I'm transitioning my family computers to Linux to avoid Windows 11 and keep the old hardware functional. I'm currently working with an HP Mini Desktop 8100 Elite featuring an Intel Core i5 650 at 3.20GHz and 8GB of DDR3 RAM. Previously, it ran Windows 10 on a failing Hitachi 1TB HDD, but I'm now trying to install Linux on a Western Digital Blue SA510 SSD. However, I'm encountering freezes with various distros after about 30 minutes to an hour of use, and sometimes even before entering the password. I've tested the following distributions: Xubuntu 24.04.3, Lununtu 24.04.3, Ubuntu 24.04.03, Ubuntu 22.04.04, and Mint Mate 22.2. Although older distros seem to perform a bit better, they all experience freezing issues. I did a comprehensive memory test that came back fine, so I'm looking for suggestions on what steps I could take next to resolve this.
3 Answers
Consider enabling legacy/CSM mode in the BIOS. Sometimes, adjusting the BIOS settings can make a significant difference in stability, especially on older machines.
Have you tried using non-Ubuntu based distros? You might want to check out Aurora or Bazzite, which use different kernels and could offer better stability for your hardware. While running Bazzite on my own PC, I've noticed remarkable performance and stability, even for gaming. Different distributions, especially those based on Debian like Ubuntu, can have unique compatibility issues. If things don’t improve, Bazzite has been my go-to for older machines, so it could be worth a shot!
You might want to check the dmesg log for any hints on what could be causing the freezes. Just open your terminal and type in 'dmesg'. It will display system messages that may pinpoint the issue.

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