iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
To lower btop’s own overhead, start by increasing its refresh interval, then hide panels and process-list details you do not need. Keep proc_info_smaps disabled unless you require its more accurate memory information. These changes reduce how often btop gathers and renders data, but the project publishes no universal CPU or memory-savings percentage, so verify the result on your machine with a separate monitor and comparable workloads.
First determine what is actually using the resources
btop can show two different problems that are easy to confuse. The btop program has its own CPU time and memory footprint. Separately, the process list may show another application consuming most of the machine’s CPU or memory. Changing btop’s display settings can reduce the monitor’s work; it cannot make the program listed in the process table use fewer resources.
Before changing settings, watch btop’s own process in another system monitor. If a compiler, browser, virtual machine, container, or service is at the top of btop’s list, investigate that workload directly. If btop itself is the process with unusually high usage, continue with the configuration steps below.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
- btop overhead: work performed to collect samples, read process information, calculate graphs, and draw panels.
- Workload overhead: CPU cycles and memory consumed by the applications btop is displaying.
- Displayed values: readings that may change when you alter the refresh interval; a lower display frequency is not evidence that the underlying workload became lighter.
A safe reduction sequence
Make one change at a time so you can tell which setting affected responsiveness and observed overhead. This sequence starts with the least disruptive option.
#1 Best Overall
- Powerful Turbo Fan:CAGIWIRU Electric Air Duster have reached speed up to 130000RPM,Can efficient remove dust and debris.With LED light and Three Adjustable Speed to meet with different cleaning tasks.
- With Attached USB C Fasting Charging cable.Charing 3 hours,Enjoy up to 240 minutes of use on the lowest setting, For third speed can use for 25mins.with four charging options to meet with your needs.
- Wide Application:Upgraded attached 5 different nozzles,making it suitable for a variety of scenes, such as car,pet, pc, keyboards, and other electronic devices. It also serves for office and home clean duster.
- Handy Design & Portable:Cordless air duster electric nozzle is Light weight and small size, design and comfortable to hold and space saving, convenient to carry around. You can put it in your room or inside the car without taking up space.
- Warranty & Support: Our Electric air duster comes with 5 years warranty and 24/7 customer service. During this period, if you have any questions,pls kindly feel free to contact us.
- Check the installed release. Run
btop --version. The documented short form isbtop -V. - Raise the update interval. Try
btop --update 2000, or use the short formbtop -u 2000for the session. Inbtop.conf, increase theupdate_msvalue. - Remove unused boxes. Adjust
shown_boxesso only the CPU, memory, network, process, or GPU views you actually use remain visible. - Simplify the process view. Sort by the resource you are investigating and filter the list instead of enabling every graph and detail view.
- Leave detailed memory mapping off by default. Keep
proc_info_smapsdisabled unless the extra accuracy is necessary; the documentation describes it as very slow. - Measure the result. Compare btop’s CPU and memory in a separate monitor under similar system activity and with only one setting changed.
The settings control collection and presentation work, not the amount of CPU or memory used by the processes btop displays. Treat every improvement as a local observation rather than a guaranteed percentage.
Check the version before changing options
Option names and behavior can vary between releases. The btop manpage documents --version (and -V) and is dated 2025-05-01. Run:
btop --versionThen consult the documentation for that installed release if an option behaves differently from the current project documentation. The rolling configuration and option descriptions are maintained in the btop project documentation. Avoid copying a configuration from a different release without checking its option names.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteIncrease the refresh interval
What update_ms controls
update_ms is the update time in milliseconds. A smaller number causes btop to collect and redraw samples more frequently; a larger number makes updates less frequent. Less frequent updates mean that values and graphs take longer to reflect a sudden change, but they also give btop fewer sampling and rendering cycles to perform.
The project’s configuration example states: “Update time in milliseconds, recommended 2000 ms or above for better sample times for graphs.” That is a sampling recommendation, not a published CPU- or memory-saving benchmark. The recommendation appears in the upstream README and configuration documentation.
