Arch Linux Laptop Tweaks Guide

This guide helps improve laptop performance, battery life, and usability on Arch Linux.

1. Prevent Sleep When Lid is Closed

To keep your laptop running with the lid closed, modify systemd's configuration.

• Open a terminal and run:

  sudo tee -a /etc/systemd/logind.conf << EOF
  HandleSuspendKey=ignore
  HandleSuspendKeyLongPress=ignore
  HandleHibernateKey=ignore
  HandleHibernateKeyLongPress=ignore
  HandleLidSwitch=ignore
  HandleLidSwitchExternalPower=ignore
  HandleLidSwitchDocked=ignore
  EOF

• Reload the systemd config:

  sudo systemctl restart systemd-logind

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2. Battery Optimization

WARNING

Using both tlp and auto-cpufreq together will cause compatibility issues. It is recommended to use one power management tool at a time to avoid conflicts in settings and performance optimization.

2.1. auto-cpufreq (CPU Power Scaling) (Recommended)

auto-cpufreq adjusts CPU frequency and power settings based on system load and battery status, optimizing performance and energy use.

• Install auto-cpufreq (requires an AUR helper like yay):

  yay -S auto-cpufreq

• Test in live mode (observe real-time adjustments without installation):

  sudo auto-cpufreq --live

• Enable automatic startup (run at boot for automatic adjustments):

  sudo auto-cpufreq --install

• Monitor system over time (observe system behavior without making changes):

  sudo auto-cpufreq --monitor

• View CPU statistics:

  sudo auto-cpufreq --stats

• Uninstall the service:

  sudo auto-cpufreq --remove

2.2. TLP (Advanced Power Management)

TLP optimizes battery life automatically.

• Install TLP:

  sudo pacman -S tlp tlp-rdw

• Start and enable the service:

  sudo systemctl enable tlp --now

• Check TLP status:

  sudo tlp-stat

• Optional: For a GUI, install tlpui (requires AUR helper like yay):

  yay -S tlpui

  Run tlpui to configure TLP with a graphical interface.

2.3. CPU Scaling Governor

Optimize your CPU governor to balance performance and power usage, especially on battery-powered devices.

• Install Dependencies:

  sudo pacman -S cpupower

• View Current CPU Governor:

  cpupower frequency-info

  Or use:

  cat /sys/devices/system/cpu/cpu*/cpufreq/scaling_governor

• Set the CPU Governor:

  To set the governor to schedutil (recommended for modern kernels):

  sudo cpupower frequency-set -g schedutil

  For maximum battery efficiency, use the powersave governor:

  sudo cpupower frequency-set -g powersave

• Make the Governor Setting Persistent:

  Open the cpupower configuration file for editing:

  sudo nano /etc/default/cpupower

  Add or edit the following line:

  GOVERNOR="schedutil"  # or "powersave"

• Enable and Start the cpupower Service:

  sudo systemctl enable cpupower --now

• Verify the Governor Setting:

  cpupower frequency-info

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3. Adjust Swap Usage (Swappiness)

Reduce swap usage to improve performance.

• Check current swappiness (Default = 60):

  cat /proc/sys/vm/swappiness

• Edit the config file:

  sudo nano /etc/sysctl.conf

• Set swappiness to 10 for less aggressive swap usage:

  vm.swappiness=10

• Apply changes:

  sudo sysctl -p

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4. File System Performance (noatime)

Disable file access time writes for better performance, especially on SSDs.

• Edit /etc/fstab:

  sudo nano /etc/fstab

• Add noatime to your root (/) partition options:

  UUID=<your-disk-UUID> / ext4 defaults,noatime 0 1

Reboot to apply the change.

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5. System Monitoring Tools

5.1. powertop (Power Consumption Monitor)

Monitor and optimize power usage.

• Install powertop:

  sudo pacman -S powertop

• Run in interactive mode:

  sudo powertop

• Optimize settings automatically:

  sudo powertop --auto-tune

5.2. btop or htop (Resource Monitoring)

Monitor CPU, memory, and system resources.

• Install btop:

  sudo pacman -S btop

• Install htop:

  sudo pacman -S htop