I'm apparently too blind. there is a thread already... BUT just in case that thread is considered dead and more pertains to general playing mods
I have yet to do anything yet to encounter install issues in the past but Saved the FAQ and wiki just in case.

I've been jumping around from here and various Simblrs finding CC and mods and realized how behind I am. I haven't played in three years and even then I was using files copy pasted that were maybe four years old already at best(minus a couple.) I recently got a new PC and I just wanted to know what mods or programs exactly are currently suggested to have the game running smoothly and mod organizing without eating every bit of RAM that it can just because. Also figure it's been enough time I should start fresh.
I previous had the Smooth mod, CC Magic and Master controller, which was the only one I updated.
I am only asking specifically because I'm seeing a lot of new big mods that seem to do A LOT to help but I'm overwhelming myself in trying to figure which does what that another doesn't or might conflict or maybe not but not updated to work at the moment. Or which are even needed now.

I now have Window 11 Enterprise laptop with Intel i9-13900H, Nvidia RTX 4060(Integrated Intel Iris(R) Xe) with currently 16gb of RAM. And I'll be installing a retail version. Thank you so much in advance and if this was a nono Forgive me and I will take the delete!

Do you have Lazy Duthess smoothpatch already? Remember not to have NRAAS master controller intergration with it! They will cause issues together

For visuals I followed this https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rJ-Az1X8RqM&t=1s . Her videos are amazing

Then there is the DXVK fix but I couldn't get it to work probably because I have reshade. The people who got it to work say good things about it https://www.tumblr.com/nornities/75...-3?source=share

I recommend to find an older 1.1. version of the SmoothPatch, I've been using it with MasterController with no problems.

Obviously, the NRAAS suite or at least Error Trap and Overwatch.

The most recent update of Smooth Patch (that removed the broken compatibility package) is perfectly fine to use with NRaas MasterController- the CAS optimisations will just be disabled in MC CAS.

I always advise that users take a 'fix as needed' approach to game performance- rather than following any guides on how to install every fix, every tweak, and every 'essential' mod at once (which often leads to encountering issues that require all those changes to be undone during troubleshooting), just start with the basics and look into additions as the health of your game requires. Steer clear of the very popular Steam guide- it's full of misinformation and incompatible mods.
Only thing I'd always recommend from the start is making sure to get your graphics card recognised. Explained very well by Puzzlezaddict here: https://www.nraas.net/community/post96902#p96902

Overwatch and ErrorTrap are essential, without exaggeration, for a save to survive longterm.
Many other bugfixes are bundled into the other NRaas mods as well. These are generally your safest bet, they are well tested and still actively supported on the NRaas website if you ever have questions or bug reports.

DXVK is experimental and is another I'd suggest to only use if you're actually experiencing impassable memory issues with your current save, like Error 12 or memory related crashes. It's the new miracle fix going around, but really should be taken with a grain of salt.

These are the hard incompatibilities with NRaas:
https://www.nraas.net/community/ann...ents/topic11969

Popular mods that are badly broken include SimsMX Hospital Overhaul and Mingo's Birds and Bees. One is made for a far earlier patch level and will damage saves on 1.67+, the other is badly programmed and will cause save bloat over time.
Generally be wary of any high-poly CC, it's a huge performance sink.

Some misc recommendations:
Sims 3 Mod Organizer (fastest package merging, clear caches and FeaturedItems folder in one click- I use it just for those two features and not for managing my mods in general)
Kuree's Save Cleaner (safe and up to date tool that removes junk data from saves)
OhRudi's Sims Need Less Space

Lastly, less is more.
There are lots of exciting innovations happening in the modding scene, lots of creators are cranking out new script mods- but this does mean it's all relatively unknown and doesn't yet have a sturdy foundation of player feedback. Stick to using only using what you need right now, and install new mods in small batches to make sure they are compatible with your setup