Why RedmiBook 9 is slowing down and how to fix it
Xiaomi RedmiBook laptop 9 (model RB15A4R, RB14A4R It was originally marketed as a budget solution for work and study, but over time, even the latest "ten" on Intel Core. i3/i5 10-The next generation begins to slow down: a long boot of Windows, hanging when opening 10+ tabs in the browser, jerks in simple games like CS:GO or 2. The fault is a combination of the weak. SSD on 256 GB (often with low recording speed), 8 GB of RAM in single-channel mode and factory "junk" system.
In this article, weโll look at 10 proven ways to speed up RedmiBook 9, from basic software tweaks to upgrades to hardware. Importantly, some methods require disassembling the laptop (such as replacing the heat paste or adding a heat paste). RAM), And that would void Xiaomi's warranty if it was still valid, and let's start with the safest, most free solution.
1. Cleaning the system from debris and background processes
The first thing to do is to delete unnecessary files and programs that load the processor and disk. RedmiBook 9 often preinstalled applications from Xiaomi (for example, Mi Bluetooth, Mi Share), which run in the background and eat up to 10% CPU. The culprits of the brakes may also be:
- ๐๏ธ Temporary files in %Temp%, Prefetch and browser cache folders (especially if you use Chrome or Edge).
- ๐พ Autoboot โ programs that run with Windows and slow down the boot.
- ๐ฆ Viruses and miners masquerading as system processes (e.g., high-load svchost.exe).
Use the built-in Windows tools to clean:
- Press Win + R, enter cleanmgr and select the C: drive.
- Run Disk Cleanup with Administrator Rights (right-click) โ Launch on behalf of the administrator).
- Check all items, especially Temporary Files, Recycle Bin and Update Log Files.
To remove unnecessary programs from the boot:
- Open the Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc).
- Go to the Autoboot tab.
- Disable all programs except antivirus and drivers (e.g., antivirus, NVIDIA GeForce Experience or Realtek Audio).
๐ก
If after cleaning the free space on the disk C: less than 10%, expand it by disk D: through Disk Management (Win) + X โ To do this, RedmiBook 9 must have an unlabeled partition or free space on D:.
2. Optimizing Windows 10/11 weak-iron
Windows 11 by default consumes more resources than Windows 10, due to new visuals and background services.On RedmiBook 9 with 8GB RAM It's critical. That's what you can turn off:
| Setting up | How to turn off | The effect |
|---|---|---|
| Visual effects | Parameters โ System system โ Additional system parameters โ Speed of action โ Set up โ Ensure the best possible speed | Reducing the load on GPU 5-15% |
| Search indexing | Services โ Windows Search โ Launch type: Disabled | Reduced disk load by 20โ30% |
| Updates in the background | Parameters โ Windows Update โ Additional parameters โ Optimizing delivery โ Shut down. | Reducing network activity and load on CPU |
| Telemetry and diagnostics | Parameters โ Confidentiality โ Diagnostics and feedback โ Shut down. | Reducing background activity of the system |
For Windows 11, it is also recommended to:
- ๐ Disable widgets (right-click on the taskbar) โ Widgets โ Shut down).
- ๐จ Install the classic Start menu via ExplorerPatcher or StartAllBack (reduces consumption) RAM 200-300 MB).
- ๐ Transfer the power plan to high performance mode (control panel) โ Power supply).
Updating drivers and BIOS
Outdated drivers are one of the main reasons for brakes. In RedmiBook 9, it is especially important to update:
- ๐ฅ๏ธ Chipset driver (responsible for work) USB, SATA, PCIe).
- ๐ฎ Video card driver (even for built-in Intel) UHD Graphics or discrete NVIDIA MX250/MX350).
- ๐ Sound driver (often causes stutters when playing video).
- ๐ก Driver. Wi-Fi/Bluetooth (RedmiBook 9 Intel module AX200/AX201, which without updates may lose connection).
Download drivers only from official sources:
- ๐ Intel (for processor, chipset, Wi-Fi)
- ๐ NVIDIA (discrete-graph)
- ๐ Lenovo (for BIOS) โ Xiaomi is not releasing updates. BIOS RedmiBook, but these laptops are built on Lenovo platform, so firmware is suitable.
For updates BIOS:
- Download the latest version for your model (for example, for the RB15A4R Find firmware for Lenovo IdeaPad S540-15API).
- Unpack the archive on a flash drive in format FAT32.
- Restart the laptop while holding the Fn + F2 (or Del to enter into BIOS.
- Select Update BIOS and follow the instructions.
What happens if the update is interrupted? BIOS?
4. Thermopaste replacement and dust cleaning
RedmiBook 9 is more than its counterparts because of its compact body and weak cooling system.ยฐC starts trottling, which causes a sharp drop in performance. So the solution is to replace the heat paste and clean the fan.
To disassemble the laptop you will need:
- โ๏ธ Screwdriver. PH00 (back-cover).
- ๐งด Thermopasta (Arctic) MX-6, Noctua NT-H2 Or the Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut).
- ๐งน Brush and canister of compressed air for dust cleaning.
- ๐ง Plastic blades for careful removal of the cover.
Step-by-step:
- Turn off the laptop, turn off the power, and remove the battery (if possible).
- Unscrew all the screws on the back cover (in RedmiBook 9 there are 10-12 pieces).
- Carefully tuck the lid with a plastic spatula, starting at the corner next to the hinges.
- Clean the radiator and fan of dust. RedmiBook 9 often accumulates dust in the lower left corner (near the air intake).
