[CentOS] System hangs silently

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On Wed, Jan 18, 2006 at 12:15:41PM -0800, Fong Vang wrote:
> > > We running htis kernel: kernel-smp-2.6.9-11.EL.i686.rpm.
> >
> > I have a fairly good idea what it is: context switch storm.
> >
> > We have been seeing it for quite some time. Always Intel hardware, usually
> > Xeons, but sometimes P4 HTs too. It is a known condition, even tho
> > the bug itself is still elusive. Could be either related to the
> > processor or the northbridge.
> 
> Are you supposed to see this abnomally when using vmstat to see
> context switch rate?  I'm only see < 150 on these machines (but
> they're functioning now so maybe we just haven't trigger the
> abnomally?).
> 
> We are using dual Xeons.
> 
> Which kernel would you recommend?  I guess we'll have to try the
> kernel from CentOS 4.2.

Yes, when the problem starts, your cs rate should go to at least 2K.
Sometimes you can get it past 100K (reported, not seen it myself).

Any non-smp kernel should solve your problem.

- -- 
Rodrigo Barbosa <rodrigob at suespammers.org>
"Quid quid Latine dictum sit, altum viditur"
"Be excellent to each other ..." - Bill & Ted (Wyld Stallyns)

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