
Linux After Dark Linux After Dark – Episode 99
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Jul 4, 2025 In a thrilling challenge, participants dive into revitalizing £50 Linux machines. They share their hands-on experiences with the Lenovo ThinkPad L380, revealing performance upgrades and troubleshooting triumphs. The nitty-gritty of tech repairs, including adhesive fixes and battery replacements, showcases both the frustrations and victories of breathing new life into old gear. As they look ahead, discussions on future challenges emphasize choosing practical devices and the excitement of turning unused tech into functional systems for their Linux adventures.
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Free Upgrade on ThinkPad L380
- Gary received a free upgrade from an i3 to an i5 ThinkPad L380 after a faulty microphone issue.
- He repasted the CPU and found the machine pleasant and reliable to use for £50.
Use BIOS and Battery to Boost Performance
- Always check BIOS settings when performance seems low; in May's HP laptop, Turbo Boost was disabled due to battery issues.
- Installing a functioning battery can unlock full CPU performance, even if the laptop runs on charger power.
Fujitsu Desktop Rescue and Upgrade
- Chris bought a cheap Fujitsu desktop filled with confidential data from an optician, which he wiped before installing Linux.
- He upgraded to a new SSD, upgraded BIOS, and found the machine pleasant to use after setup.