- Remove the old thermopaste from the processor and chipset with a cotton swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol.
- Apply the new thermopaste in a thin layer (about the size of a pea) and evenly distribute.
Make a backup copy of the data|Buy a thermal paste with thermal conductivity >10 W/mยทK|Prepare the workplace (without carpets and static electricity)|Take a picture of the location of the screws and plumes before disassembly-->
After cleaning and replacing the thermopaste, the temperature of the processor under load should drop by 10-20ยฐC. You can check this in HWMonitor or Core Temp.
๐ก
If the temperature hasn't dropped after cleaning, check if the radiator fits tightly with the processor. RedmiBook 9 sometimes loosens the cooler's spring mounts - they need to bend.
5. Upgrade of RAM and SSD
Xiaomi RedmiBook 9 supports up to 16GB DDR4 (2 slots SO-DIMM) and M.2 SSD 2280 format (PCIe 3.0) x4). This is the main advantage of the laptop - it can be significantly accelerated due to the upgrade.
RAM:
- ๐น If you have 8GB in one slot, add another 8GB bar for dual-channel mode (up to 30% performance gains in games and rendering).
- ๐น Optimal models: Crucial CT8G4SFRA32A, Samsung M471A1K43DB1, Kingston KVR26S19S8/8.
- ๐น Important: Both slats should be at the same frequency (2666 MHz or 3200 MHz).
SSD:
- ๐พ Factory SATA SSD 256GB (Kingston) OM8PCP3 or WD SN520) record-rate ~300MB/s. Replace it with PCIe NVMe (Samsung 970) EVO Plus, WD Black SN750, Crucial P5) 2,000-speed+ MB/s.
- ๐ง For replacement SSD unscrew one screw on the back cover (under the rubber leg) and remove the old drive.
- โ ๏ธ Attention: Replacement SSD Windows will have to be reinstalled. Backup your data in advance!
Comparison of performance before and after upgrade:
| Configuration | Windows boot speed | FPS into CS:GO (1080p, low-setting) | Video Render Time (Adobe Premiere) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard (8 GB) + SATA SSD) | ~25 seconds | ~60 FPS | ~12 minutes |
| 16GB + PCIe NVMe | ~10 seconds | ~90 FPS | ~7 minutes |
6.Tune in. BIOS for maximum productivity
V BIOS RedmiBook 9 hidden settings that can give an additional 5-15% performance. To log in, when you turn on the laptop, hold the Fn + F2 (Del).
Recommended settings:
- ๐ง Advanced โ CPU Configuration โ Intel Turbo Boost: Enabled (accelerates the processor when loaded).
- ๐ง Advanced โ Power & Performance โ CPU Power Management: Disabled (disables power restrictions).
- ๐ง Advanced โ System Agent (SA) Configuration โ Graphics Configuration โ DVMT Pre-Allocated: Install 512M (Increase memory for built-in graphics).
- ๐ง Boot โ Fast Boot: Disabled (sometimes causes problems with the game) USB-device).
After the changes, save the settings (F10) If you have artifacts on the screen or the laptop starts to overheat, return the settings to default).
๐ก
Settings BIOS Reset when updated or reset CMOS (Always write down the changed parameters to quickly restore them.
7. Optimization for games and heavy applications
If you are using RedmiBook 9 play-work Photoshop/Premiere, In addition to upgrading iron, fine-tuning of the software will help:
For games:
- ๐ฎ Install. NVIDIA GeForce Experience (if you have discrete graphics) and optimize your settings automatically.
- ๐ง In manual mode, reduce the shadows and effects of particles โ they are the most loading GPU.
- ๐ฅ๏ธ Use your permission. 1280ร720 instead 1920ร1080 โ growth FPS before 40%.
- ๐ Turn off V-Sync and Anti-Aliasing in the game settings.
For working with video/graphics:
- ๐ฌ In Adobe Premiere, switch to Software Only in render settings (File) โ Project Settings โ Video Rendering and Playback).
- ๐ผ๏ธ In Photoshop, reduce the number of stories (Edit) โ Performance โ History States to 10โ20.
- ๐พ Use Scratch Disk on the outside SSD (If internal memory is lacking).
To monitor the load in real time, use:
- ๐ MSI Afterburner (for) FPS temperature GPU).
- ๐ HWInfo (for detailed information on the subject) CPU, RAM, disk).
8.Alternative OS: Linux for maximum performance
If Windows is slow even after all the optimizations, consider installing Linux. RedmiBook 9 is the best distribution for you:
- ๐ง Ubuntu 22.04 LTS (stable, with good driver support).
- ๐ฆญ Linux Mint 21 (Simple for beginners).
- โก Manjaro KDE (Maximum productivity but requires skills).
The advantages of Linux on RedmiBook 9:
- โ System boot in 5-7 seconds (vs. 20-30 in Windows).
- โ The load on RAM in downtime - 1-1.5 GB (vs. 2.5-3 GB in Windows 11).
- โ Better support for old hardware (such as Intel's built-in graphics) UHD).
Disadvantages:
- โ No official support NVIDIA Optimus (you have to disable discrete graphics or use prime-select).
- โ Not all games work (proton or vinyl required).
- โ There are no professional software (such as Adobe Suite), but there are alternatives like GIMP or kdenlive).
For Linux installation:
- Download. ISO-Image from the official distribution site.
- Write it on a flash drive via Rufus or BalenaEtcher.
- Boot from the flash drive (F12 when activated) and follow the installer's instructions.
- For two systems (Windows) + Linux: At least 50 GB of Linux.