Set an initial interval from the command line
To start btop with a 2,000-millisecond interval, run:
btop --update 2000The documented short form is:
btop -u 2000The manpage describes this option as setting an initial update rate in milliseconds. If you want the value to be part of your normal configuration rather than a one-time startup choice, set update_ms in btop.conf through the configuration interface or by editing the configuration file you use. The manpage also documents --config <file> for selecting a configuration file, which lets you test an alternate configuration without replacing your usual one:
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Rank #2
- Screen Cleaner is Your Screen’s New Bestfriend! - EVEO is proud to present a screen cleaner that’s perfectly suited for your TV. Meet your new screen cleaner, computer screen cleaner, laptop cleaner, iPad cleaner, Macbook,tv cleaner or any other electronic device. Our screen cleaner spray and wipe along with the included plush microfiber cloth, easily removes dust, fingerprints & other smudges on the screen’s surface. Clean effectively for a streak-free screen
- Gentle on your Screens - Our screen cleaner spray and wipes is compatible to be used even for the most sensitive LCD, LED, CRT, and OLED screens in proper use. Be at ease knowing that this product is compatible with all the major brands: LG, SONY, Samsung, Sharp, iPad, iPhone, Android screens, Kindle, PC monitors - we’ve got you covered! Can be used as LCD screen cleaner, tv cleaner, smart tv screen cleaner, and more
- Premium Super Soft Plush Microfiber Cloth - Included in this efficient screen cleaning kit. This screen cleaner spray and wipe has our signature plush microfiber cloth specially designed to comply with screens and monitors and leave them streak-free. Has been shown to effectively absorbs stubborn stains, zero streaks, and no fiber shedding. Always use this together with our screen cleaner for the best results
- Easy-to-Use Screen Cleaner Kit + microfiber cleaning cloth - The EVEO Screen Cleaning Kit will easily be your new favorite tool when it comes to taking care of the things you love most, quick and easy solution for a streak-free screen. Simply screw on the sprayer gun on the screen cleaner bottle. Spray the cleaning liquid onto the microfiber cloth, then wipe the screen until desired cleanliness & shine is achieved.
- Quality Screen Care Kit Worth Purchasing - Enjoy a convenient Screen Cleaner anytime, anywhere you need it. Your satisfaction is our top priority. We stand behind the quality of our products and that’s why, you shouldn’t be worrying at all. We manufacture the Best Screen Cleaner. and can be used for laptop cleaning kit, laptop screen cleaner, tv screen cleaner for smart tv. MacBook screen cleaner, monitor cleaner or screen cleaner spray for electronic devices with microfiber cleaning cloth
btop --config <file> --update 2000Use the actual path to your test file in place of <file>. Keep the command-line test and the saved configuration separate until you know the interval is suitable.
Choose a value according to the task
There is no single interval that is best for every use. A longer interval is appropriate when btop is a background status display, when you are checking long-running trends, or when responsiveness is less important than reducing update frequency. A shorter interval is useful when you are watching a short spike, interactively sorting processes, or diagnosing a rapidly changing workload.
Changing the interval also changes the meaning of what you see. At a longer interval, a brief spike can occur between samples and never appear in a graph. A sustained load remains visible, but it will appear later. If you need prompt alerts or fine-grained observation, keep a faster rate during the investigation and return to a slower rate afterward.
