Description of problem: There seems to be a bug with the anaconda installer for Red Hat Enterprise Linux (v. 5 for 64-bit x86_64) using the 3WARE SATA RAID CONTROLLER 8006 series and 4GB or more of memory. The anaconda installer formats the hard drives and installs some of the RPMS but it eventually hangs (between 15 to 20 percent). The same system was used with 3GB and it installs without a problem. The problem only occurs on systems with the 3WARE RAID SATA 8006 model which uses the 3w_xxxx kernel driver. 3WARE Raid adapters used for testing: Raid Card RAM DRIVER STATUS 8006S-2LP 4GB 3w-xxxx FAILED 8006S-2LP 3GB 3w-xxxx WORKED 8006S-2LP 8GB 3w-xxxx FAILED 9500-4LP 3GB 3w-9xxx WORKED 9500-4LP 4GB 3w-9xxx WORKED 9500-4LP 8GB 3w-9xxx WORKED It seems as though the problem is directly related to the 3w-xxxx driver on RedHat 5 64BIT Kernel using 4GB. I have tried using LSI RAID controllers and the 3WARE SATA RAID controller 9500 series and did not experience any problems while installing. I also wanted to point out the fact that the system can be installed with 3GB but when the 4GB are added I notice some strange problems such as RPM corruption and unable to untar files Version-Release number of selected component (if applicable): Server Components: * MotherBoard: Model MB-PDSMI+ * Processor: E6300 - CORE 2 DUO 1.86Ghz * Memory: 4x1GB/ SUPER TALENT 1GB 240 pins PC2-5400 DDR2 667 Computer Memory * Raid Controller: 3WARE RAID SATA 8006 2PT KIT (3WA80062LP) * Hard Drives: 2x250GB Raid One (WD2500JS SATA II 250G 8MB/7200) RedHat Version: Red Hat Enterprise Linux (v. 5 for 64-bit x86_64) Kernel Version: 2.6.18-53.1.4.el5 Install Method: Kickstart/Anaconda How reproducible: 1. Attempt to install RedHat Version: Red Hat Enterprise Linux (v. 5 for 64-bit x86_64) WITH 4GB of RAM via kickstart using a 3WARE SATA RAID Controller 8006 series or any 3WARE SATA RAID that uses the 3w-xxxx kernel driver. 2. Installer hangs while installing the RPMS between 15 to 20 percent. You can still go through the different screens and see the anaconda process using CPU, but it does not do anything. 3. Attempt using the same system with less than 4GB and the install completes.
Additional information from another user having the same problem: http://www.3ware.com/KB/article.aspx?id=15243
This issue is still present in RHEL 5.2