Settings that use CPU the most?

[Schlitty]

I've done a lot, and I mean a lot, of troubleshooting with Skyrim trying to get it run smooth on my system. I now know that it is my CPU having a hard time keeping up and it peaks and I get skips, lags, freezes, juddering, choppiness, whatever you want to call it. But I know it is my CPU. It of course meets the requirements fine and shouldn't be an issue, but nonetheless it is in fact the issue. But I digress.

Lowering "Distant Object Detail" and "Actor Fade" have the most results on improving my performance. Everything else on Ultra/High and those two all the way down and I have no issues and very minor, if ever, framerate drops below 60fps.

BUT, "Actor Fade" super low is a nuisance. As I have to be quite close to an "actor" before they pop-up.

I was wondering what specific settings (game menu or .ini) are considered more CPU intensive. I've come across shadows being mentioned as CPU intensive when searching the web and have just begun to play with those. But a lot of information is dated back to when the game was first released.

Anything would help. Just hoping to do some fine tuning to bring "Actor Fade" back up while still playing smooth. The basics like resolution, AA, and filtering don't affect my performance at all, lowest or highest, it gets handled.

Thanks!

(Running no mods at all, just trying to get vanilla smooth.)

[FIRE DO CLUBE PINGUIM]

shadows and lightning are 2 things to look for. aside for that, for this particular game i dont know much, since my system can play with everything on ultra plus some mods like realistic water at 60fps.

[Nazenn]

Been getting a lot of reports lately of people struggling to get the game working on a computer that it definitely at or above the recommended specs. Very odd.

Anyway, as far as your problem, yes, shadows definitely are one of the most draining features for the game, and they take up a lot of resources as they aren't very optimised. You might also try lowering your grass distance as well, as that can take up a lot of memory, as well as turning off one of two of the water rendering settings. The other thing that can take up A LOT of resources is actually specularity on objects.

I know that you said that you're not running any mods right now, however, if youd like to install a couple of basic memory saving mods (including some tools to help skyrim run with more stable and efficent memory etc) then I have compiled a list here : https://steamcommunity.com/app/72850/discussions/0/619573787397876592/
You will also find a link there to a set of ini edit that will turn off specularity on objects which can help improve your framerate and stability, along with a tool that can help you track your CPU and GPU usage to get a more accurate reading on exactly what is helping and what isnt.

[Schlitty]

Thanks! I'm using MSI Afterburner to track performance currently and it is just my CPU. Memory fine, GPU memory fine, etc. As you mentioned, I do have a system that *supposedly* can more than handle the game but just having some bad luck. But I can also accept that a game isn't going to run hiccup free on every system under the Sun. Just trying to get a little insight on CPU specific settings but anything helps! I have messed with the shadows more (which I don't mind being low at all) and managed to get my "Actor Fade" up to a more comfortable "7". It isn't running perfect but it'll do.

I'll start reading that link to see if anything new catches my eye and/or works. Thanks!

[MageThis]

If you have a Realtek audio IC you might try updating the driver through its audio control panel. Google "audiodg.exe" and its CPU cycle stealing antics. Just something to eliminate.

[Schlitty]

The Realtek thing wasn't an issue but thanks for the heads up about it as I do have Realtek. Had never heard about that one before.

[MyProfile]

As far as vanilla goes at least get the unofficial patches. I would also get the latest SKSE (not beta) and take advantage of the memory optimization it provides.
Also ENBoost is a good thing to take advantage of and get out of the way before actually modding your game.

Unofficial Patches
SKSE
ENBoost.

Backup your skyrim folder.
Use MO. Virtual directories do not effect your skyrim install with mods.

Oh and be very careful implementing ini tweaks you find on the internet. If you want safe ini edits head over to S.T.E.P. forums or youtube GamerPoets channel.
Actually STEP will get you right where you want to be from the start with STEP Core.
Check it out.

[Thirsty]

ah then checkout this guide...the author of this guide did a awesome job going through each option in settings and tells which ones to avoid while keeping game still beautiful

http://www.gamingpcbuilder.com/pc-performance-guide-skyrim/

[Schlitty]

Thanks to you both. Good reads. As well as Nazeen's post.

I think I will attempt the STEP core and see how that goes.