So, I have replaced my 320GB HDD, with 240GB ADATA SU650 SSD, just to max out the disk speed.

Here, I want to share my experience using Linux Mint.

Overall, everything works out of the box and the OS is really faster than Windows 11.

Hardware
1. WiFi can connect to my phone 5G hotspot.
2. Bluetooth can connect to my G604
3. Audio works perfectly. Internal speakers works.
4. Keyboard backlight works.
5. Screen resolution is detected correctly. Brightness control works.
6. DVD R / CR-RW works.

Software
1. Installed VLC, able to play MKV, MP4,MP3, M4A. Try some 4K MKV bluray ripped from ahem ahem, play perfectly.
2. Using the default Firefox browser, able to play 4K Youtube perfectly. ( I m kinda surprised actually ) , Pause and play instantly no delay whatsoever.

BTW, I have forgotten the T430s keyboard is so much nicer than my current T14s Gen4.

I will continue to use test Linux Mint in this machine, might report back if found any interesting later.

Update : 29 Nov 2025
I have switched from Linux Mint to Garuda Mokka now as I wanted to move from Debian to Arch.

Same as Mint, the hardware works perfectly as expected.

Software
1. VLC comes preinstalled in Garuda Mokka BUT it doesn't play MKV video out of the box. So I have manually installed the codecs to play it. Done so, now it works fine.
2. Uninstalled the default Firedragon browser, and installed Firefox. Works perfectly now.
3. Installed 4k Video Downloader Plus. Working fine.
4. Installed Spotify. Working fine.
5. Installed qBittorrent, Works fine.

So far Mokka feels as fast as Mint, and its nicer looking than Mint.

This post has been edited by piscesguy: Today, 06:53 AM

Linux Mint is kinda de-facto standard for Windows migrators, and for good reasons... I did installed Mint, years ago...but kinda felt tired of it...went disto hopping for awhile, before settling with pop os (current distro). I want to try some rpm based distro since our servers are running rocky linux and i used wrong commands sometimes. i might also try some other debian/ubuntu based distro, like tuxedo, parrot security (might want to learn some pentesting)

check date, already 28/11/2025. and now only u surprise about linux mint?

Too bad many of the current ThinkPad doesn't have the option to remove the Windows from the price. Used to be able to remove RM410! I don't use Windows and that is a big price to pay. I'm still on dual core PC & DDR3 running Ubuntu since 2013, upgrading many version in between. A PC lags mostly due to Windows, nothing more.

What's the benefit over Windows 10 or 11?

Lightweight .
Interface is identical

Obviously it's faster la...

8 GB RAM feels like a lot in Linux Mint.

I have installed Linux Mint in my Thinkpad x100e (netbook) back in 2010.

Yeah, that was a long time ago.

Where u get the driver?
The driver for win os is compatible with linux?

yes, until you use google chrome.

thats good.

chrome is only fast with 8GB RAM on chromeOS

Your thinkpad ram soldered or not? Wanna buy a used one few months back but all offered with soldered ram, dowan

Check your free memory.

If you are not using much swap, try enabling zram. if using swap, try zswap.

Oldfag here... Can it run Crysis ?

Smart move, I'll say..

Yup, it is a great alternative for older devices.

Makes older devices back alive again in terms of performance.

Majority of servers on this world including Google servers, Netflix servers, etc all of them run on some form of Linux.

I prefer Kubuntu or anything with KDE as file sharing is easy to set-up and only need 1 command line.

got better way while still using windows but no reward for providing the best solution so wont share since i noticed most technical pros here even have poor computer skills

try run nvdia tnt . voodoo3 . ati radeon . pci express. creative sound card see can o no.

So its only speed issue.

If I have win11 on i5gen 14 and 16gb ram. No point going to Linux Mint? Unless want to try something different. Right?

What's the distro with the best hardware support?

Still Ubuntu?

mostly for old hardware, then can feel fast.
if already fast with windows, no need la.

No. Nowadays it is split into ancient, normal, and newish hardware.

Ancient - probably ubuntu / debian because easy to google search
Normal - nearly all
New-ish - try Cachy, currently the hot new thing

Ah, thanks for the info.
Unker old school ...

I use Yandex for Linux then..

Very fast like putin

Never stuck

Can play Crysis?

don't know which years back I ever used DVD R / CR-RW.

Most Thinkpads are compatible with Linux, so naturally it has ALL drivers for T430s.

AFAIK, many Linux users prefer using Thinkpads.

https://www.reddit.com/r/linuxhardware/comm...or_linux_users/

But you still can't use office and video editors that you like.

That's a big boo

Later I try Kubuntu as I have many SATA SSDs lying around.

If already fast with Windows, then it's even faster with Linux.

