TLP + ThinkPad: Ultimate Linux Battery & Thermal Management for Old Laptops

If you’re using a ThinkPad on Linux—especially an older model like the ThinkPad T460—you owe it to yourself to install TLP.

I’ve been tuning my T460 running CachyOS in Malaysia’s hot climate (no aircon, just a ceiling fan), and the difference with TLP is night and day. Let’s talk about how TLP works, how it makes your laptop smarter, and why it pairs beautifully with ThinkPads.

💡 What Is TLP?

TLP is an advanced power management tool for Linux laptops. It automatically optimizes power usage depending on whether you’re plugged in or on battery, and offers a ton of ThinkPad-specific battery care features.

• On battery: Saves power, reduces heat
• On AC: Prioritizes performance
• On ThinkPads: Enables battery charge thresholds, recalibration, discharge, etc.

🔧 Why ThinkPads + TLP Just Work

ThinkPads are well-known for their Linux compatibility. TLP detects ThinkPad hardware via the thinkpad_acpi kernel module, enabling advanced features without needing extra modules like acpi_call-dkms.

On my T460, TLP uses natacpi (native ACPI) to:

✅ Set charging thresholds
✅ Prevent battery degradation
✅ Reduce fan noise and overheating
✅ Automatically stop charging at 80%
✅ Keep things cool—even in a hot room

🛠 My Current Setup

🔋 Battery Management

I’m using these thresholds in /etc/tlp.conf:

START_CHARGE_THRESH_BAT0=75
STOP_CHARGE_THRESH_BAT0=80

That means charging only starts when my battery drops to 75%, and stops at 80%. This helps extend the battery’s lifespan—great if your laptop spends most of the time plugged in.

TLP also supports force discharge and recalibration if needed.

❄️ Fan + Cooling

Pairing TLP with ThinkFan gives full control of fan levels. I’m using an aggressive ThinkFan config to keep temps low. The fan spins up early to compensate for the Malaysian heat. Result? No thermal throttling.

🔍 How to Check If acpi_call-dkms Is Needed

TLP doesn’t need acpi_call-dkms if natacpi is active, which you can check with:

sudo tlp-stat -b

Look for:

Driver usage:
* natacpi (thinkpad_acpi) = active

If that’s active, you can uninstall acpi_call-dkms safely. I did!

sudo pacman -Rns acpi_call-dkms

✅ Final Thoughts

TLP is a must-have for anyone running Linux on a ThinkPad. Combine it with ThinkFan and your old laptop will feel cooler, quieter, and smarter—even in hot climates like mine.

It’s free, open source, and incredibly effective.

🧪 Bonus Tip

Want to see TLP in action?

sudo tlp-stat -s    # See current power status
sudo tlp-stat -b    # Battery and charging status

Then just sit back and enjoy better thermals, longer battery life, and a cooler laptop.

📌 TL;DR

• Install TLP on ThinkPads for power and battery management.
• Native support via thinkpad_acpi (no acpi_call-dkms needed).
• Works great with ThinkFan for thermal control.
• Set charge thresholds to extend battery health.
• Perfect for hot weather or 24/7 plugged-in laptops.

Want to automate thermal management and battery care like a pro? TLP is the answer. 🛠️