Description of problem: Constant "Out of Memory" errors on x86_64 boxes when doing rsyncs (but even when not doing rsync) Version-Release number of selected component (if applicable): 2.6.9-34.0.2.ELsmp How reproducible: On one of my x86_64, I can reproduce it within 2 hours after reboot by doing an rsync from one of my ext3 volumes to another. I have seen it happen on some boxes where rsync is not involved so it is is not specifically an rsync thing. Steps to Reproduce: 1. Boot up box 2. Start rsync between two large 10's GB volumes 3. Wait for "oom-killer" message in log Actual results: oom-killer starts killing random processes Expected results: The kernel should not run out of memory Additional info: SUSE has a patch fix for this I found which I have attached and it has fixed the problem for me. It is a patch called: Disable block layer bouncing for most memory on 64bit systems
Created attachment 132841 [details] Disable block layer bouncing for most memory on 64bit systems
Jason Baron emailed me that a possible workaround is to do: echo 100 > /proc/sys/vm/lower_zone_protection
did the workaround help?
I have not tried it. I have the patched kernel running on all my dual Opteron boxes that are the only ones that give the error.
This request was evaluated by Red Hat Product Management for inclusion in a Red Hat Enterprise Linux maintenance release. Product Management has requested further review of this request by Red Hat Engineering, for potential inclusion in a Red Hat Enterprise Linux Update release for currently deployed products. This request is not yet committed for inclusion in an Update release.
QE ack for 4.5.
Jason are we moving ahead with Andi's patch for R4.5? Do we know this to be a problem and can justify including the patch in R4.5 based on code inspection? If not we should close the bug report out as wontfix.
*** This bug has been marked as a duplicate of 236051 ***