A streamlined ZRam compression manager designed specifically for R36S handheld consoles running ArkOS. This tool optimizes system performance by utilizing compressed RAM, resulting in smoother gameplay and better multitasking.
ZRam creates a compressed block device in RAM, allowing your system to store more data in memory by compressing it on-the-fly. This is especially beneficial for handheld gaming devices with limited RAM, providing:
- Improved game performance - Reduced stuttering and frame drops
- Better multitasking - Run more background processes smoothly
- Extended effective memory - Up to 2-3x more usable RAM through compression
- Zero storage wear - No writes to SD card unlike traditional swap
- Download
ZRam Manager.shfrom this repository - Copy the file to your easyroms drive at:
easyroms/ports/ - That's it! The script is ready to use.
- Navigate to Ports section in your menu
- Launch ZRam Manager.sh
- Use D-pad to navigate the menu:
- Enable ZRam - Activate compression with optimal settings
- Disable ZRam - Turn off ZRam
- Custom ZRam - Configure size and algorithm manually
- View Status - Check current ZRam usage and statistics
- Exit - Close the manager
- Launch the script
- Select "Enable ZRam (Auto)"
- The script will automatically:
- Detect your system RAM
- Set ZRam to 50% of your RAM (optimal default)
- Choose the fastest available compression algorithm (usually LZ4)
- Configure autostart on system boot
That's it! ZRam will now automatically activate every time you power on your device.
- Automatic RAM Detection - Detects and displays your system's total RAM
- Smart Defaults - Automatically selects 50% of RAM and fastest algorithm
- Dynamic Menus - Only shows valid options based on your hardware
- Auto-start Support - Persist settings across reboots via systemd
- Compression Algorithms:
- LZ4 - Fastest, best for gaming (recommended)
- LZO - Fast compression, good balance
- ZSTD - Better compression ratio, slightly slower
- Deflate - High compression, slower
- Metro-Futuristic UI - Clean, compact interface optimized for small screens
- D-pad Navigation - Full gamepad control, no keyboard needed
Users typically experience:
- 10-30% better performance in demanding games
- Reduced loading stutters when switching between menus
- Smoother emulation for high-end systems (PSP, N64, Dreamcast)
- Better stability during extended gaming sessions
With LZ4 algorithm, you can typically achieve 2.5x - 3x compression ratio, effectively turning:
- 1GB RAM → 2.5-3GB usable memory
- 512MB RAM → 1.2-1.5GB usable memory
- 256 MB (Minimum)
- 512 MB (Light usage)
- 768 MB (Balanced)
- 1024 MB (Recommended for 2GB+ RAM)
- 1536 MB (Heavy multitasking)
- 2048 MB (Maximum)
Note: The script only shows sizes up to your available RAM
Choose based on your priority:
- LZ4 → Speed priority (gaming)
- LZO → Balanced
- ZSTD → Compression priority (multitasking)
- Platform: ArkOS AeUX (R36S)
- Requirements: Linux kernel with ZRam support, systemd, dialog
- Configuration:
/etc/zram.conf - Autostart Service:
/etc/systemd/system/zram-swap.service - Startup Script:
/usr/local/bin/zram-autostart.sh
- R36S Wiki - Performance Guide - Detailed visual guide with screenshots and step-by-step instructions
Q: Will this wear out my SD card?
A: No! ZRam uses RAM only, not storage. There are zero writes to your SD card.
Q: Does this drain battery faster?
A: Minimal impact. The slight CPU usage for compression is offset by reduced memory pressure.
Q: Can I disable it anytime?
A: Yes! Just launch the script and select "Disable ZRam". It will also remove autostart.
Q: Will it work on other devices?
A: This script is optimized for R36S/ArkOS but should work on any Linux system with ZRam support and dialog installed.
Q: Is it safe?
A: Absolutely! ZRam is a standard Linux kernel feature used by millions of devices including Android phones and Chromebooks.
Q: What if I run out of compressed RAM?
A: The system will simply use regular RAM management. ZRam gracefully handles memory pressure.
Script doesn't launch:
- Ensure the file is executable:
chmod +x "ZRam Manager.sh" - Check file location: Must be in
easyroms/ports/
ZRam won't activate:
- Verify kernel support:
lsmod | grep zram - Try manual module load:
sudo modprobe zram
Autostart not working:
- Check service status:
sudo systemctl status zram-swap.service - View logs:
sudo journalctl -u zram-swap.service
This project is free and open source. Feel free to modify and distribute.
Contributions, issues, and feature requests are welcome! Feel free to check the issues page.
If you encounter any problems or have questions:
- Check the FAQ above
- Review the troubleshooting section
- Visit R36S Wiki for more guides
- Open an issue on this repository
- Built for the R36S community
- Documentation available at R36S Wiki
- Optimized for ArkOS AeUX
- Inspired by the need for better performance on handheld devices
Enjoy smoother gaming with ZRam Manager! 🎮✨
If this tool improved your gaming experience, consider giving it a ⭐ on GitHub!