[Solved!] Tips for buying a new PC to run Linux?

[PringleBeagle]

I installed Linux on a Lenovo All-in-One PC a few months ago and I love it. However, my machine is 9 years old with 4GB ram and it's increasingly laggy: 60s+ to start up, with considerable delay when starting or switching applications. I've followed various clean-up guides but think it may be time for a new PC. Would appreciate any advice.

• Before buying a machine is it worth upgrading ram on the one I have?
• I'm looking for a ready-to-go PC rather than a laptop or kit etc., and don't have a huge budget. Also not loving the thought of buying a brand new machine to overwrite it straight away - is there any alternative?
• Are there any processors or OS versions to avoid if I intend to install Linux on a Windows PC? (I have a Win10s laptop that refused to take a Linux installation recently.)

What I have right now:

Code: Select all

System:    Kernel: 5.13.0-27-generic x86_64 bits: 64 compiler: N/A Desktop: Cinnamon 5.2.7 
           wm: muffin dm: LightDM Distro: Linux Mint 20.3 Una base: Ubuntu 20.04 focal 
Machine:   Type: Desktop System: LENOVO product: 10102 v: Lenovo C340 serial: <filter> 
           Mobo: LENOVO model: MAHOBAY v: Win8 STD MM DPK IPG serial: <filter> UEFI: LENOVO 
           v: ELKT31AUS date: 03/21/2013 
CPU:       Topology: Dual Core model: Intel Pentium G2030 bits: 64 type: MCP arch: Ivy Bridge 
           rev: 9 L2 cache: 3072 KiB 
           flags: lm nx pae sse sse2 sse3 sse4_1 sse4_2 ssse3 vmx bogomips: 11973 
           Speed: 2994 MHz min/max: 1600/3000 MHz Core speeds (MHz): 1: 2994 2: 2993 
Graphics:  Device-1: Intel Xeon E3-1200 v2/3rd Gen Core processor Graphics vendor: Lenovo 
           driver: i915 v: kernel bus ID: 00:02.0 chip ID: 8086:0152 
           Display: x11 server: X.Org 1.20.13 driver: modesetting unloaded: fbdev,vesa 
           resolution: 1600x900~60Hz 
           OpenGL: renderer: Mesa DRI Intel HD Graphics 2500 (IVB GT1) v: 4.2 Mesa 21.2.6 
           compat-v: 3.0 direct render: Yes 
Audio:     Device-1: Intel 6 Series/C200 Series Family High Definition Audio vendor: Lenovo 
           driver: snd_hda_intel v: kernel bus ID: 00:1b.0 chip ID: 8086:1c20 
           Device-2: Z-Star Micro type: USB driver: snd-usb-audio,uvcvideo bus ID: 2-1.6:7 
           chip ID: 0ac8:c450 
           Sound Server: ALSA v: k5.13.0-27-generic 
Network:   Device-1: Realtek RTL8111/8168/8411 PCI Express Gigabit Ethernet vendor: Lenovo 
           driver: r8169 v: kernel port: e000 bus ID: 03:00.0 chip ID: 10ec:8168 
           IF: enp3s0 state: down mac: <filter> 
           Device-2: Broadcom and subsidiaries BCM4313 802.11bgn Wireless Network Adapter 
           driver: wl v: kernel port: e000 bus ID: 05:00.0 chip ID: 14e4:4727 
           IF: wlp5s0 state: up mac: <filter> 
           IF-ID-1: ipv6leakintrf0 state: unknown speed: N/A duplex: N/A mac: <filter> 
           IF-ID-2: proton0 state: unknown speed: 10 Mbps duplex: full mac: N/A 
Drives:    Local Storage: total: 1.82 TiB used: 565.23 GiB (30.3%) 
           ID-1: /dev/sda vendor: Seagate model: ST1000DM003-1CH162 size: 931.51 GiB 
           speed: 3.0 Gb/s serial: <filter> 
