---
name: ram-optimizer
description: Use this skill when the user asks to "optimize RAM", "boost memory", "setup ZRAM", "compress memory", "increase effective RAM", "low memory optimization", or mentions RAM compression/memory optimization for any Linux server or system. Works for local machines and remote SSH servers.
version: 1.0.0
---

# RAM Optimizer Skill

This skill optimizes Linux system memory by setting up ZRAM compressed swap, enabling KSM (Kernel Samepage Merging), and applying sysctl optimizations for low-memory systems.

## What It Does

1. **ZRAM Setup**: Creates compressed RAM-based swap (typically 2:1 to 3:1 compression ratio)
2. **KSM Enablement**: Deduplicates identical memory pages
3. **Sysctl Tuning**: Optimizes kernel memory management parameters
4. **Optional**: Removes traditional disk swap to free space and improve performance

## When To Use This Skill

Activate this skill when the user:
- Asks to optimize RAM/memory on a Linux system
- Mentions running low on memory
- Wants to set up ZRAM or memory compression
- Needs to boost a server with limited RAM
- Mentions "effective memory" or "RAM compression"

## Supported Systems

- Ubuntu/Debian (apt-based)
- Fedora/RHEL/CentOS (dnf/yum-based)
- Arch Linux (pacman-based)

## Usage Instructions

### For Local Machine
Simply run the skill and it will detect and optimize the local system.

### For Remote SSH Server
Provide SSH credentials in one of these formats:
- `SSH IP: x.x.x.x, SSH User: username, SSH Pass: password`
- Or mention the server details in your request

## Configuration Options

The user may request these customizations:
- **ZRAM percentage**: Default is 75% of RAM. User can request 50%, 100%, etc.
- **Compression algorithm**: Default is `lz4` (fastest). Alternatives: `zstd` (better compression), `lzo`
- **Keep or remove disk swap**: Default removes disk swap. User can request to keep it.
- **Install monitoring**: User can request Conky (desktop widget) or btop (terminal monitor)

## Implementation Steps

When this skill is invoked, follow these steps:

### Step 1: Detect Target System
```bash
# For local:
cat /etc/os-release
free -h

# For remote:
ssh user@host 'cat /etc/os-release; free -h'
```

### Step 2: Install ZRAM Tools
```bash
# Ubuntu/Debian
apt install -y zram-tools

# Fedora
dnf install -y zram

# Arch
pacman -S zram-generator
```

### Step 3: Configure ZRAM
```bash
# /etc/default/zramswap (Debian/Ubuntu)
ALGO=lz4
PERCENT=75
PRIORITY=100
```

### Step 4: Enable KSM
```bash
echo 1 > /sys/kernel/mm/ksm/run
echo 1000 > /sys/kernel/mm/ksm/sleep_millisecs
```

### Step 5: Apply Sysctl Optimizations
```bash
# /etc/sysctl.d/99-lowram.conf
vm.swappiness=100
vm.vfs_cache_pressure=200
vm.compaction_proactiveness=30
vm.overcommit_memory=1
vm.overcommit_ratio=50
vm.ksm.run=1
```

### Step 6: Start ZRAM Service
```bash
systemctl enable --now zramswap.service
```

### Step 7: (Optional) Remove Disk Swap
```bash
swapoff /swapfile
rm /swapfile
sed -i '/\/swapfile/d' /etc/fstab
```

## Expected Results

| Metric | Typical Value |
|--------|---------------|
| Compression ratio | 2:1 to 3:1 |
| RAM reduction | ~40% average |
| CPU overhead | 1-3% |
| Effective memory | Physical × 2 |

## Verification Commands

```bash
# Show ZRAM status
zramctl

# Show swap status
swapon --show

# Show memory
free -h

# Show compression efficiency
cat /sys/block/zram0/mm_stat
```

## Troubleshooting

- **ZRAM won't start**: Check if another swap is using high priority
- **High CPU usage**: Switch to lz4 algorithm (fastest)
- **Low compression ratio**: Try zstd algorithm for better compression
- **Out of memory still**: Increase PERCENT to 100 or add physical RAM