Ubuntu Compton與AMD顯卡的優化配置

Installing Compton on Ubuntu
Before optimizing Compton for AMD GPUs, ensure the compositor is installed. Run the following command in the terminal to install it via the default package manager:

sudo apt-get install compton

This installs the latest stable version of Compton available in Ubuntu’s repositories.

Configuring Compton for AMD GPU Optimization
The core of Compton optimization for AMD GPUs involves tweaking its configuration file to leverage GPU acceleration, minimize unnecessary effects, and ensure compatibility. Below are the most impactful settings:

1. Enable GPU Acceleration with glx Backend

The most critical step for AMD GPU performance is switching Compton’s rendering backend from the default xrender to glx (OpenGL). This allows Compton to offload compositing tasks to the GPU, significantly improving performance.
Add or modify the following line in your Compton configuration file (~/.config/compton.conf):

backend = "glx"

This setting is mandatory for leveraging AMD GPU power, as xrender relies on the CPU and is far less efficient.

2. Enable Vertical Sync (V-Sync)

Vertical sync synchronizes the frame rate of Compton with your monitor’s refresh rate, eliminating screen tearing—a common issue with GPU-accelerated compositors. For AMD GPUs, enable V-Sync to ensure smooth visuals:

vsync = "true"

If you experience input lag, you can experiment with vsync = "false", but this may lead to tearing.

3. Disable Unnecessary Visual Effects

Effects like window shadows and transparency consume GPU resources. Disabling them frees up power for other tasks and improves performance:

shadow = "false"
opacity = "false"

If you need subtle effects, consider enabling them selectively (e.g., only for focused windows) using opacity-rule (see Advanced Tips below).

4. Ignore Root Window Transparency

Some desktop environments (like GNOME or KDE) may have issues with root window transparency (the area behind windows). Ignoring it prevents visual glitches and improves stability:

ignore_root = "true"

This is a safe setting that rarely impacts user experience.

5. Adjust Refresh Rate (Optional)

If your monitor has a high refresh rate (e.g., 144Hz), ensure Compton matches it to avoid frame drops. Add the following line (replace 144 with your monitor’s refresh rate):

refresh_rate = 144

This is optional but recommended for high-refresh-rate displays.

Applying and Testing the Configuration
After editing ~/.config/compton.conf, save the file and restart Compton to apply changes. You can do this via the terminal:

killall compton && compton -f &

The -f flag runs Compton in the foreground, allowing you to see any error messages. If Compton fails to start, check the terminal output for clues (e.g., syntax errors in the config file).

Advanced Tips for Fine-Tuning
For users who need more granular control, consider these advanced optimizations:

• Custom Opacity Rules: Define transparency for specific applications (e.g., make focused windows 90% transparent and unfocused ones 60%). Add this to your config file:

  opacity-rule = [
    "90:name *? 'Firefox' && focused",
    "60:name *? 'Firefox' && !focused",
    "0:_NET_WM_STATE@:32a * '_NET_WM_STATE_HIDDEN'"
  ]
  

  This ensures critical applications (like web browsers) remain visible while reducing overhead for background windows.
• Limit Resource Usage: Use cpulimit to cap Compton’s CPU usage (e.g., 50%) and prevent it from hogging system resources:

  cpulimit -l 50 -p $(pgrep compton)
  

  This is useful for older systems or those with limited CPU power.
• Use a Third-Party Config: For pre-tuned configurations, search GitHub for “Compton AMD GPU config” (e.g., Compton-AMD-Optimized). These configs are often tailored to specific AMD GPUs and desktop environments.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• Black Screens or Freezes: Disable GPU acceleration temporarily by setting backend = "xrender" in your config file. If this resolves the issue, your AMD GPU driver may be outdated—update it via Ubuntu’s “Software & Updates” tool or AMD’s official website.
• Flickering: Ensure vsync is enabled and set to true. If flickering persists, try lowering your monitor’s refresh rate (e.g., from 144Hz to 60Hz).
• High CPU Usage: Disable shadows (shadow = "false") and transparency (opacity = "false") to reduce GPU load. If usage remains high, limit Compton’s CPU usage with cpulimit.

By following these steps, you can optimize Compton for AMD GPUs on Ubuntu, achieving a balance between visual effects and system performance.