Xiaomi RedmiBook 4X is a popular budget laptop with an Intel Core i3/i5 12 processor, which can eventually start to slow down. The reasons range from clogged autoloads to thermal trottling due to dust in the cooling system. In this article, we will discuss specific acceleration methods, from basic (disk cleaning) to advanced (overclocking RAM and replacing SSD). All recommendations are tested on real devices and do not require deep knowledge in IT.
It’s important to understand that RedmiBook 4X has limitations on upgrades (e.g., memory soldered to the motherboard, it can’t be replaced, and SSD supports only the M.2 2242 format). So the focus is on software optimizations and available hardware improvements. If your laptop “lays down” even after all the manipulations, the problem may lie in battery wear (it affects battery performance) or degraded thermal paste.
So let's get to the practice. Let's start with the simplest, and we'll gradually get to the heavy artillery.
1. Cleaning the system: remove garbage and unnecessary programs
The first step is to free up disk space and remove the background software that eats up resources. RedmiBook 4X often preinstalled applications from Xiaomi (e.g. Mi Bluetooth, Mi Share) that are rarely used but run in the background.
How to clean the system:
- 🧹 Built-in Windows utility: Open Settings → System → Memory and start Disk Cleanup. Delete temporary files, Recycle Bin and old updates.
- 🗑️ Uninstaller: Use Revo Uninstaller or Geek Uninstaller to completely remove software (including residual files in the registry).
- 🔍 Autoboot: In Task Manager (Tasktop tab) disable all programs except antivirus and drivers.
- 📁 Manual cleaning: Check the folders C:\Users\Your nameAppData\Local\Temp and C:\Windows\Temp—there are often gigabytes of garbage that accumulate.
Pay special attention to browser cache. For example, Google Chrome can take up to 5-10 GB on disk. Clear it through Settings → Privacy → Clear history (select All the time and check cookies and other site data).
⚠️ Warning: Don't manually delete the WinSxS folder, which can break the system. Use the command in CMD (on behalf of the administrator): Dism.exe /Online /Cleanup-Image /AnalyzeComponentStore to clean it.
2. Optimize Windows 11 for RedmiBook 4X
Windows 11 is set to “universality” by default, but for RedmiBook 4X with its 8-16 GB of RAM and 256-512 GB SSD, some features can be turned off without losing functionality.
Key settings:
- 🎨 Visual effects: in Settings → System → About System → Additional System Settings → Speed Select Ensure Best Performance.
- 🔄 Background apps: in Settings → Privacy → Background apps disable everything but necessary (e.g. Telegram or Discord).
- 🖥️ Screen resolution: If you use Full HD (1920×1080), try lowering to HD (1366×768) will reduce the load on the built-in Intel Iris Xe graphics.
- 🔋 Power mode: In Control Panel → Power supply, select High Performance (especially if you are running from the grid).
For advanced users: disable search indexing (unless you use file search). To do this, in the Services (services.msc), find Windows Search and set the launch type Disabled.
| Setting up | Impact on productivity | Recommendation for RedmiBook 4X |
|---|---|---|
| Visual effects | Reduces the load on the CPU/GPU to 5-10% | Shut down. |
| Background applications | Frees up to 500 MB of RAM | Leave only the critical ones |
| Search indexing | Reduces disk load by 10-15% | Disable if you don't need a search |
| Power regimen | Increases CPU clock speed to 3.8 GHz (vs 2.5 GHz in balanced) | High performance (from the network) |
dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealthThis will fix the damaged files that can cause lags.-->
3. Driver and BIOS updates: why it's critical
Outdated drivers are one of the main reasons for poor performance on the RedmiBook 4X.
- 🖥️ Intel Iris Xe Video Driver – affects the rendering of the interface and the game.
- 🔊 Realtek Audio Driver – can cause sound stuttering at high load.
- 🔋 Power management drivers are responsible for the CPU clock speed when operating from the battery.
- 📡 Wi-Fi/Bluetooth — Outdated versions can slow down the network.
How to update drivers:
- Download the latest versions from Intel’s website (for CPU/GPU) and Xiaomi’s official website (for other components).
- Use Driver Booster or Snappy Driver Installer to automatically search for updates.
- For BIOS, check the current version in Settings → System → About System. For the latest firmware, look for the Xiaomi Support page (select RedmiBook 14/15 2023, as the 4X is the international version).
⚠️ Warning: Updating BIOS is a risky procedure. If the laptop turns off during firmware, it can turn into a brick. Use an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) and don't interrupt the process.
After the driver update, restart your laptop and check the performance in Benchmark tests (like the Cinebench R23 or 3DMark), the difference before and after can be as high as 15-20%.
