How to Optimize Linux Performance for Low-RAM Laptops

Tirsasaki
Tirsasaki
17 Februari 2025

Linux is a great operating system for low-resource devices, but if your laptop has limited RAM, you may experience sluggish performance. Fortunately, there are several optimizations you can apply to enhance your Linux system’s efficiency. In this guide, we’ll explore the best ways to optimize Linux performance for laptops with low RAM.

1. Choose a Lightweight Linux Distribution

Some Linux distributions are more resource-efficient than others. If you’re running Linux on a laptop with limited RAM, consider switching to a lightweight distribution such as:

  • Lubuntu – Uses LXQt, a lightweight desktop environment.
  • Xubuntu – Based on Ubuntu but uses the Xfce desktop environment.
  • Linux Lite – Designed for old hardware and comes with essential tools pre-installed.
  • Puppy Linux – Extremely lightweight, can run from RAM.

2. Use a Lightweight Desktop Environment

If switching distributions isn’t an option, you can change your desktop environment to a more lightweight one, such as:

  • LXQt – Low RAM usage and modern design.
  • Xfce – Balanced between performance and usability.
  • Openbox – A minimalist window manager that consumes very little memory.

3. Reduce Startup Applications

Disabling unnecessary startup applications can free up RAM and improve boot speed. To manage startup applications:

  • On GNOME: Go to Settings > Startup Applications and disable unwanted programs.
  • On Xfce: Use Session and Startup settings.
  • Alternatively, use the systemctl disable <service> command for system-wide services.

4. Optimize Swappiness

Swappiness controls how aggressively Linux uses the swap partition. Lowering the swappiness value can help prioritize RAM usage over swap. To change swappiness:

sudo sysctl vm.swappiness=10

To make it permanent, edit /etc/sysctl.conf and add:

vm.swappiness=10

5. Use a Lighter Web Browser

Web browsers are one of the biggest memory consumers. Instead of Chrome or Firefox, try:

  • Midori – Lightweight and fast.
  • Falkon – Minimalistic but functional.
  • Lynx – Text-based browser for extreme minimalism.

6. Disable Unnecessary Services

Many background services consume RAM. Check active services with:

systemctl list-units --type=service --state=running

Disable unneeded services, for example:

sudo systemctl disable bluetooth
sudo systemctl disable cups

7. Enable ZRAM

ZRAM compresses memory to allow more efficient RAM usage. To enable ZRAM:

sudo apt install zram-tools
sudo systemctl enable --now zramswap.service

This can significantly improve system performance on low-RAM laptops.

8. Use a Lightweight File Manager

Heavy file managers like Nautilus or Dolphin use more RAM. Consider alternatives such as:

  • PCManFM – Lightweight and fast.
  • Thunar – Efficient and simple.
  • Ranger – Command-line-based but highly functional.

Additional Tips

  • Avoid Heavy Software – Use lightweight alternatives (e.g., AbiWord instead of LibreOffice, mpv instead of VLC).
  • Disable Animations – Turn off graphical effects to save memory.
  • Use a Minimal Window Manager – Try i3, Openbox, or Fluxbox instead of a full desktop environment.

Increase RAM with Swap File – Create a swap file if your system doesn’t have a swap partition:

sudo fallocate -l 2G /swapfile
sudo chmod 600 /swapfile
sudo mkswap /swapfile
sudo swapon /swapfile

Add it to /etc/fstab to make it permanent.

By applying these optimizations, your Linux system will run smoother even on a laptop with limited RAM. Happy computing!