12 frames per second, 6 or less at highest qualities.

So, since this computer is supposed to have tons of RAM and processing power, is it something wrong that I'm doing, or have I been scammed? If I have, I'd like to return it as soon as possible, in case they claim I broke something.

Any ideas?

 

[shado_temple]

Can you post a link to it? I can't seem to find the model in question. I know I'm sounding lazy, but that's because I am I want to make sure I'm looking at the right model before making judgements.

 

[Chronologist]

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=1157250&CatId=4928

That's where I got it.

I checked out all the individual specifications, even most of the individual parts, and I got good reviews. However, when I play Skyrim in 1900 x 1200 on my HD screen at medium quality, it's a nightmare.

 

[RhombusHatesYou]

Ah... there's your problem. GPU is a GT 520 which is a low end multimedia card not a gaming card.

 

[A Weary Exile]

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=1157250&CatId=4928

That's where I got it.

I checked out all the individual specifications, even most of the individual parts, and I got good reviews. However, when I play Skyrim in 1900 x 1200 on my HD screen at medium quality, it's a nightmare.

Your problem is an ass graphics card.

http://www.notebookcheck.net/NVIDIA-GeForce-GT-520M.43104.0.html

Go to the bottom, you can see that Skyrim get terrible FPS with that card. You need to upgrade.

 

[RhombusHatesYou]

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=1157250&CatId=4928

That's where I got it.

I checked out all the individual specifications, even most of the individual parts, and I got good reviews. However, when I play Skyrim in 1900 x 1200 on my HD screen at medium quality, it's a nightmare.

Your problem is an ass graphics card.

http://www.notebookcheck.net/NVIDIA-GeForce-GT-520M.43104.0.html

Go to the bottom, you can see that Skyrim get terrible FPS with that card. You need to upgrade.

That's a GT 520M, the laptop version which is even shittier than the desktop one.

 

[A Weary Exile]

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=1157250&CatId=4928

That's where I got it.

I checked out all the individual specifications, even most of the individual parts, and I got good reviews. However, when I play Skyrim in 1900 x 1200 on my HD screen at medium quality, it's a nightmare.

Your problem is an ass graphics card.

http://www.notebookcheck.net/NVIDIA-GeForce-GT-520M.43104.0.html

Go to the bottom, you can see that Skyrim get terrible FPS with that card. You need to upgrade.

That's a GT 520M, the laptop version which is even shittier than the desktop one.

Whoops. :s

Point is: he needs to upgrade his card. I just bought this one:

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=41125&Sku=E145-0550

Two days ago for my desktop along with a brand-new, 600-watt power supply.

 

[Chronologist]

Okay, that makes sense. Though why they'd include such a crappy graphics card and other (presumably) decent hardware is beyond me.

From what I hear, getting a better graphics card and installing it should not be that big a deal. The question is, which one? This is literally my first PC, and I have no idea what makes a good graphics card.

Something that can power Skyrim on the highest settings is needed, but budget is an issue. Also, the fact that I live in Canada and my access to tech is limited somewhat.

So, what do you recommend?

 

[A Weary Exile]

Okay, that makes sense. Though why they'd include such a crappy graphics card and other (presumably) decent hardware is beyond me.

From what I hear, getting a better graphics card and installing it should not be that big a deal. The question is, which one? This is literally my first PC, and I have no idea what makes a good graphics card.

Something that can power Skyrim on the highest settings is needed, but budget is an issue. Also, the fact that I live in Canada and my access to tech is limited somewhat.

So, what do you recommend?

I found the one I linked because it was in the "Most popular" section of Tiger Direct's graphics card section. The reviews seem to indicate that you get a lot of bang for your buck with it.

One thing though: make sure you have a PSU with the minimum power supply that the card requires or you will be running into some severe problems. This one requires a minimum of 400 watts (I think) so I had to buy a new PSU that could handle it. My current PSU doesn't even have the proper wires for installing a dedicated GPU. >_<

Most of this I learned just about a week ago, so you might not wanna take my advice on everything. :s

 

[RhombusHatesYou]

So, what do you recommend?

EVGA GTX 560Ti should do you nicely... as I wouldn't want to inflict the "joys" of AMD drivers on someone new to PC gaming.

Bugger.. minimum recommended PSU is 500W and your system only packs a 450W.

Hmmm... apparently a standard GTX 550Ti can go on a 450W.