Anything that has passive scripts running in the background will add to the save file of the game , as well any mods adding extra ' functions ' for NPC ' s to do . For example , here is quick list of mods you ' re using that could add to the stress . OBIS Organized Bandits In Skyrim Not sure if this is the case , but I remember some people commenting it ' s improved the bandits and not simply added factions . I don ' t use the mod , so no idea . ASIS It ' s been a while since I used it , so you ' ll need to look if the author did anything related to scripting or SKSE plugins . Wet and Cold Same thing , improving the way NPC ' s interact with the weather always adds stress . Footprints No question asked , this adds to the stress and size if you saved in certain land masses . Immersive Patrols I think it ' s related to how many soldiers spawn in a cell , which needs to be passively saved in the save file to keep track of their numbers . Immersive Citizens AI Overhaul The biggest mod in question , first time you run the game , the mod will take potentially on a low end PC , I know because I suffered from it 30 minutes to make all the changes take place . So I wouldn ' t be surprised it ' s the major one that is giving your a hit . Honestly , this is kinda the nature of the beast and the PC you have . I would suggest trying to remove some mods , streamlining , or looking into buying an SSD . Also , avoid uninstalling any script during gameplay , some of them will get stuck in an endless loop or trying to call themselves , and you ' ll need to use a savegamescript cleaner .