I agree with the other posters, your hardware is going to hold you back. But you could try switching to a lighter desktop environment like LXDE instead of GNOME. This user found a small increase in performance: https://www.reddit.com/r/linux_gaming/comments/dg87jp/does_the_desktop_environment_matter_for_gaming/
But they had somewhat beefy hardware. If you're truly at the limit of your specs, 100% CPU/RAM usage, your performance increase could be even more.
A solid that isn't undergoing any sort of chemical reaction isn't going to smell because there isn't anything to smell. You need a molecule to enter your nose to smell. That's my basic understanding, someone smarter than I can explain it better.
Also I'm not sure any country still uses iron for coins.