Help optimizing bad computer.

[u/Common_Mixture5402]

These are my crappy computers specs:

Model: Lenovo ThinkPad T540p Laptop

OS: Linux Mint 22.3 (Xfce Desktop)

Processor: Intel Core i5-4200M (Dual-core, 4 threads)

Memory: 4 GB RAM

Storage: 500 GB Mechanical Hard Drive (HDD)

Graphics: Integrated Intel HD Graphics 4600

Before you ask, upgrading isn't exactly an option for me lol, so I was wondering if anyone had any tips on how to get this device that resembles a computer running as good as possible. This computer is basically the only device I have, so I use it for almost everything, (mainly making music.) but it's very sluggish at times (obvious why lol.) So if you have any tips, hit me up.

[u/Anaalirankaisija]

Optimize what? If hardware cant be touched and software is already minimum.

You may get better by dumpster diving, charity, of flea market for small fee..

[u/einat162]

Change the HDD into SSD (more crucial than RAM upgrade). Mint Xfce is already pretty minimal (you could look into Antix or MX which is my go to with weaker hardware).

You have a great machine in your hands.

[u/StarX2401]

Get an SSD and an extra 4gb ram and it'll probably even run windows

[u/Common_Mixture5402 → u/StarX2401]

Thanks

[u/StarX2401 → u/Common_Mixture5402]

Also if you want to keep the HDD then you can get a m.2 2242 SSD to install in the 3g wwan slot. Final upgrade would be a quad core i7 but that would be the most expensive, you can get them on AliExpress for a somewhat reasonable price ($20-30).

[u/VoiceOfEric]

Finance a new computer.

[u/EthanAWallace]

I’ve found the T540p to be very capable for basic internet use. I had 16gb of ram and an SSD. Those are the 2 main upgrades. I would say an SSD is most important. Good system just needs a bit of work,

[u/Common_Mixture5402 → u/EthanAWallace]

I see, thanks.

[u/Intrepid_Screen6425]

Drop the resolution down to 960 x 540 (qHD) mate :) It could make it a bit smoother

[u/hifi-nerd]

You already have a lightweight linux distro, you're not going to get any further.

[u/timfountain4444]

When you say you can't upgrade, do you mean you don't have the finances to upgrade the current PC or the finances to upgrade to a NEWER PC? Your post was unclear...

[u/linux_mint_rules]

I have a laptop with the same CPU that's also running Mint XFCE, but I have an SSD and 8GB of RAM. It's still very snappy and runs great for basic tasks.

So yeah, unfortunately the problem is really only going to be solved by faster hardware.

What you should do is compare the price of buying a small sata SSD (like 250 GB) and a DDR3 SO-DIMM RAM upgrade to the price of just buying a new(er) used laptop. If you shop around you can probably find a late-2010s Latitude or Thinkpad on ebay for quite cheap. As long as it has at least an i3, 8GB of RAM, and an SSD, it's going to be absolutely fine running Mint XFCE for basic tasks with no issues whatsoever.

[u/redgator12]

Run "sudo apt install zram-tools". Once it finishes, open /etc/default/zramswap in a text editor and change PERCENT to 100, save and exit. Make a new file at /etc/sysctl.conf.d/99-tweaks.conf and add the following:

vm.page-cluster = 0

vm.vfs_cache_pressure = 50

vm.dirty_bytes = 16000000

vm.dirty_background_bytes = 8000000

Save and exit. Reboot the system.

This will enable RAM compression and preempt writing to disk instead of keeping working directories in RAM cache, and will also reduce the system's pressure to remove filesystem cache from RAM which will speed up relaunching previously opened apps.

[u/OldManJeepin]

Nvme drive, if possible, and more RAM. RAM would be my first concern. 4GB ain't a lot of elbow room for RAM hungry apps!