Hide panels you do not use
Use shown_boxes to reduce the display
The shown_boxes setting selects which boxes are visible. The documented box types include CPU, memory, network, process, and GPU views. A minimal display should contain only the boxes needed for the task: for example, a process-only view for finding a runaway application, or CPU and memory boxes for a quick system check.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Removing a box avoids drawing that view and may avoid some of the data collection associated with it. The documentation does not state how much CPU time or memory each hidden box saves, and the effect can depend on the operating system, number of processes, GPU support, and current workload.
| Box type | Keep it when you need to | Hide it when you are not using |
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Watch processor utilization, frequency, or CPU graphs. | You are inspecting only process memory or network activity. |
| Memory | Track system memory and swap-related readings. | You are performing a short process or network check. |
| Network | Observe interface traffic and network trends. | The monitor is being used only for local CPU and process work. |
| Process | Find, sort, filter, or inspect running processes. | You need a small status display with no process list. |
| GPU | Monitor a supported GPU workload. | No GPU activity is relevant to the task. |
Change one box at a time if you are measuring overhead. Hiding every panel at once may make btop look lighter, but it will not tell you which view mattered on your system.
Balance visibility and responsiveness
A hidden panel is no longer available for quick checks, so avoid removing a view that you routinely need. A practical compromise is to maintain a lightweight configuration for background monitoring and a fuller configuration for troubleshooting. The --config <file> option documented in the btop manpage can be used to select between configuration files.
Rank #3
- 【Large size】：Measuring 800 x 300 mm/ 31. 5×12 inches, which is wider and taller than others. Large mouse pad can perfectly fit your keyboard and mouse of any size, and there is also ample space for peripherals such as phones, tablets, etc.
- 【LED backlight mouse pad】：Blade Hawks RGB mouse pad provides 7 static modes and 7 dynamic modes will give you the options you are looking for. Power-off memory function remembers the last lighting mode you selected. The super glow fiber Chroma will give you a colorful gaming setup that you want.
- 【Anti-slip rubber base】：Made from Natural rubber, this gaming mousepad will firmly grip your desktop, allowing you to enjoy the ultimate precision in the games you are most passionate about. It also comes with a texture that enhances this ability even further.
- 【Smooth and waterproof surface】: Micro-textured cloth surface, for extremely precise mouse control and a smooth movement. When liquid splashes on the gaming mouse pad, it forms water droplets and slides down. Will not delay your work or gameplay.
- 【Plug and play】: This mouse and keyboard pad is powered by USB, plug and play, no driver required. One button control light modes. Press one time to change the lighting mode, press twice to change the brightness, press and hold about 3 seconds turn ON/OFF.
Simplify process-list work
Sort and filter instead of enabling every detail
For routine diagnosis, sort the process list by CPU when looking for processor load, or by memory when investigating RAM usage. Filter the list to the relevant name or group when the full process table is not needed. These choices focus your attention without requiring additional per-process detail for every entry.
Process sorting and filtering do not change the workload being monitored. They change what btop must organize and draw. If you are comparing configurations, keep the sort and filter state the same before and after the change so the comparison is meaningful.
Use tree mode only when the hierarchy matters
Tree mode presents parent and child processes as a hierarchy, which is useful for understanding a service, shell, container, or launcher. A flat list is usually simpler when you only need the largest CPU or memory consumer. Choose the mode that answers the current question rather than leaving every presentation feature enabled permanently.
Limit process CPU graphs
Per-process CPU graphs provide more visual history than a simple numeric list. They can be useful while diagnosing a short-lived spike, but they add display work that is unnecessary for a quiet, always-on monitor. Turn them off when numbers are sufficient, then enable them temporarily for a focused investigation.
Use detailed process information selectively
Detailed process information can help identify a program, its arguments, or other attributes, but it is not required for every refresh. Keep the ordinary process view for normal monitoring and request detail only when a specific process needs investigation.
Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallOutdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchUnderstand proc_info_smaps
proc_info_smaps controls use of the Linux /proc/[pid]/smaps information for process details. The btop documentation explicitly describes this method as very slow but more accurate. That trade-off makes it unsuitable for a low-overhead default configuration.
Leave proc_info_smaps disabled when you are simply sorting by CPU or memory. Enable it only when the additional memory-map accuracy answers a question that the normal process information cannot. After the investigation, disable it again and compare btop’s overhead with the same process-list settings.