           ID-2: /dev/sdb type: USB vendor: Toshiba model: MQ01ABD100 size: 931.51 GiB 
           serial: <filter> 
Partition: ID-1: / size: 915.40 GiB used: 89.42 GiB (9.8%) fs: ext4 dev: /dev/sda2 
USB:       Hub: 1-0:1 info: Full speed (or root) Hub ports: 2 rev: 2.0 chip ID: 1d6b:0002 
           Hub: 1-1:2 info: Intel Integrated Rate Matching Hub ports: 4 rev: 2.0 
           chip ID: 8087:0024 
           Hub: 2-0:1 info: Full speed (or root) Hub ports: 2 rev: 2.0 chip ID: 1d6b:0002 
           Hub: 2-1:2 info: Intel Integrated Rate Matching Hub ports: 6 rev: 2.0 
           chip ID: 8087:0024 
           Device-1: 2-1.1:3 info: Logitech M105 Optical Mouse type: Mouse 
           driver: hid-generic,usbhid rev: 2.0 chip ID: 046d:c077 
           Device-2: 2-1.2:4 info: Lenovo type: Keyboard,HID driver: hid-generic,usbhid rev: 2.0 
           chip ID: 17ef:602d 
           Device-3: 2-1.3:5 info: Toshiba type: Mass Storage driver: usb-storage rev: 2.1 
           chip ID: 0930:0b1f 
           Device-4: 2-1.4:6 info: Cambridge Silicon Radio Bluetooth Dongle (HCI mode) 
           type: Bluetooth driver: btusb rev: 2.0 chip ID: 0a12:0001 
           Device-5: 2-1.6:7 info: Z-Star Micro type: Video,Audio driver: snd-usb-audio,uvcvideo 
           rev: 2.0 chip ID: 0ac8:c450 
           Hub: 3-0:1 info: Full speed (or root) Hub ports: 2 rev: 2.0 chip ID: 1d6b:0002 
           Hub: 4-0:1 info: Full speed (or root) Hub ports: 2 rev: 3.0 chip ID: 1d6b:0003 
Sensors:   System Temperatures: cpu: 57.0 C mobo: N/A 
           Fan Speeds (RPM): N/A 
Repos:     No active apt repos in: /etc/apt/sources.list 
           Active apt repos in: /etc/apt/sources.list.d/blaze-main-focal.list 
           1: deb http: //ppa.launchpad.net/blaze/main/ubuntu focal main
           Active apt repos in: /etc/apt/sources.list.d/official-package-repositories.list 
           1: deb https: //mirror.cov.ukservers.com/linuxmint una main upstream import backport
           2: deb http: //archive.ubuntu.com/ubuntu focal main restricted universe multiverse
           3: deb http: //archive.ubuntu.com/ubuntu focal-updates main restricted universe multiverse
           4: deb http: //archive.ubuntu.com/ubuntu focal-backports main restricted universe multiverse
           5: deb http: //security.ubuntu.com/ubuntu/ focal-security main restricted universe multiverse
           6: deb http: //archive.canonical.com/ubuntu/ focal partner
           Active apt repos in: /etc/apt/sources.list.d/protonvpn-stable.list 
           1: deb [signed-by=/usr/share/keyrings/protonvpn-stable-archive-keyring.gpg] https: //repo.protonvpn.com/debian stable main
           Active apt repos in: /etc/apt/sources.list.d/sebastian-stenzel-cryptomator-focal.list 
           1: deb http: //ppa.launchpad.net/sebastian-stenzel/cryptomator/ubuntu focal main
           Active apt repos in: /etc/apt/sources.list.d/vscode.list 
           1: deb [arch=amd64,arm64,armhf] http: //packages.microsoft.com/repos/code stable main
Info:      Processes: 225 Uptime: 33m Memory: 3.72 GiB used: 1.83 GiB (49.1%) Init: systemd v: 245 
           runlevel: 5 Compilers: gcc: 9.4.0 alt: 9 Client: Unknown python3.8 client inxi: 3.0.38 

