Kubuntu low fat settings.

http://www.omgubuntu.co.uk/2011/09/kubuntu-low-fat-settings-speed-boost-older-hardware/

A new settings package available to install Kubuntu 11.10 claims to reduce memory usage and speed up boot times.

There is a ‘cost’ to using the Low Fat Settings package; inorder to create resource savings you lose various ‘eye candy’ functionality: -
Turns off compositing by default
Reduces the number of Krunner plugins loaded by default
Reduce the amount of effects used in the window decoration
Disables the automatic loading of various system modules – such as the free space notifier, Nepomuk services, and others

 

Also mentioned here. I'll wait for 11.10 final but once it's there I will certainly test this package. Looks promising although I wonder if I'll see a difference with my Intel i7.

 

I like all the enhancements of KDE so I run it on my dual XEON desktop which has enough juice and it doesn't even flinch with all decoration at max but I will try this on my i7 laptop for sure.