High resolution textures, detailed models, long view distances, no loading times and a rich variety of shaders—the PC version of Skyrim has everything but a decent user interface, a problem easily remedied by playing it with an Xbox 360 controller.
Arguably superior—visually, in any case—to its console counterparts, the PC version of Skyrim can be played in a variety of settings: Low, Medium, High, and Ultra.
By now you're probably wondering what the game looks like in each different set of settings, and how much better Ultra looks compared to Low. We've just the screenshots comparisons for you to contrast and compare each setting.
Be warned that you'll need a monster of a computer to play the game on Ultra with a relatively smooth framerate. That's not to say the lower settings are any worse for wear. Far from it, Ultra simply offers you a chance to play an already beautiful game at a higher level of detail.
Be sure to click the images for larger, full-sized screenshots.
Skyrim on Low
Skyrim on Medium
Skyrim on High
Skyrim on Ultra
Source: Bethesda Forums