MCPs = USB ports for Claude.

Powerful. Expensive. Use strategically.

🔽 The Token Tax (Read This First)

Every active MCP consumes context — even if unused.

MCPs Connected Context Overhead
0 0%
1–2 ~5–10%
3–5 ~15–25%
10+ 30%+ ⚠

Rule of Thumb

Only keep active the MCPs you’re using right now.

Your context window is your oxygen.

🔹 Skills vs MCPs Decision Framework

If you need… Use
Repeatable workflow Skill
Live external tool/API MCP
Data formatting Skill
Browsing / scraping MCP
Token efficiency Skill

Repetitive → Skill

Live data → MCP

🔽 MCP #1 — Filesystem

What it does:

Access files outside current repo.

Why it’s high-value:

You will constantly need Desktop, config files, or cross-project access.