The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition: PC requirements and the PC you need
RPG
Cover artwork © the game's publisher.
About The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition is Bethesda Game Studios' award-winning fantasy RPG, with improved graphics and all three add-ons included. You are the Dragonborn, free to explore a vast, snowy land, join guilds, fight dragons and go wherever you like. Its huge modding community keeps it fresh years later. It is rated PEGI 18. It runs on modest hardware, but a stronger PC is useful if you add lots of graphics mods.
What The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition needs
In plain words: to play at all it needs almost any graphics, even the graphics built into the processor, and to play it well the makers suggest an entry-level graphics card, with 8GB of memory.
| Part | Minimum | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| Graphics card | NVIDIA GTX 470 1GB /AMD HD 7870 2GB | NVIDIA GTX 780 3GB /AMD R9 290 4GB |
| Processor | Intel i5-750/AMD Phenom II X4-945 | Intel i5-2400/AMD FX-8320 |
| Memory (RAM) | 8 GB RAM | 8 GB RAM |
| Storage | 12 GB available space | 12 GB available space |
From the Steam store page, checked 29 October 2026. The makers sometimes change these; their page is always right.
Will my computer play The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition?
On most computers we find the graphics card for you. Add your processor and memory, and we will tell you if it plays, and what to upgrade if not.
A low-spec PC or a high-spec PC?
This is a light game: almost any of our gaming PCs will run it comfortably at high settings.
On a PC that only just meets the minimum, the game will start and play, but on low settings: simpler shadows and textures, shorter view distances and fewer frames each second, so fast moments can feel less smooth. A 1080p screen is the sensible match.
On a PC that meets or beats the recommended spec, you can turn the settings up: sharper textures, proper shadows and lighting, more detail in the distance, and a smoother picture. A stronger PC also lets you use a sharper 1440p or high-refresh screen.
Latest updates from the makers
- The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Anniversary Edition - Update 1.7.99 (Updated Aug 27) (20 August 2026)
- New realms, new companions, and new powers, all in these Skyrim Creations. (25 June 2026)
- Adventure awaits in these Skyrim Creations! (5 March 2026)
The newest official announcements for The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition on Steam, checked every night. More games: this week's game updates.
Our PCs that meet the recommended spec
These should play The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition well. Cheapest first.
Refurbished1080p gaming
Sandbox Robin 3400G 1060 refurbished gaming PC
Ryzen 5 3400G + GTX 1060
Made for 1080p screens: Fortnite, Valorant, Minecraft and Rocket League play well. The newest big games may need lower settings.
- Processor
- AMD Ryzen 5 3400G (4 cores, 8 threads, built-in Radeon graphics) (tested)
- Graphics
- NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 6GB
- Memory
- 16GB DDR4 memory
- Storage
- 500GB WD Blue 2.5-inch SSD (tested) + 1TB 3.5-inch hard drive (tested) + 1TB hard drive
- Windows
- Windows 11 Home not included (optional extra, installed by us)
£579
Built to order
Games this PC plays
- Fortnite Plays well
- Minecraft (Bedrock Edition for Windows) Plays well
- Roblox Plays well
- VALORANT Plays well
- Counter-Strike 2 Plays well
- League of Legends Plays well
- EA SPORTS FC™ 26 Plays on low settings
- Grand Theft Auto V Enhanced Plays on low settings
- Marvel Rivals Plays on low settings
- Call of Duty® Plays on low settings
Comes with an RGB case - you can swap it for a non-RGB case if you prefer.
Sold by Sandbox Computers, Worcester
Refurbished1080p gaming
Sandbox Typhoon 1060X refurbished gaming PC
Ryzen 5 4500 + GTX 1060
Made for 1080p screens: Fortnite, Valorant, Minecraft and Rocket League play well. The newest big games may need lower settings.
- Processor
- AMD Ryzen 5 4500 (6 cores, 12 threads)
- Graphics
- NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 6GB
- Memory
- 16GB DDR4 memory
- Storage
- 256GB SSD + 1TB 3.5-inch hard drive (tested) + 1TB hard drive
- Windows
- Windows 11 Home not included (optional extra, installed by us)
£599
Built to order
Games this PC plays
- Fortnite Plays well
- Minecraft: Java Edition Plays on low settings
- Minecraft (Bedrock Edition for Windows) Plays well
- Roblox Plays well
- VALORANT Plays well
- Counter-Strike 2 Plays well
- League of Legends Plays well
- EA SPORTS FC™ 26 Plays on low settings
- Grand Theft Auto V Enhanced Plays on low settings
- Marvel Rivals Plays on low settings
Comes with an RGB case - you can swap it for a non-RGB case if you prefer.
Sold by Sandbox Computers, Worcester
Refurbished1080p gaming
Sandbox Jingle 3400G 1660S refurbished gaming PC
Ryzen 5 3400G + GTX 1660 Super
Made for 1080p screens: Fortnite, Valorant, Minecraft and Rocket League play well. The newest big games may need lower settings.