Davinci Resolve can be installed in Linux, thats what I also used in Windows and Mac OS.

I suppose MS. Office can use Microsoft 365 Online.

Lol ts gave up selling his over priced cracked thinkpad

I still many Blu-rays/DVDs and CDs on my collection.

I was too late to buy SSD this month, same SSD I bought last time is now 3x the price. Fking crazy.

Dual booting my x1 c7 with mint and windows

I have a few more SATA SSDs, collecting dusts now.

1. 500 GB Crucial MX500.
2. 250 GB Samsung 850 EVO.
3. 240 GB SanDisk SSD Plus.

How is the software compatibility?

real men use gentoo

As long as the software exists for Linux → it works on any distro (Ubuntu, Mint, Kubuntu, Fedora, etc.), unless the developer explicitly restricts it.

CD it just medium to holding data. 10101000111100011. CD has noting sentimental value about it. its not even Archival Disc (AD) for consumer. you can use HDD or NVMe. its not like vinyl record that produce signature unique texture of sound people will keep.

CDs have sentimental value because they offer a tangible connection to music that digital formats lack, evoking nostalgia through physical ownership, accompanying artwork, and personal memories.

The act of holding a CD, reading the liner notes, and having a physical collection links the music to specific moments, events, and personal history, creating a deeper emotional and nostalgic connection than streaming alone provides.

Tangible connection and physical ownership
Physical object: A CD is a physical item that can be held, displayed, and collected, providing a sense of ownership that streaming can't replicate.

Collecting: Collecting CDs, especially limited or signed editions, adds a layer of value and a sense of personal achievement beyond just listening to the music.

Visual appeal: The cover art and folded-out booklets can be a significant part of the experience, offering larger, more detailed artwork than a phone screen.

Noted. But my T430s is too weak.

new laptop problemo
- laptop size so big no dedicated power port. power port share with usb. issue usb controler chip rosak
- DDR4 RAM laptop smallller pin.
- no cd dvd drive anymore
- no removal battery

if already fast, windows bloatware removed, happy already.

resolve if use nvidia gpu only, ok la.

its for it person who like run everything in command , window is good if want simplicity

my core2duo still run fine with drdrw and 6pcs replaceable 18650 lithium batt, naiisee, the only problem is the plastic getting crispy year by year

zero bloated softwares/services running

If your machine really low spec, suggest install Lubuntu instead, another linux distro as well based on Ubuntu.

Anyway yes Linux Mint is a good choice for those that used to Windows UI.

tried linux mint, pop, ubuntu os and other linux distrox..basically all the same lah..

Hyprland the best u knw i knw

the wind software not compatible on linux os?
hhhrrrmmm, time for the dual boot testing project again...

thanks.

I dont like Linux Mint, is fk up on the language switching on keyboard.

Ubuntu dont have this problem

Understandable CD have sentimental value to you. I used to think like that too before. until I learn mobility is a true freedom where the quality is the same. one can have it with you (data+image) where ever you go. (cloud)

So, I have installed another Linus distro, this time on 250 GB Samsung Evo SSD.

I must say, this is a cool looking Linux distro.

It comes preinstalled with VLC. Macam lagi best than Linux Mint.



Attached thumbnail(s)

U tried all from Debian, of course same la.

U should try Red Hat vs Arch vs Gentoo

I'm using linux mint on my work pc too.

Using WPS office for file editing.

Linux Mint is for the noobs

I moved on to Garuda Mokka later today and will use Garuda sway tomorrow.

not really, new ubuntu shift away form xde for remote desktop totally ruins windows to linux remote desktop sessions.
sure there's workaround it but it's not something that i'd like to thinker with every time i setup a new linux server.

I am sticking with Debian for my ancient laptop i5-4200U.

Mostly work.....except the optimus crap...

Cannot. Must move out from comfort zone.

My ultimate goal is to master Arch!! 😎

Arch eh? I got tired of dealing with the weekly to monthly breakage before swtching to Debian.

No much time available for troubleshooting after working white collar job....

Back in the day during university and job hunting times, spent so much on learning linux stuff.
Man....those were the days.....

have u tried MX Linux?

Kali or go home!

real man build own distro and kernel

Updated Post #1

so far my experience using Linux OS.

I'm using Q4OS for my Touchbook CF-19. Light and smooth.

wtf kali linux, time travel works is it

Hacker's OS. Got many tools to hack and sniff WiFi signals.

i used it 10 years ago to do something

Same. I used it to steal passwords from public WiFi. Hehehe. Got many corporate passwords too.

wanna try linux but already having trouble with my very low end nvidia card driver, keep on having error installing the nvidia driver 470.. anyone have solution for this?