Thanks!
(Also still very new to Linux)

[xenopeek]

It has a slow processor but I think the thing you notice most with regards to performance is that the computer has a traditional hard disk instead of a SSD, and yes the 4 GB RAM may also be limiting. If the programs you run need a lot of RAM then swap would be used, storing part of RAM on the hard disk to make more RAM available. This will be an additional drag on performance. Upgrading to 8 GB RAM will be worth it but I would rather replace the hard disk with a SSD. When you notice the PC slowing down, open a terminal and run command free -h and check "used" column for the line starting with "Swap:", how much swap is being used. If it's not zero, this will be a reason for performance dragging.

A decent 1 TB 2.5" SSD like Crucial MX500 would cost about EUR 100. RAM upgrade will cost a lot less. If that's an acceptable expense for this PC it should give it a noticeable performance boost. Especially with loading the OS and programs.

But you'd first have to figure whether upgrading is possible. Do you have the manufacturer manual with the PC? Does it describe how/if you can replace the hard disk and RAM? Are both easily accessible, like behind a removable cover on the PC? If you've not replaced PC components yourself before consider also if you're confident with what the manual describes. It's not rocket science; connectors will fit only one way, but still

For the RAM you will need to know what type of RAM is currently installed and how (if it has 2x2GB modules or 1x4GB—if the latter you just need to add a 4GB module, for the former you would need to replace the 2x2GB modules with 2x4GB). You can get this information with command: sudo dmidecode -t memory. Share its output here if you want help with reading it.

[decrepit]

The 2013 windows 8 office computer's HDD failed. It was as slow as a wet week. I installed a 250Gb SSd and with cinnamon 20.3 it works great. I think it also has about 4Gb ram, and I was wondering if it needed to be increased, but for the medium density work I do on it it's fine.
If you can keep the HDD, to use as data storage, you don't need to spend as much on a big SSD. I got the 250Gb for AU$70. That's all I had to spend to make a real sluggard win 8 device into a sparkling mint machine.

[xenopeek]

I got the 250Gb for AU$70

AU$150 gets you 1 TB. OP's inxi output shows 55% in use of the 1TB HDD, hence suggesting a 1 TB SSD as they really need that much. Looking at the Lenovo All-In-One C340 manual https://www.manualslib.com/manual/47171 ... =39#manual it only has one drive bay. So keeping the HDD isn't an easy option.

[axrusar]

Hi.
xenopeek's suggestion for an SSD upgrade sounds like the first thing you would do to your current system in case you decided to go that route.
I am a computer technician and swapped hundreds of mechanical drives for SSDs on systems with low specs like yours and the difference is night and day.

But you will still have a slow CPU and limited RAM.

You did not mention your location, i can only suggest stuff from the US market.

I'm looking for a ready-to-go PC rather than a laptop or kit etc., and don't have a huge budget. Also not loving the thought of buying a brand new machine to overwrite it straight away - is there any alternative?

Of course... look on Amazon for example, you can get the small factor dell Optiplex line of business PCs, renewed. $200-250 U$
either intel I5 or I7, 16gb+ ram and SSDs. Just try to find the newest generation CPU within the available options.
You should be able to pop your slow HDD on it to keep your data in place, but do not forget some external backup medium.

Just a few more tips.
good luck

[PringleBeagle]

Great discussion, thanks everyone. I like the sound of upgrading ram + SSD. Will that be enough to compensate for my CPU?
I'm going to scour the manual (thanks for the link!) to see what's involved.
If it's pertinent to further advice, I'm in the UK

Regarding swap, here's my current output without only Firefox actively running (though not actually too slow right now):

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              total        used        free      shared  buff/cache   available
Mem:          3.7Gi       1.8Gi       135Mi       245Mi       1.8Gi       1.4Gi
Swap:         2.0Gi       981Mi       1.0Gi

And here's my memory info. It doesn't make much sense to me so pointers appreciated!

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# dmidecode 3.2
Getting SMBIOS data from sysfs.
SMBIOS 2.7 present.

Handle 0x0041, DMI type 16, 23 bytes
Physical Memory Array
	Location: System Board Or Motherboard
	Use: System Memory
	Error Correction Type: None
	Maximum Capacity: 32 GB
	Error Information Handle: Not Provided
	Number Of Devices: 4

Handle 0x0043, DMI type 17, 34 bytes
Memory Device
	Array Handle: 0x0041
	Error Information Handle: Not Provided
	Total Width: Unknown
	Data Width: Unknown
	Size: No Module Installed
	Form Factor: DIMM
	Set: None
	Locator: ChannelA-DIMM0
	Bank Locator: BANK 0
	Type: Unknown
	Type Detail: None
	Speed: Unknown
	Manufacturer: [Empty]
	Serial Number: [Empty]
	Asset Tag: 9876543210
	Part Number: [Empty]
	Rank: Unknown
	Configured Memory Speed: Unknown

Handle 0x0044, DMI type 17, 34 bytes
Memory Device
	Array Handle: 0x0041
	Error Information Handle: Not Provided
	Total Width: Unknown
	Data Width: Unknown
	Size: No Module Installed
	Form Factor: DIMM
	Set: None
	Locator: ChannelA-DIMM1
	Bank Locator: BANK 1
	Type: Unknown
	Type Detail: None
	Speed: Unknown
	Manufacturer: [Empty]
	Serial Number: [Empty]
	Asset Tag: 9876543210
	Part Number: [Empty]
	Rank: Unknown
	Configured Memory Speed: Unknown

