The best pound-for-pound bonus comes from the TC1 as is...I don't have many builds that use a bigger TC, but the added bonuses can be alright. It's just diminishing returns with each computer.
Personal experience: TC1 is awesome, going higher usually has something better for you can buy and use because of the diminishing returns. TC2-4 can help fill tonnage without throwing away anything depending on needs. Anything higher is really for a dedicated build that you're comfortable running cool enough, because from a practical perspective you're mostly likely throwing away heat sinks to fit the TC. The largest TCs are mostly for Dire Whale builds or the occasional other assault that want to do evulz. Crack open a component and watch it burst, but even on a DWF that much tonnage and crit space is hard to just decide to toss around.
macros...I think should not be allowed, but onto topic. In my gauss builds I run a TCIV and find its hugely effective- always stack modules to feed data back vs. weapons unless I have extra slots TC1 in other builds- If I'm gaming one evening a lot in one mech, I'll jot down battle results- big fat TC modules reduce damage and increase cbills. but I'm a bit of a damage point whore, would prefer to see big damage numbers vs. kills/components so rarely run more than TCII in my gauss builds anymore. I did try TC5 in a LRM build and found it interesting how fast data was relayed, how much further out I could get locks. I did't run it for LRM perks, ran it for data perk. Get a lock, launch and advanced sensor range plus target decay often catch a piece faster than others- my cross hair turns red and I see their launches landing in the dirt . But 4 tons (vs. tc1) is better used in ammo, more weapons, more armor etc. But if possible, everything carries a TC1 AND Advanced sensor range! use the test maps- drop and see at what point on the map you see the triangle-lock it, time how long before you see the paperdoll drop with TC1 repeat drop with TC3 repeat drop with advance sensor range repeat Worth the cost in tons/bills/slots Really, I should NOT be getting scout rewards in my Dire
On TC builds? With sensor modules? Absolutely, they stack and feed data that much quicker, if you get a line of sight out to 900+ meters, its nearly instantaneous. you can launch, and with target retention modules its often enough to hit them, OR equally valuable, make them rethink advancing, if they see 'incoming' warning lights But my experiments off line seem to limit anything past 2 as being useful with lrms, but with gauss? big as you can stuff in there Unless someone link to PGI statement they dont stack (I'd be grateful too, I HATE wasting space) I'll keep using as much data info as possible. like MG's..I had no idea they nerfed those, no more MG's on anything I own, same with whoever here said you can stack coolshots..THAT was most appreciated Can't hurt my feelings educating me on the game I'm digging.
I have a MK7 on my Dragon 5-N with a autocannon 10 in the arm. It synergizes well with the cool build and the UAC jam chance -40% It shoots out pretty fast.