Request for advice on setting up for a long playthrough

[MedwayAI]

I am returning to Skyrim after a long hiatus, not just from the game, but from all related content for this dimension. It is my intention to start a play through that I would like to keep going for a long time (count in years). As such I am currently doing some research and planning.

 

I am relatively new to modding in Skyrim. I understand the basic application of tools such as NMM, LOOT, TES5edit and have familiarised myself with the basic operations so as to be, at the least, capable.

 

I also appreciate the importance of getting things correct and in order before embarking on a play through. Before I begin my next play through I want to have the confidence in the game (and by extension, the mods installed) that it will not fail months, years even, in.

 

Therefore, my question is with a view to stability in the long term. I do not intend to run a huge selection of mods but for those that I do choose to use I want that confidence (see above). My focus on modding the game will be on the following areas:

 

• Graphical tweaks (e.g. ENB? Realisitc waters 2?)
• Additional Lands (e.g. Bruma,)
• Additional Quests (e.g. Forgotten City, Helgen Reborn, Cutting Room Floor, Moon and Star)
• Some additional player abodes as I do not like the Hearthfire residences.
• Perk Overhaul (Ordinator?)
• Game mechanics/immersion overhauls (e.g. Frostfall, Wet & Cold)
• A follower overhaul (EFF)
• UI overhaul (SkyUI)

 

The above mentioned mods are those I am certainly considering using although do not form a complete list as of yet. As I have said the focus for this play through is on stability and longevity so I will welcome any suggestions with that borne in mind.

 

I am not interested in majorly overhauling the graphics. I would like to see consistent but improved on graphics when compared to vanilla Skyrims offerings (provided they are highly stable).

 

For example, I have read about many mesh overhauls affecting peoples’ games/saves and creating CTDs. It is vital that I avoid such issues as far as possible.

 

I would like to know what is most stable and friendly for my computer. My specs are listed:

 

Intel Core i7 2.4GHz

12 GB RAM

NVIDIA GeForce GTX 870M 3GB GDDR5 Dedicated

Windows 8.1

Skyrim with all DLCs

 

This venture is something of a personal project for me. If you have any other advice that may be helpful on my long play I would be appreciative. For example, I have read that Skyrim can (will?) over time corrupt save files and that it is best not to use autosave but instead create hard saves without ever overwriting. I do not know how true this is but it does sound reasonable.

 

Regards