🧠 STEP 2: HARDWARE – “JUST WORKS” MODE

Minimum Hardware for Solace Survival

**RAM**: 4 GB minimum, but 8 GB or more makes Solace smooth. 2
**Storage**: At least 20 GB free — 30 GB is safer. 3
**CPU**: Any 64‑bit dual‑core or better. No 32‑bit. 4
**Display**: Needs to support at least 1024×768 resolution. 5

Optional (But Nice to Have)

**SSD** instead of old spinning disk — boots faster, safer. 6
**Integrated GPU** (like Intel or AMD iGPU) — speeds up LM Studio nicely. 7

What Doesn’t Work or Causes Headaches

LESS THAN 4 GB RAM — Mint runs comically slow or crashes.
32‑BIT Processor — Mint and Solace won’t install at all.
Ancient low-res display (<800×600) — you won’t see buttons.
Tiny hard drives (<20 GB) — updates and Solace model will fail.

Real‑World Example that Works

Many users report Linux Mint runs fine on old laptops (even those from the Windows XP era), as long as you use the XFCE desktop and at least 8 GB RAM plus an SSD. 8