Handle 0x0045, DMI type 17, 34 bytes
Memory Device
	Array Handle: 0x0041
	Error Information Handle: Not Provided
	Total Width: 64 bits
	Data Width: 64 bits
	Size: 4096 MB
	Form Factor: SODIMM
	Set: None
	Locator: ChannelB-DIMM0
	Bank Locator: BANK 2
	Type: DDR3
	Type Detail: Synchronous
	Speed: 1333 MT/s
	Manufacturer: Hynix/Hyundai
	Serial Number: 0010AED6
	Asset Tag: 9876543210
	Part Number: HMT351S6CFR8C-PB  
	Rank: 2
	Configured Memory Speed: 1333 MT/s

Handle 0x0046, DMI type 17, 34 bytes
Memory Device
	Array Handle: 0x0041
	Error Information Handle: Not Provided
	Total Width: Unknown
	Data Width: Unknown
	Size: No Module Installed
	Form Factor: DIMM
	Set: None
	Locator: ChannelB-DIMM1
	Bank Locator: BANK 3
	Type: Unknown
	Type Detail: None
	Speed: Unknown
	Manufacturer: [Empty]
	Serial Number: [Empty]
	Asset Tag: 9876543210
	Part Number: [Empty]
	Rank: Unknown
	Configured Memory Speed: Unknown

[ThaCrip]

I like the sound of upgrading ram + SSD. Will that be enough to compensate for my CPU?

I would back that general opinion as anyone who really uses their computer will probably need a minimum of 8GB of RAM if possible (I tend to see 8GB as the 'sweet spot' for the typical computer user as it will work well unless you do things that require a ton of RAM). plus, like already mentioned, the SSD really helps, especially if you try loading a bunch of stuff at once. because I noticed not all that long ago on my backup computer, which is a dual core CPU with 4GB of RAM and a regular 250GB hard drive that while it's okay for some level of usage, when you try loading more than one thing at a time, especially if that thing is taxing the hard drive, it really slows down which does not happen on a SSD.

as for your CPU... while you already know it's nothing special, it's probably still in the 'good enough' range for general usage as I was using a i3-2120 CPU from May 2012 until 2020 when I got a used i5-3550 for only $20 (I just used my i3-2120 heatsink/fan on it and undervolted CPU by -0.130v to lower CPU heat under load) which was a solid upgrade for minimal $. because I went from a dual-core to a quad-core CPU. but anyways, while I did not check the details too much, your CPU is probably in the ball park of that i3-2120 (checking basic specs... your CPU is likely worse, but probably not significantly worse) and that was still easily good enough for general usage (hell, even some level of gaming) and almost certainly still is as my i5-3550 might feel a 'little' better than the i3-2120 for general day-to-day use (since the CPU is technically a little faster due to generational bump and is a bit better GHz), the only obvious difference in performance occurs when I get under a heavy load since then it's got around roughly twice the performance, which boils down to gaming and some limited tasks I do occasionally.

TIP: if your on 4GB of RAM or less I suggest using Xfce over Cinnamon. hell, I suggest Xfce over Cinnamon in general as I tend to have less issues with it, especially in regards to 720p/1080p x264 video playback through Celluloid etc. but it's your call as it's possible you won't experience the issues I do although on at least two out of three of my computers Xfce is definitely superior to Cinnamon on video playback like I mentioned here (since, in short, it's smooth unlike Cinnamon)

