(How to Reduce RAM & CPU Usage on Linux) When Linux runs excessively high in RAM and CPU consumption it diminishes system performance while creating unstable conditions along with battery drain reduction in laptops. The optimization of Linux-based resource utilization enhances efficiency and responsiveness regardless of server or desktop use along with embedded applications. The following guide explains multiple effective methods to decrease Linux system resource consumption.
1. Identifying High Resource Consumption
Before taking action, it’s crucial to identify what is consuming excessive RAM and CPU resources. Here are some tools you can use:
Using top Command
The top command provides a dynamic real-time view of system resource usage. Run the following command:
Look for processes with high CPU or memory usage. Press Shift + M to sort by memory usage and Shift + P to sort by CPU usage.
Using htop for Enhanced Monitoring
If htop is not installed, install it with:
Run htop and look for processes consuming high resources. Unlike top, htop offers an intuitive, color-coded display.
Using ps Command
To list the top CPU-consuming processes, run:
For memory-intensive processes:
Using free to Check Memory Usage
Run:
Look for “used” memory to analyze RAM consumption.
Using vmstat for System Performance Metrics
This provides statistics on CPU, memory, and I/O.This provides statistics on CPU, memory, and I/O.
2. Reducing RAM Usage
Disable Unnecessary Services
Limit Swappiness
Linux uses swap memory when RAM is full, but excessive swapping can slow performance. Reduce swappiness:
Clear Cached Memory
To free up cache:
Remove Unnecessary Startup Applications
List startup applications:
Remove or disable unwanted startup applications.
Optimize RAM with **zram
zram compresses memory to reduce RAM usage:
Enable zram by configuring /etc/default/zramswap.
3. Reducing CPU Usage
Limit Background Processes
Use the nice and renice commands to lower CPU priority of processes:
Kill Unused Processes
Use kill to terminate unnecessary processes:
Optimize CPU Governor
Adjust CPU frequency for better efficiency:Adjust CPU frequency for better efficiency:
To change it:
Reduce Logging and Background Syncing
Disable excessive logging in /etc/rsyslog.conf.
Uninstall Resource-Intensive Applications
Identify heavy applications with:
Remove heavy packages:
4. Lightweight Alternatives
Use a Lightweight Desktop Environment
Heavy environments like GNOME and KDE consume significant RAM and CPU. Alternatives:
- XFCE:
sudo apt install xfce4 - LXQt:
sudo apt install lxqt - Openbox:
sudo apt install openbox
Use Lighter Applications
- Replace LibreOffice with AbiWord
- Use FeatherPad instead of Gedit
- Use MPV instead of VLC
Switch to a Lightweight Web Browser
- Qutebrowser
- Dillo
5. Additional Optimization Steps
Use a Minimalist Kernel
A standard Linux distribution may include a generic kernel with unnecessary features. A minimalist kernel can improve performance. To install a lightweight kernel, use:
For custom builds, consider compiling a kernel with only the necessary modules.
Optimize Disk I/O with **iotop
Disk-intensive processes can increase CPU usage. Use iotop to monitor disk usage:
Kill processes that excessively read or write to disk.Kill processes that excessively read or write to disk.
Enable CPU Autotuning with **tuned
The tuned service optimizes CPU and memory performance dynamically. Install and enable it:
Select an appropriate profile:
Use Preload to Optimize Application Startup
Preload analyzes frequently used applications and loads them into memory for faster startup times.
Enable preload with:
Adjust Dirty Memory Writeback Settings
Lowering the dirty writeback settings can reduce CPU spikes caused by disk I/O.
Use a Compositor with Low Resource Usage
Use a Compositor with Low Resource Usage
If using a desktop environment, switch to a lightweight compositor like picom for better performance.
Enable picom with:
6. Conclusion
System performance improvement occurs when you both monitor and optimize Linux resource utilization. These implementation methods will control RAM and CPU usage to boost system speed and performance. Resource management benefits users both on server systems and their personal PCs by delivering a smoother operating experience under Linux.
