Use Linux Mint Xfce or Xubuntu.

Regular Linux Mint might run OK, but you’ll get more performance with a more resource cautious Desktop Environment like XFCE.

Both can be booted in live mode too to do the file backup first, and then you can proceed with the installation.

I have a similar Notebook, which I’ve setup with Xubuntu as my DIY Chromebook. It’s not a Chromebook of any kind, but I put Vivaldi Browser on Autostart and mostly use it for browsing, works great and still runs apps fine if really needed.

Immich is such a cool piece of software 🤩