Trying to install new or updated drivers on my GIGABYTE e2100N old computer

MofBMBaF · 12-11-2022, 06:43 AM

My computer is pretty old back from 2014, I want to try install new drivers but I am struggling to find what is even supported and is it at all possible to get something updated for my rig.

Specifications:

Code:

OS: Linux Mint 20 Cinnamon

Cinnamon Version: 4.6.7 

Linux Kernel: 5.4.0-135-generic

Processor: AMD E1-2100 APU with Radeon™ HD Graphics × 2

Memory: 3.3 GiB

Hard Drives: 336.2 GB

Graphics Card: Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. [AMD/ATI] Kabini [Radeon HD 8210] (prog-if 00 [VGA controller])

That's it! I really like to believe that there's some hope for this guy cause it's my main computer at the moment...

fatmac · 12-11-2022, 08:02 AM

Just install an up to date distro on it, most will work OK on it, but steer clear of heavy weight desktops like KDE & Gnome. The web browsing might be a bit slow, but perfectly usable, maybe give it some extra swap space, when installing an up to date distro.

MofBMBaF · 12-11-2022, 09:08 AM

That should work, I guess I don't have many options. Thank you!

hazel · 12-11-2022, 11:38 AM

I wouldn't even use cinnamon. Use a simple window manager like fluxbox or ICE. And, wherever possible, graphical links rather than a modern browser. Links doesn't use javascript so some sites won't work with it but where it does work, it's undemanding and fast.

mrmazda · 12-11-2022, 05:02 PM

What problem do you think new drivers would solve? What do you think needs to be faster? Drivers for 2014 AMD graphics from your current OS won't differ in any significant fashion compared to a more recent one, as long as they are installed and configured as they should be. Are you sure all is as it should be?

Possibly you should give us more info about your current setup. Inxi can do that if you upgrade it from the broken old version provided by your current OS. If you already have inxi installed, /etc/inxi.conf probably needs to have B_ALLOW_UPDATE=false changed to B_ALLOW_UPDATE=true, then be run as sudo inxi -U. If not already installed, get it from upstream. Then do inxi -Gaz and paste the input/output here using code tags.

What makes you think an 8 year old computer is really old? You should be able to up your RAM to 8G or more, and replace your HDD with an SSD and it would feel and be faster for a lot less money than a whole new computer.

I run the 8 year old PC I'm typing this on 24/7. I also have several newer computers, the newest only one year. Even though they are faster on benchmarks, they don't perform enough better doing the things in my routine that it makes this one feel old or slow, in large part due to ample RAM, and the OS is on an SSD.

In your case, the dual core 1.0GHz CPU is underwhelming for its age, so if the things that matter most to you involve the CPU more than the GPU or I/O, then a new computer would make more sense than otherwise.

beachboy2 · 12-12-2022, 09:46 AM

mrmazda,

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrmazda

What makes you think an 8 year old computer is really old? You should be able to up your RAM to 8G or more, and replace your HDD with an SSD and it would feel and be faster for a lot less money than a whole new computer.

I run the 8 year old PC I'm typing this on 24/7. I also have several newer computers, the newest only one year. Even though they are faster on benchmarks, they don't perform enough better doing the things in my routine that it makes this one feel old or slow, in large part due to ample RAM, and the OS is on an SSD.

That is truly excellent advice and I completely agree with it.

My 10 year old Lenovo G780 laptop, owned from new, has just had its original hard drive replaced with a new SSD.

The whole machine feels much more lively and responsive with the benefit of a greatly reduced boot time (down from 70 seconds to 15 seconds).

A new laptop would have cost me 10 times the cost of the SSD!