Create a baseline
Test the game before adding optional addons or resource-heavy settings. Record startup time, frame consistency, and memory behavior in the same scenario.
Change one setting at a time
Large batches of changes make it difficult to identify what helped or hurt. Make a single adjustment and retest the same area.
Watch mod interactions
Performance problems can come from interactions rather than one package. A minimal profile helps isolate whether the issue is specific to Cataclysm-related content or the broader mod set.
Prefer stable compatibility
A slightly older but well-matched stack can be more reliable than mixing the newest builds from incompatible release lines.
Practical next step
Return to the compatibility section to compare ecosystems, or review the Download section before opening the supplied archive.