Download the firmware from the official website|Connect the UPS or charge the battery to 100%|Close all programs|Do not use your laptop during the upgrade-->
4 Overclocking RAM (RAM): can and how?
The RedmiBook 4X comes with LPDDR4X memory soldered to the motherboard, which means you can’t replace or add the bars, but you can try overclocking your existing memory via the BIOS.
Instructions for overclocking RAM:
- Restart your laptop and press F2 (or Del) to log into the BIOS.
- Go to Advanced → Memory Settings.
- Find Memory Frequency or DRAM Timing. By default, RedmiBook 4X costs 3200 MHz (for i5) or 2933 MHz (for i3).
- Try increasing the frequency by 100–200 MHz (e.g., up to 3400 MHz).
- Save settings (F10) and restart.
If the laptop doesn't start, the BIOS will reset to factory settings automatically (proof of failures). Successful overclocking can give an increase of 5-10% in synthetic tests, but in real tasks the difference will be minimal.
What to do if after overclocking the RAM laptop began to overheat?
5. SSD Replacement: Which Drive to Choose for RedmiBook 4X
Stock SSD in RedmiBook 4X is often a bottleneck. Models on 256 GB use slow drives with read/write speeds of ~1500 MB/s, while modern SSD reach 3500-ZXPH0006QXZ MB/s.
Characteristics of compatible SSDs:
- 📏 Form factor: M.2 2242 only (short key B+M).
- 🔧 Protocol: PCIe 3.0 x4 (PCIe 4.0 is not supported!).
- 💾 Recommended models: Samsung 980 Pro (up to 3,500MB/s, but will require an adapter due to the height of the chips). WD Black SN770 (3200MB/s, optimal for price/performance). Kingston KC3000 (3000MB/s, low heat generation).
How to replace an SSD:
- Turn off the laptop, disconnect the battery (unscrew the bottom cover, turn off the battery plume).
- Unscrew the screw that locks the SSD, and carefully remove it.
- Install a new drive and fix it.
- Install Windows again (disk cloning can cause errors due to different controllers).
⚠️ Warning: When replacing SSD with RedmiBook 4X, don't use radiator drives -- they won't fit in the bay. Also avoid cheap SSD without DRAM- cache (e.g. Kingston A400), they brake when under high load.
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Replacing an SSD with a faster one (for example, from 1500 MB/s to 3200 MB/s) gives an increase in performance of up to 30% when working with files and booting the system.
6.Thermal trottling: How to lower temperature and increase productivity
The RedmiBook 4X is prone to overheating due to its compact body and one fan. At temperatures above 95°C, trottling is triggered - the CPU automatically reduces the frequency, which leads to lags.
Ways to combat overheating:
- 🧹 Dust cleanup: Take your laptop apart (or call the service) and blow the radiator with compressed air. Pay special attention to copper tubes, which often get clogged.
- 🧴 Thermopaste replacement: The original paste on RedmiBook 4X dries in 1.5–2 years. Recommended replacements are Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut or Arctic MX-6.
- 📉 Undervolting: Reduce voltage by CPU via ThrottleStop or Intel XTU. This reduces heat generation without loss of performance. Start with -50 mV and test stability.
- 🪟 Cooled stand: Active blower models (e.g. Cooler Master NotePal X3) reduce temperatures by 5–10°C.
To check the temperature, use HWMonitor or Core Temp. Normal values under load:
- CPU: up to 85°C (short-term to 90°C).
- GPU: up to 75°C.
- SSD: up to 60°C (in excess, reduced service life).
7. Alternative OS: Should I install Linux?
If Windows 11 seems too heavy for RedmiBook 4X, consider Linux distributions that are optimized for low-grade hardware.
- 🐧 Xubuntu is a lightweight version of Ubuntu with XFCE environment. Consumes ~500MB of RAM in standby mode.
- 🌐 Linux Mint (Cinnamon) is a friendlier interface, but requires ~1 GB of RAM.
- ⚡ Manjaro (XFCE) is a rolling-release, always up-to-date driver.
Linux on RedmiBook 4X:
- Fast boot (up to 10 seconds vs. 20-30 in Windows)
- There is no background software (up to 2 GB of RAM is released).
- Best support for older drivers (relevant to Intel Iris Xe)
Cons:
- There is no official support for some programs (for example, Adobe Photoshop, 1C).
- Problems with touchpad gestures and function keys (must be adjusted manually).
- Difficulty with dual loading (Windows + Linux) due to UEFI Secure Boot.
If you decide on Linux, use Ventoy to create a multi-boot flash drive and test the system in Live mode before installing.