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Configuring Linux on a ThinkPad T420s or T420 Laptop for Optimal Performance

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ThinkPad T420s and T420 laptops, despite their age, remain reliable for web browsing, word processing, and various other tasks. Linux can breathe new life into such dated computers, allowing them to perform efficiently.

I configured one of these laptops for my son, and he is now able to do his homework using it. With proper configuration, ThinkPad laptops can achieve optimal performance and power management. This article provides a guide to configuring X11/Xorg, kernel parameters, firmware, fan control, and power management settings to optimize the ThinkPad t420s or t420 for modern use.

Some instructions in this article are specific to Debian/Ubuntu-based distributions, but they can easily be adapted to other distributions such as Red Hat, Fedora, Arch Linux, Gentoo, and others.

X11/Xorg

To ensure proper functionality of Intel graphics and avoid issues such as black screens after waking from sleep, use the Intel driver instead of modesetting.

Create the configuration file /etc/X11/xorg.conf.d/30-intel.conf:

Section "Device"
  Identifier "Intel Graphics"
  Driver "intel"

  Option "Backlight" "intel_backlight"
EndSectionCode language: plaintext (plaintext)

Ensure the intel driver is installed:

sudo apt-get install xserver-xorg-video-intelCode language: plaintext (plaintext)

IMPORTANT: Ensure that the integrated graphics are set as the default video card in the ThinkPad BIOS.

Kernel parameters

To ensure backlight control is working (increasing and decreasing brightness), add the following kernel parameter: acpi_backlight=native

On a Debian/Ubuntu based distribution, this can be appended to the kernel command line in the bootloader configuration, typically in /etc/default/grub (for GRUB users):

GRUB_CMDLINE_LINUX_DEFAULT="quiet splash acpi_backlight=native"Code language: plaintext (plaintext)

After modifying this file, update GRUB with:

sudo update-grubCode language: plaintext (plaintext)

Fan control

Without software to control the fan, it may run at maximum speed. To enable fan control, create the file /etc/modprobe.d/thinkpad_acpi.conf:

options thinkpad_acpi fan_control=1Code language: plaintext (plaintext)

After that, install zcfan. On a Debian/Ubuntu based distribution:

sudo apt-get install zcfanCode language: plaintext (plaintext)

Packages

Ensure the necessary firmware for Atheros and Realtek network devices is installed. On Debian/Ubuntu-based distributions, install the following packages:

sudo apt install firmware-atheros firmware-realtekCode language: plaintext (plaintext)

It is also recommended to install essential packages for hardware encoding and decoding, including intel-microcode for the latest processor updates, which improve system stability and performance:

sudo apt-get install intel-microcode intel-media-va-driver-non-free i965-va-driverCode language: plaintext (plaintext)

TLP

TLP is a power management tool that optimizes battery life. Install and configure it as follows:

sudo apt install tlpCode language: plaintext (plaintext)

Create the configuration file /etc/tlp.d/00-base.conf:

DEVICES_TO_DISABLE_ON_BAT="bluetooth wwan"
DEVICES_TO_ENABLE_ON_STARTUP="wifi"
DEVICES_TO_DISABLE_ON_LAN_CONNECT="wifi wwan"

TLP_DEFAULT_MODE=BAT

CPU_SCALING_GOVERNOR_ON_AC=performance
CPU_SCALING_GOVERNOR_ON_BAT=schedutil

# PCIe Active State Power Management (ASPM):
PCIE_ASPM_ON_AC=performance

# Set Intel CPU performance: 0..100 (%). Limit the
# max/min to control the power dissipation of the CPU.
# Values are stated as a percentage of the available
# performance.
CPU_MIN_PERF_ON_AC=70
CPU_MAX_PERF_ON_AC=100

# [default] performance powersave powersupersave. on=disable
RUNTIME_PM_ON_AC=on
RUNTIME_PM_ON_BAT=powersupersaveCode language: Python (python)

Conclusion

The ThinkPad T420s and T420, though older models, remain reliable machines for everyday tasks. With the right configuration, these laptops can be revitalized, making them well-suited for modern use.

