Optimize Joomla

Joomla is a widely used content management system known for its flexibility and broad customization options. Below are several practices that can help improve your Joomla site's performance and lower the CPU usage associated with this platform. While these steps cannot guarantee a complete return to normal CPU levels, they can significantly decrease the overall server load generated by Joomla.

Avoid Templates Loaded With Images

Enabling caching is one of the most effective ways to reduce server strain. When caching is active, Joomla can serve stored content instead of regenerating pages on every request, cutting back considerably on CPU usage. Note that we do not recommend OPcode caching on any type of VPS because of shared memory constraints, and it is also not permitted on shared hosting plans.

Avoid Image-Heavy Templates

Some templates rely heavily on large numbers of images—sometimes dozens per page. Each image requires a separate HTTP request, which adds up quickly, especially on busy sites. This can push CPU usage higher and impact overall server performance. Whenever possible, choose templates that use clean, lightweight designs rather than graphics-heavy layouts.

Turn Off Gzip Compression

Although Gzip compression can speed up page delivery, it also requires additional CPU power because each page must be compressed before it’s sent to the user. In many cases, the CPU cost outweighs the performance gain, ultimately causing a higher load without real improvement. If you're dealing with CPU issues, disabling Gzip may help.

Use Components Wisely

Some Joomla components are resource-intensive and can drive up CPU consumption, especially when multiple heavy extensions are installed. Only keep the components you actually need for your site's essential functions. Anything unnecessary should be disabled or removed to lighten the load.

Skip Built‑In Statistics Components

Joomla statistics tools often run numerous SQL queries to update and display visitor data. This constant database activity contributes to both CPU and IOwait. It’s more efficient to use external analytics platforms like Google Analytics or Awstats for traffic monitoring.

Tune Forum Extensions

If your site uses a forum extension like FireBoard or similar solutions, you can reduce unnecessary load by requiring user registration before they can search or post. Enabling captcha verification is also important for limiting spam activity, which can otherwise generate excessive server requests.

Summary

Optimizing a Joomla site involves minimizing unnecessary server work and keeping resource-heavy features in check. Turning on caching, choosing lightweight templates, and disabling Gzip compression are simple yet effective ways to significantly reduce CPU load. Limiting the number of installed components, avoiding built‑in statistics modules, and tightening forum settings can further decrease strain on both the CPU and database. While these steps may not completely eliminate high resource usage in all scenarios, they collectively contribute to a more efficient, stable, and responsive Joomla installation.