p.s. on a side note... in regards to my old computer, which has 4GB of RAM and is the limit of the motherboard (it was a high end board in 2005 basically and I had it since March 2006), that if I put in a SSD, even once the RAM gets exhausted from say the Firefox browser if I were to use it a bit more heavily, that just having a SSD might compensate on some level for the lack of RAM. it's something I could test, but since it's currently a backup computer I am in no rush. but if my main PC's motherboard ever dies (which is now 10 years old this month here in May 2022), then ill likely find out shortly after since ill be immediately putting a SSD in it and then really using it at which point ill definitely get a pretty good feel of how it runs on 4GB of RAM with a SSD. either way, at least in your case, getting to 8GB of RAM will be minimal $ and should give a sold all-around boost since your RAM won't be running too low even if you run leave Firefox running all of the time like I do with many tabs open since it will generally take a while to exhaust the 8GB of RAM, give or take. I was also on 8GB of RAM from May 2012 until 2020 when I swapped it out for my motherboards limit of 16GB of RAM. but to be honest, I did not really notice any obvious difference in performance either in terms of general day-to-day usage (from 8GB to 16GB of RAM) even though I can see I do go over 8GB of RAM here and there, which is generally due to the browser slowly eating up more and more as the days pass with many tabs open as I leave Firefox running pretty much all of the time. that's kind of why I tend to see 8GB as the 'sweet spot' for the casual person, although for a gamer it would be safer to be at 16GB as a general rule at this point in time. but with that said... if I had to choose between upgrading RAM from 4GB to 8GB or getting a SSD, I would opt for the SSD. although getting both the RAM+SSD would be better yet, which once you do this, that computer will be about as it's going to get as by the time that becomes a issue, the whole computer itself will be outright outdated.

[mikeflan]

I think you are OK with upgrading that one, but personally I would do both. Upgrade the one you have and buy a new one when you want it. It is always good to have a backup. I have 2 backup desktop computer and then 2 portables to boot. I'm going to move one of my backups up to my summer house where I won't have easy access to it. I should be OK, because I have not needed any of my backup computers s for 3+ years now.

This HP Z440 I use cost a fortune when my Dad bought it in 12/2017 (about $2,400 US), but it has been super reliable and dependable. I have migrated to spending $1,200 or more on a new portable and probably $1,600 or more for a new desktop as a minimum. For my needs I need a $400 - $800 graphics card. But of course used computers are also OK for Linux if you need to save money.

[Koentje]

Begin with changing to an SSD. This will make a big performance increase in booting and program startups. The swapping part will also improve a lot! You can always add RAM later if you think you need to.

[xenopeek]

And here's my memory info. It doesn't make much sense to me so pointers appreciated!

Looks good, you have a memory module of 4 GB installed so I think you can simply add a 2nd memory module of the same size and type to upgrade your system to 8 GB. Your swap is being used so it will be useful to upgrade your RAM. As others have have said replacing the HDD with a SSD will already boost system performance and have a side benefit that swap will also be faster, but I'd still also upgrade RAM.

The dmidecode output shows you have a Hynix/Hyundai memory module with part number: HMT351S6CFR8C-PB. We can look that up here https://www.compuram.biz/memory_module/ ... /hynix.htm and find it's a 4 GB DDR3 SO-DIMM PC3-12800 1600MHz non-ECC module. I think the PC has two memory slots so you can use a memory module of same specification from another manufacturer but it's usually best to use two of the same modules.

It's an older part so not being made any longer. I don't know what good computer parts stores in the UK are but you may still find it at one of those. I looked at Amazon.co.uk and found this one selling the part used for GBP 24 including shipping: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Hynix-Pc3-1280 ... B00G5E264S. And this one selling it new for GBP 20 (don't know shipping), if you click on buying options: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Hynix-Pc3-1280 ... C84&sr=8-1. There are also a lot of sellers of the part used on eBay (sellers are in the UK) for different prices: https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_from ... cat=170083

[PringleBeagle]

Thanks all for the detailed replies. I think I've now got a handle on I want to do and how to do it!

I've ordered a ram module + ssd

I plan to install ram first as it should be a super quick job (fingers crossed). Then take my time creating an installation disk and software list before swapping in the ssd - I've decided to install fresh rather than clone. If all goes well that gives should give me lots of time to think about an eventual replacement with new or renovated pc.

Cheers all!

[axrusar]

good luck with the project.
Please post some before and after results here and let us know how the upgraded system works.

[PringleBeagle]

Thanks and yep - I'll let add an update here... if I don't have to start a new thread to sort out any issues

[PringleBeagle]

I said would update this thread, and I'm now claiming success! I've doubled ram to 8gb and installed an ssd and the difference is amazing. Boot time is now under 15s (previously at least 1 minute or more). Programs open within seconds, when there used to be a very noticeable lag in opening or switching.
Had a few problems figuring out how to make the ssd compatible with my ancient machine, but in the end it was surprisingly simple It was good to practice reinstalling Mint and the programs I use as well - got the whole thing up and running in about an hour, give or take.

Thanks for all the advice here and on other my other threads!