Installing Debian from another Linux Distribution such as Gentoo or Arch Linux

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There are various scenarios in which one might need to install a Debian-based system (e.g., Debian, Ubuntu, etc.) from another distribution (e.g., Arch Linux, Gentoo, etc.). One common reason is when a user wants to set up a Debian-based system alongside an existing distribution. This could be for the purpose of testing software compatibility, development, or simply to have a dual-boot.

A Debian-based distribution can be installed from any other distribution (e.g. Arch Linux, Gentoo…) using debootstrap. The debootstrap command-line tool allows installing a Debian or Ubuntu base system within a subdirectory of an existing, installed system. Unlike traditional installation methods using a CD or a USB Key, debootstrap only requires access to a Debian repository.

Step 1: Create a new LVM partition, format it, and mount it

# Create the root LVM partition
lvcreate  -L 20G -n debian_root VOL_NAME

# Format the partition
mkfs.ext4 /dev/VOL_NAME/debian_root

# Mount the partition
mkdir /mnt/debian_root
mount /dev/VOL_NAME/debian_root /mnt/debian_rootCode language: plaintext (plaintext)

Step 2: Install the debootstrap command-line tool

On Arch Linux, debootstrap can be installed using:

sudo pacman -Sy debian-archive-keyring debootstrapCode language: plaintext (plaintext)

On Gentoo, it can be installed using:

sudo emerge -a dev-util/debootstrapCode language: plaintext (plaintext)

Step 3: Install the Debian base system

Use the debootstrap command to install Debian into the target directory:

debootstrap  --arch=amd64 stable /mnt/debian_root http://deb.debian.org/debianCode language: plaintext (plaintext)

You can replace stable with another Debian release like testing or unstable if desired. You can also add the flag --force-check-gpg to force checking Release file signatures.

In the above example, it will install the Debian-based system from the repository http://deb.debian.org/debian into the local directory /mnt/debian_root.

Step 4: Chroot into the Debian system

Since you are installing a Debian-based system inside another distribution (Arch Linux, Gentoo, etc.), you’ll need to ensure that the directory where the Debian system is mounted is ready. You can achieve this by mounting certain directories and chrooting into the Debian system:

sudo mount --bind /dev /mnt/debian_root/dev
sudo mount --bind /proc /mnt/debian_root/proc
sudo mount --bind /sys /mnt/debian_root/sys
sudo mount --bind /boot /mnt/debian_root/boot
sudo cp /etc/resolv.conf /mnt/debian_root/etc/resolv.conf
sudo cp /etc/fstab /mnt/debian_root/etc/fstab
sudo chroot /mnt/debian_root /bin/bash -lCode language: plaintext (plaintext)

The chroot command will open a new shell in the Debian environment.

Step 5: Configure the Debian-based system

Now that you’re inside the Debian-based system, you can configure it as desired. You can install packages, modify configurations, set up users, etc.

Here is an example:

apt-get update

# Install the Linux Kernel
apt-get install linux-image-amd64 firmware-linux-free firmware-misc-nonfree 

# Install cryptsetup if you are using a LUKS encrypted partition
apt-get install cryptsetup cryptsetup-initramfs

# Install misc packages
apt-get install console-setup vim lvm2 sudo

# Reconfigure locales
dpkg-reconfigure locales

# Configure the host name and the time zone
echo yourhostname > /etc/hostname
ln -sf /usr/share/zoneinfo/America/New_York /etc/localtime
Code language: plaintext (plaintext)

Do not forget to:

  • Modify /mnt/debian_root/etc/fstab (The mount point “/” has to point to the Debian system)
  • Modify /mnt/debian_root/etc/crypttab (If you are using a LUKS encrypted partition)
  • Configure the bootloader (Grub, Syslinux, etc.).

Congratulations! You have successfully installed a Debian-based system using debootstrap from another distribution such as Arch Linux, Gentoo, etc.