Larann has an interesting angle

[BlazeStryker]

LarannKiar made a combination ba2 file for all the "recruit" mods, saving the user 15+ .ba2 slots. This is a Good Thing. (Install the mods, install the combined file, delete the separate .ba2 files. Then it's just keeping everything updated and any further .ba2 files deleted...)

 

It occurs that all those faction skins for armors, dog breeds, and other small mods from the Cash Cow take up a bunch of .ba2 files. If someone were to make combined theme .ba2 files, users could then ditch something like 30 or more .ba2 clutters!

[Blinxys]

zEdit does this in automation as an option when merging esps.

 

Can also just unpack .BA2s into data folder if using SSD and/or RAID and delete/nix the .BA2s.

(Works even better on compressed disk). :rolleyes:

 

I prefer the latter for several reasons:

A) can see all files, less surprises/redundancy, (loose files win) and tracing textures/materials/meshes.

B) Convert textures from Intel to nVidia *.dds files w/out mip mapping to avoid mip blur sticking at vomit resolution :yucky:, and have file explorer previews for _n.dds, _s.dds and all.

Note: Does not work for all textures, and some need delicate handling of transparency, otherwise nVidia GPUs noticeably love their own format best.

C) To not have to filter needed files through virtual file system pixie straws hoping they arrive just-in-time (places load on file system not CPU).

D) Scripts seem to function better especially for larger quest mods.

 

Bonus: Probably works even better on PCIE 4.0 and up, which I am looking forward to, eventually. :wallbash:

 

As always, experiment and see what works best for you (all). :thumbsup:

[BlazeStryker]

I considered that. The reason I decided against that approach is the textures thing. The simple fact is that most if not all of the freebie offers of Cash Cow material was texture files, usually of armor pieces and/or weapons. (I don't quite discount the pipboy skins as seperate from armor pieces...)

 

I just have a couple of dogs, the transdogrifier, and the Slocum's Joe as stuff paid for with points. the rest, for 40+ CC picks? Texture files.

[Blinxys]

Not to quibble, but it sounds to me like you are reinforcing my suggestion, but take a contrary approach. Most all textures have discrete folder structures unless they are replacers.