> -----Original Message-----
> From: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
> [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]]On Behalf Of David Bushong
> Sent: Saturday, January 08, 2000 10:49 AM
> To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
> Subject: load spike strangeness
>
>
> I have noticed a strange occurrence infrequently over the last year
> or so running -STABLE. I will describe it as best I can, and what
> I've tried to figure it out. I don't expect anyone here to know
> immediately why it's happening, but maybe someone can give me tips
> on things to try to figure it out.
>
> System:
> PII/266 overclocked to 300
> 3 DIMMs: 2 x 32 + 1 x 64
> 2 SCSI UW drives: 1 9GB 7200 rpm, 1 4GB 5400 rpm, both IBM
> Adaptec 2940UW
> Seagate 4GB travan tape drive
> IDE Creative 5x DVD w/ mpeg card
> Creative TNT video card
Overclocking is *NEVER* recommended
>
> Software:
> OS: Many different versions of FreeBSD X.Y-STABLE
> daemons: apache 1.3.6, named, ypbind, ypserv, nfsd, xntpd
>
> Symptom:
> I'm running X, a few xterms, a few ssh's, fvwm2. Have an xload in
> the corner. Typing along happily, I notice the load running flat
> at one. Never heard any exciting disk activity. If left
> unattended (or even if not) goes away by itself in maybe 5 minutes.
> Must time more precisely next time.
>
> Things I tried:
> Run uptime. Get a load of ~ 1. Check top. Says CPU is 99.5%
> idle. Run ps, wait 10 seconds, run ps, and compare PIDs. They
> aren't flying by (difference in 'ps' PID is max 1 or 2). I start
> up an mp3 encode on a known track and time it. The load reads 2
> while I'm doing this. It takes no longer than when my machine is
> completely unloaded.
>
> Now I know everyone says load is a poor indicator of this and doesn't
> reflect that, but anyone have:
>
> a) any idea what could cause a phantom, meaningless spike in the load?
> b) any idea what other things I could try to figure out why this is
> happening? (i'll try timing it next time, and keeping track of when
> it happens to see if there's a pattern)
>
> Important? No. Baffling? Yes.
>
> --David Bushong
FreeBSD
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
"LinSUX is only free if your time is worthless"
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