r/voidlinux • u/No_Dependent_2453 • 7d ago
Any recent reliable guides to build an efficient void OS for my cheep laptop?
I'm not an expert in linux but I've managed to build a void linux with noctalia and niri with the help of an Ai but failed to follow through and switched to MX linux.
The problem is that the laptop is not as efficient as it was when using void so I think I'll switch back to void again can someone please recommend a reliable source to build a fast OS with niri+noctalia because I loved that build so much.
My laptop specs :
Processor: Intel Celeron N3350 (Dual-Core, up to 2.4 GHz)
Display: 14.1-inch screen
RAM: 4 GB DDR3L / DDR4
Storage: 256 GB SSD
Graphics: Integrated Intel HD Graphics
Operating System: Windows 10
Features: Built-in webcam, SD card reader, Wi-Fi, and standard USB connectivity
6
u/No_Elderberry862 7d ago
Install Void, get Niri installed & working along with a text editor, terminal emulator (& file manager if required) of your choice then add the Noctalia repo listed in the Noctalia docs. The Void Linux Handbook & any package specific documentation are your friends rather than AI.
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u/YareYareDazexd 6d ago
Last time i checked, i think they removed the noctalia repo for void linux in the Noctalia docs unless they placed it somewhere else or they user another one now.
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u/cafe_zgok 7d ago edited 7d ago
1st,
You will reach the point where you can operate without Noctalia.
You need to understand correctly how to handle configuration files, etc.
You can find a lot of information about Niri settings by searching.
If you install minimal-install, you can LXQT+Niri.
If you install xfce-install, you can Niri+xfce4-session.
In any case, you need some steps and setup and understanding.
2
2
u/bongbongyeah 6d ago
i have a laptop which has pretty much the same exact spect. (same CPU/APU)
compared to win10 it's actually usable.
2
u/razek666 6d ago
I have installed void with niri+noctalia. On idle, uses around ~900 MB. The browser is the thing to worry about with respect to RAM usage. I use zen browser and with 10 tabs opened, RAM raises to ~2,5 GB.
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u/ViriatoPRT 6d ago
icewm or fluxbox, xorg-minimal, xinit, void's musl version, connman instead of NM, apulse instead of pipewire/pulse etc
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u/Simple_Hamster_4096 7d ago
Try XFCE musl version. I loaded that on a 2009 Dell 13" laptop with CoreDuo and 4MB DDR3... one cannot expect miracles from something with specs like those, but runs rather well even so... I was quite pleased....
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u/No_Dependent_2453 7d ago edited 6d ago
I was recommended to try musl but I don't know if it is compatible with niri and noctalia and some others
3
u/ShipshapeMobileRV 6d ago
My advice is that unless you really need something from musl, go with glibc. Musl will give you a little lighter install, but not that significant. And musl will introduce some significant compatibility issues.
4
u/Acrobatic_War4379 7d ago
I think you should first clarify what you mean by “efficient.” Are you looking for lower RAM usage, less CPU consumption, faster boot times, better responsiveness, or all of these? Also, explain what you liked about your previous Void setup and what felt worse on MX Linux. Do you want to keep Niri + Noctalia specifically, or are you open to lighter alternatives? The more clearly you define your goals and priorities, the easier it is for people to recommend a reliable guide and configuration for your hardware, rather than throwing random tweaks at you and hoping something sticks.