Rank #4
- 【Softer and More Comfortable】Vaydeer wrist rest has unique diamond pattern, which is the combination of softness and aesthetics. The materials of wrist rest are improved into higher quality memory foam and covered with silky smooth lycra. The computer wrist rest makes you as comfortable and cushiony as like rest your wrists on clouds.
- 【Ergonomic Wrist Saver】The wrist rests for keyboard and mouse comes with a 17.32×3.15×0.83 inch keyboard wrist pad and a 5.94×3.15×0.83 inch mouse wrist support. Based on ergonomic design, the unique concave shape is the perfect fit for your wrist joints. The wrist rest pad fits most computer keyboards and laptops, improve hand and wrist posture, release your wrist and arm stress.
- 【Non-Slip Rubber Bottom】Featuring an anti-skid silicone base on the bottom, this wrist keyboard support stays firmly in place on your desk, preventing the padding from sliding around, ensuring stable and consistent wrist support during extended computer sessions.
- 【Better Experience & Pain Relief】Our keyboard arm rest is beneficial to alleviate the soreness caused by direct contact and friction between your arm and a hard desk surface, reducing the risk of wrist fatigue or carpal tunnel. The soft texture of memory foam can evenly distribute the pressure around your wrists and provide good support with just enough give.
- 【Helpful in Multiple Scenarios】Whether you're working, studying, writing, typing, gaming, this keyboard and mouse rest combo is an essential accessory to add comfort and support to your hands and wrists. It’s also a great gift for men, women, family, friend, coworker, gamer, teacher, etc.
Compare settings without fooling yourself
Change one variable at a time
Start with a baseline: record btop’s own CPU and memory while the machine is doing the same kind of work you normally monitor. Note the update interval, visible boxes, process-list mode, graphs, detail settings, and whether proc_info_smaps is enabled. Then change one setting and observe again.
Do not compare a quiet desktop at one interval with a compilation, video session, or large process table at another. Process count and workload activity can dominate the reading. Repeat a comparison if the machine’s activity changes while you are measuring.
Use a separate observer
Because btop cannot reliably judge its own overhead while it is redrawing, use another system monitor or a controlled local comparison to observe btop’s process. Watch both CPU and memory. A change that lowers CPU may have little effect on memory, and a change that leaves memory unchanged can still make the interface less intrusive by reducing refresh work.
Interpret memory readings carefully
None of the documented settings comes with an upstream memory-savings figure. Hiding a panel or reducing detail may alter allocations, but the direction and size of the change are system-dependent. Treat a small difference as inconclusive unless it persists across comparable observations. Do not report a percentage unless you measured it yourself under stated conditions.
| Change | What it changes | Trade-off | Evidence status |
|---|---|---|---|
Raise update_ms |
How often btop samples and redraws. | Values and graphs update less promptly. | The 2,000 ms-or-higher recommendation is documented; savings are not quantified. |
Reduce shown_boxes |
Which CPU, memory, network, process, or GPU boxes are displayed. | Hidden information is unavailable until restored. | Controls are documented; per-box savings are not stated. |
| Disable process CPU graphs | Per-process visual history and drawing. | Less visual detail during spike analysis. | Use is documented; savings are not measured upstream. |
| Use a flat process list | How process relationships are presented. | Parent-child relationships are less obvious. | Presentation trade-off; no universal overhead figure is provided. |
| Disable detailed process information | Extra attributes gathered for process inspection. | Fewer details for immediate diagnosis. | Settings are documented; savings are not quantified. |
Keep proc_info_smaps off |
Avoids reading /proc/[pid]/smaps for routine details. |
Less accurate memory-map information when investigating a process. | The documentation calls smaps very slow but more accurate. |
Practical configuration profiles
Background status profile
Use an interval of 2,000 milliseconds or more, retain only the boxes you glance at, keep per-process graphs and detailed information off, and leave proc_info_smaps disabled. This profile favors lower update frequency and a simple display over immediate visibility of short spikes.