- Processor
- AMD Ryzen 5 3400G (4 cores, 8 threads, built-in Radeon graphics) (tested)
- Graphics
- NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Super 6GB
- Memory
- 16GB DDR4 memory
- Storage
- 500GB WD Blue 2.5-inch SSD (tested)
- Windows
- Windows 11 Home not included (optional extra, installed by us)
£659
Built to order
Games this PC plays
- Fortnite Plays well
- Minecraft (Bedrock Edition for Windows) Plays well
- Roblox Plays well
- VALORANT Plays well
- Counter-Strike 2 Plays well
- League of Legends Plays well
- EA SPORTS FC™ 26 Plays on low settings
- Grand Theft Auto V Enhanced Plays on low settings
- Marvel Rivals Plays on low settings
- Call of Duty® Plays on low settings
Comes with an RGB case - you can swap it for a non-RGB case if you prefer.
Sold by Sandbox Computers, Worcester
Refurbished1080p gaming
Sandbox Holly 1660S refurbished gaming PC
Ryzen 5 4500 + GTX 1660 Super
Made for 1080p screens: Fortnite, Valorant, Minecraft and Rocket League play well. The newest big games may need lower settings.
- Processor
- AMD Ryzen 5 4500 (6 cores, 12 threads)
- Graphics
- NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Super 6GB
- Memory
- 16GB DDR4 memory
- Storage
- 500GB WD Blue 2.5-inch SSD (tested)
- Windows
- Windows 11 Home not included (optional extra, installed by us)
£689
Built to order
Games this PC plays
- Fortnite Plays well
- Minecraft: Java Edition Plays on low settings
- Minecraft (Bedrock Edition for Windows) Plays well
- Roblox Plays well
- VALORANT Plays well
- Counter-Strike 2 Plays well
- League of Legends Plays well
- EA SPORTS FC™ 26 Plays on low settings
- Grand Theft Auto V Enhanced Plays on low settings
- Marvel Rivals Plays on low settings
Comes with an RGB case - you can swap it for a non-RGB case if you prefer.
Sold by Sandbox Computers, Worcester
Refurbished1080p gaming
Sandbox Sleigh 1660S refurbished gaming PC
Ryzen 5 3600X + GTX 1660 Super
Made for 1080p screens: Fortnite, Valorant, Minecraft and Rocket League play well. The newest big games may need lower settings.
- Processor
- AMD Ryzen 5 3600X (6 cores, 12 threads)
- Graphics
- NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Super 6GB
- Memory
- 16GB DDR4 memory
- Storage
- 500GB WD Blue 2.5-inch SSD (tested)
- Windows
- Windows 11 Home not included (optional extra, installed by us)
£689
Built to order
Games this PC plays
- Fortnite Plays well
- Minecraft: Java Edition Plays on low settings
- Minecraft (Bedrock Edition for Windows) Plays well
- Roblox Plays well
- VALORANT Plays well
- Counter-Strike 2 Plays well
- League of Legends Plays well
- EA SPORTS FC™ 26 Plays on low settings
- Grand Theft Auto V Enhanced Plays on low settings
- Marvel Rivals Plays on low settings
Comes with an RGB case - you can swap it for a non-RGB case if you prefer.
Sold by Sandbox Computers, Worcester
Refurbished1080p gaming
Sandbox Typhoon 1060X Pro refurbished gaming PC
Ryzen 5 4500 + GTX 1060
Made for 1080p screens: Fortnite, Valorant, Minecraft and Rocket League play well. The newest big games may need lower settings.
- Processor
- AMD Ryzen 5 4500 (6 cores, 12 threads)
- Graphics
- NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 6GB
- Memory
- 16GB DDR4 memory
- Storage
- 256GB SSD + 4TB 3.5-inch hard drive + 4TB hard drive
- Windows
- Windows 11 Home not included (optional extra, installed by us)
£699
Built to order
Games this PC plays
- Fortnite Plays well
- Minecraft: Java Edition Plays on low settings
- Minecraft (Bedrock Edition for Windows) Plays well
- Roblox Plays well
- VALORANT Plays well
- Counter-Strike 2 Plays well
- League of Legends Plays well
- EA SPORTS FC™ 26 Plays on low settings
- Grand Theft Auto V Enhanced Plays on low settings
- Marvel Rivals Plays on low settings
Comes with an RGB case - you can swap it for a non-RGB case if you prefer.
Sold by Sandbox Computers, Worcester
Questions about The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition on PC
What graphics card do I need for The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition?
The makers say the minimum is NVIDIA GTX 470 1GB /AMD HD 7870 2GB, and they recommend NVIDIA GTX 780 3GB /AMD R9 290 4GB. In plain words: an entry-level graphics card for a good experience.
How much memory (RAM) does The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition need?
At least 8GB, and 8GB is recommended. 16GB is the sensible amount for a gaming PC today.
Is The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition multiplayer?
It is mainly a single-player game.
Can a gaming PC from Sandbox Computers run The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition?
Yes. 109 of our PCs meet the recommended spec, from £579. They are built and tested in Worcester.
How we match: we compare the graphics card and the memory in each PC with the makers' spec, because those decide most of how a game runs. For very new or demanding games, ask us and we will check the processor too. More help: graphics cards explained, how much RAM, which screen.