Multiple smaller textures/materials vs 1 large texture and few materials for performance/draw calls

I have seen this question being asked before but it was around 2006-7. It was said that it is better to use 1, e.g. 4k texture, over 8 512k textures. Then I saw something (posted in 2016) contradicting this saying, along the lines of it doesn't really matter any more because of bathing.

I would like to know as of 2018.x does this apply? Is it better to use 1 large texture over many small ones for better performance?

I am working on a somewhat complex model with many parts. This will be used in VR so the up close quality has to be good. At the same I am trying to get a good frame rate. I can probably get a way with 2 4k textures or 1 2k and 6 512k if I split them up. The other option is to split up the mesh into smaller objects and create (or use Unity's if possible) some sort of a culling -e.g. when player is not looking at them rendered turns off.

I would like to hear what you have done in a similar scenario, and would really appreciate any info you can share.

Thank you!

 

I just realized that I can probably use LOD groups (along with different quality texture/materials at each level) for this but it will force me to split the mesh up to smaller object, hence increasing the draw calls. I guess I will have to test and see what works best.

 

I guess I have some reading to do, thank you!