How to Optimize ClashX Performance: Best Practices Guide

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Performance Evaluation

Before optimizing, you need to understand ClashX's current performance status. Using system monitoring tools and ClashX's built-in features, you can comprehensively evaluate performance.

how tocheckperformancemetrics

usefollowingmethodevaluate ClashX performance:

memory usage
Activity Monitorview
CPU usage
idleshould be < 5%
Connection Latency
uselatencytest
Network Throughput
Dashboard monitoring
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Performance Baseline

Normally, ClashX should use 50-100MB of memory when idle, CPU usage below 5%, and connection latency depends on node quality.

Memory Usage Optimization

Methods to Reduce Memory Usage

The following configurations can significantly reduce memory usage:

memoryoptimizationconfiguration

# Disable unnecessary logs
log-level: warning

# Reduce DNS cache
dns:
  enable: true
  fake-ip-range: 198.18.0.1/16
  # Use smaller cache
  cache-size: 512

# Limit concurrent connections
profile:
  store-selected: false
  store-fake-ip: false

Regular Cache Cleanup

Regular cleanup can free up occupied memory:

  • Clean log files (weekly)
  • Delete expired ruleset cache
  • Restart ClashX to release memory fragments

optimizationrulesconfiguration

The number of rules directly affects memory usage:

optimizationmethod Effect Difficulty
Use rulesets instead of individual rules Significant Easy
Remove unused rules Moderate Easy
Merge duplicate rules Minor Moderate
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Important Notes

Over-optimization may limit functionality. It is recommended to optimize while ensuring normal functionality.

Connection Speed Enhancement

DNS configurationoptimization

DNS is a key factor affecting connection speed:

High-Performance DNS Configuration

dns:
  enable: true
  ipv6: false
  enhanced-mode: fake-ip

  nameserver:
    - 119.29.29.29
    - 223.5.5.5

  fallback:
    - tls://1.1.1.1:853
    - https://dns.google/dns-query

  fallback-filter:
    geoip: true
    geoip-code: CN

Enable TCP Concurrency

TCP concurrency can speed up connection establishment:

TCP Concurrency Configuration

experimental:
  tcp-concurrent: true

When enabled, ClashX will try multiple connections simultaneously and select the fastest one.

Node Selection Optimization

Choosing the right node has a huge impact on speed:

  • Regular latency testing: Test node latency daily
  • Use url-test: Automatically select the fastest node
  • Avoid overloaded nodes: Choose low-load nodes during peak hours
  • Geographic proximity: Prefer geographically closer nodes

Proxy Protocol Selection

Different protocols have different performance:

Trojan
Fast speed, low latency
VMess
Balanced performance and security
Shadowsocks
Lightweight & Efficient

System Resource Management

CPU Usage Control

Methods to reduce CPU usage:

CPU optimizationconfiguration

# Reduce log output
log-level: error

# Lower speed-test frequency
proxy-groups:
  - name: "Auto"
    type: url-test
    interval: 600  # increase from 300 to 600 seconds

# Disable unnecessary features
experimental:
  ignore-resolve-fail: true

Network Bandwidth Optimization

Make good use of network bandwidth:

  • Limit single connection speed (if necessary)
  • Use load balancing to distribute traffic
  • Avoid downloading large files during peak hours

Disk Space Management

Prevent log files from taking up too much space:

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Disk Cleanup Recommendations

Regularly clean the ~/.config/clash/logs/ directory and delete log files older than 30 days. You can set up a cron job for automatic cleanup.

Performance Monitoring

use Dashboard monitoring

ClashX Dashboard provides real-time performance monitoring:

Dashboard features

  • Real-time traffic monitoring (upload/download speed)
  • activeconnectionsstatistics
  • Rule matching status
  • Node latency display

macOS Activity Monitor

Use system tools to monitor resource usage:

  1. Open "Activity Monitor"
  2. Search for "ClashX" process
  3. View memory, CPU, and network usage
  4. If abnormalities are found, try restarting ClashX

Log Analysis

Discover performance bottlenecks through logs:

Performance Issue Log Pattern Solution
Slow DNS Resolution DNS timeout error Change DNS server
Node connection issue Connection failed Switch node or update subscription
Rule error Parse error Check rule syntax

Optimization Tips Summary

Quick Optimization Checklist

Here are the key optimization tips:

Log Level
Set to warning or error
DNS mode
use fake-ip
TCP Concurrency
enable tcp-concurrent
Regular Cleanup
Clean log cache weekly

Optimization Strategies by Scenario

Choose optimization direction based on usage scenario:

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Scenario-Based Optimization

Web browsing: Optimize DNS, use fake-ip โ€ข File download: Use load balancing, choose high-bandwidth nodes โ€ข Gaming: Reduce latency, use fallback for stability โ€ข Streaming: Choose dedicated streaming nodes, fixed strategy

Common Mistakes

Avoid these optimization pitfalls:

  • Weekly: clear logs and test node latency
  • Monthly: update ClashX and optimize rule sets
  • Quarterly: review the entire configuration and remove unused entries
  • When issues appear: check logs, restart ClashX, and refresh subscriptions

performanceoptimizationsummary

Performance tuning is an ongoing effort. Different users have different requirements, so start with the simplest optimizations, adjust gradually, and find the setup that matches your workflow. Remember: stability matters more than chasing absolute peak performance.

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Final Tip

Back up your current configuration before experimenting. If a tweak causes problems, you can roll back to the stable version instantly.

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