Balanced troubleshooting profile
Keep the CPU, memory, and process boxes visible, use a moderate update interval, and sort or filter the process list according to the problem. Enable a process graph only while examining a spike. This keeps the information needed for diagnosis without collecting every detail continuously.
Deep process investigation profile
Temporarily enable the process details and, only when memory-map accuracy is essential, proc_info_smaps. Use this profile for a defined investigation rather than as a permanent setting. Once you have identified the workload, return to the background or balanced profile.
Best Value
- 【No Drill Mounted】Cable management tray can be assembled in as little as 3 minutes or less-simply. Side clips easily clampe the edge of desk, pass through the holes on the sides, and secure excess cables with baskets. Desk cable management supports inward or outward installation to meet your needs in different scenarios, and provides you with great convenience when collecting and organizing wires.
- 【Rubber Pad Protects Desk】Wire organizer under desk built-in soft rubber pads on the clamp protect your desk from scratches, so you will not damage your furniture or office.
- 【Sturdy and Beautiful】Cord management under desk is made of high-quality carbon steel and holds about 15 lbs. The wire basket has 2 holes on each side of the tray to enable your cables to pass freely. Cable baskets are suitable for desk thickness use from 0.4" to 2.4".
- 【Space Saving & Keep Organized】Desk cable management tray holds all your power cords, outlet strips, USB hubs and computer transformers hidden from your feet, and the data cables will not enter the vacuum cleaner to keep your desk clean and tidy. Desk wire organizer is also suitable for use in the kitchen and outdoors.
- 【Reduce Safety Risks】Cable tray under desk keeps all plugs away from your kids, no more worry about tripping. Using 2 holes wire tray saves extra space, helps you easily cabling and wire protection. The mesh design is not easy to accumulate dust, but avoids safety accidents caused by messy wires.
Why btop may still look busy after changes
The interval is still too short for the task
If btop remains the most active process after you have removed unused boxes, increase update_ms again and observe the effect under the same workload. Remember that a longer interval delays visible changes; do not use it when you need immediate feedback.
A costly detail option is still enabled
Check whether process CPU graphs, detailed process information, tree presentation, or proc_info_smaps is active. Disable one feature, observe btop externally, and continue only if the information is not needed. The smaps option deserves particular attention because the project explicitly labels it very slow.
A large or changing process table dominates the work
Systems with many processes or rapidly changing process lifetimes can require more list maintenance than a quiet system. Filter the list and keep the process view focused. Compare readings while the process count and workload are comparable; otherwise you may mistake a workload change for a configuration improvement.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →The apparent spike belongs to another process
If btop reports that another program is consuming the CPU or memory, do not keep disabling btop panels as a workaround. Select that process, identify what started it, and troubleshoot its configuration or workload. btop’s settings affect observation, not the behavior of the observed application.
An option is unavailable or behaves differently
Run btop --version or btop -V, then check the documentation for that release. The current command-line descriptions, including --update and --config, are in the official manpage. A configuration copied from a newer or older release may use options your installation does not recognize.
What the documentation does not establish
The btop project documents the controls described here, including the 2,000-millisecond-or-higher graph-sampling recommendation, but it does not publish controlled measurements showing that a particular interval, box, or process-list option saves a fixed number of CPU cycles or megabytes of memory. Hardware, operating system, process count, graphics environment, and workload all influence the result.
Accordingly, avoid claims such as “this setting cuts CPU usage by 50 percent” unless you performed and documented that test yourself. The reliable conclusion is narrower: reducing refresh frequency, visible panels, and unnecessary process detail reduces work btop is asked to perform, while the size of any reduction must be verified locally.
Recommended Free Tools
Bottom line
Check the version, raise update_ms to at least 2,000 ms when delayed updates are acceptable, hide unused boxes, simplify process-list visuals, and keep proc_info_smaps off except for accuracy-critical investigations. Measure btop from outside itself and keep the workload constant. If another process is responsible for the high reading, troubleshoot that process instead of treating btop’s display configuration as the fix.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
