Ok, I've built my dream computer and I've traded in my crappy ps3 non-working Skyrim version for what I hope to be the amazing pc version.

The thing is, I don't know where to start. What mods/patches are a must to just play the game? What mods are considered to good to pass up albeit not necessary to play the game? Remember, I'm coming from an utterly useless and broken machine so I don't really know how much better things are here or what is just the same.

For mods this is the right board: http://www.gamesas.com/forum/183-skyrim-mods/
For patches, I run the latest always and have not had any issues. However, there's always some folks who do. Take from that what you will.

Okay, for a start - what sort of things would you like to change in Skyrim?

You'll find plenty of people recommending their favourite mods - but are you interested in changing the game mechanics, adding new quests, changing the visuals?

What didn't you like about the "vanilla" (ie unmodded) game that you'd like to improve? What bits of the game did you enjoy, and would like more of?

One thing - if you're new to mods - take it slow! It's easy to mess up your save with conflicts if you don't pay attention. Always read the read-mes that come with mods.

Add one mod at a time, test it thoroughly for several hours before adding another one.

The thing is, the ps3 version was broken. It wasn't that I disliked anything or wanted something more than what Bethesda made, it's that I couldn't get access to the general game content.

What I mean is that I've seen cases where mods are also a fix made by users. So what I really mean is what mods fix the game in a way that I should consider them as if they were a patch from Bethesda? That's why I'm bringing the question here and not just in mods.

The question I had about any mods that are considered a must was just a side question. I can probably just skim the mod forum for that information.

In that case, see the USKP: http://www.gamesas.com/topic/1362032-beta-unofficial-skyrim-patch-thread-4/

Yes, that exact thread is the entire reason for me asking this question. Is that the best one?

If you're looking for mods, please see the mods board I linked. This board is not really for mod help. You'll get more help over there.

There are others, though, but that's the best one at the moment.

Not trying to give you the run-around or anything, just doing my part to help.

This is the most complete fix so far. The author also created the unofficial patch for Oblivion, and he's a pretty trusted modder.

The unofficial patch isn't complete however, as there are so many issues (however major or minor) with the game. The author has said he'll continue updating for the forseeable future, which may be for years. It's worth noting that earlier versions of the unofficial oblivion patch caused issues/incompatibilities of its own, so it's not a magical cure. Having said that, the unofficial Oblivion patch was supported and updated for many years after its first release (it may even still be being updated now!)

I appreciate it. The reason I'm asking here is because my intent is to have a game that works, not to have a modded game that alters the original content (aside from at the code level). I'm trying to make sure that this sort of mod doesn't have known issues with it.
I've heard nothing but good things about him, so I think that answers my question.

Well, the best way to tell is to check the thread for that mod. Asking here isn't the best option. Also, the mods board is for any and all mods. Not just content additions.

There aren't any issues with the USKP as far as I know, however. Any issues that exist, are well documented in the release notes or somewhere in its four threads.

Well for starters, the "Amazing PC version" is simply a crappy console port in its vanilla state so if your PC can handle it, start looking for the mods with http://skyrim.nexusmods.com/downloads/file.php?id=607. I'd also recommend you go with http://skyrim.nexusmods.com/downloads/file.php?id=131 mod and http://skyrim.nexusmods.com/downloads/file.php?id=3863. What you will basically have done is turn the PC version of Skyrim in to a PC game in terms of looks and userbility. From there, it's a personal choice on how you want to play the game

I'd also recommend the http://skyrim.nexusmods.com/downloads/search.php utility that compresses the textures and will improve performance.

Lightnight, check your PM box please!

Unofficial Patch or some form of antibloat should be your first order of business.

As for visuals I can only share what I have tried... I hear there are issues with ENB at the moment so you could try this: http://skyrim.nexusmods.com/downloads/file.php?id=13531
I just started using it and while it is not everything I would want it does make the game look a lot nicer.

This is also pretty much a must use: http://skyrim.nexusmods.com/downloads/file.php?id=3863

If you get stuttering you can try this: http://skyrim.nexusmods.com/downloads/file.php?id=4

I assume my machine can handle it. I haven't checked the pre-reqs but there shouldn't be anything it can't handle yet.
i7 2600k cpu, 16GB 1866 RAM, Radeon 5870, 2TB HDD (Sata 6, 7200rpm, 64mb cache), Win7 64bit. If it can't handle it, I'm going to be pretty upset.

Thanks! That was really helpful.
I'm not really a graphiphile (sic?), so textures don't really bother me all that much. The stuttering things sounds like something that would bother me though. Thanks.

Hah, just checked out that UI, pretty slick. That's something that bothered me the first time I demo'd the pc version to see if it was any better than ps3 (yes, I built a new machine because of how much better it seemed).

I guess I should ask, how big of a difference the texture mods make? Do you have to really care before it matters or is there some huge leap I'm unaware of. Honestly, I was fine with the ps3 textures and the ps3 version got the rawest end of the stick for about everything.

Yep SkyUI is a staple for sure. The first link doesn't do anything to textures it just adds more color to the world and makes the day a bit brighter and night a bit darker. I gave it a shot because it is just a simple .esp data file and I really like it. I check the nexus top 100 daily but try and run a bit lean on mods for now until the game is done being patched month to month.

I just use the Bethesda Texture Pack which is fine for the moment.

End of the day if I could only choose one mod this would be it: http://skyrim.nexusmods.com/downloads/file.php?id=4528

Ah, an anti-bloat mod. That's exactly the sort of mod I was wondering about. So bloating is still an issue on the pc, that's disappointing but at least it's something we can fix.

I really can't say if it is still an issue been using this far too long. But here are the facts....this addon works and even if some of the scripts are redundant it still fixes the nirnroot glow remaining so either way well worth using.

Few youtube channels worth subbing and watching for mod reviews is Arsenalrobert and GopherVids.