Guest kask Posted January 9, 2008 Report Share Posted January 9, 2008 Hello, I am using Mandriva 2008.0 and am generally pleased with it... I just realized that only 1GB of my 3GB of memory are being used! => more /proc/meminfo MemTotal: 905800 kB ... Does anyone have any ideas? Do I need to install a special kernel or something? Thanks for any help you can give. [moved from Software by spinynorman - welcome aboard :)] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
neddie Posted January 9, 2008 Report Share Posted January 9, 2008 You might find this old post from adamw useful (although it's probably outdated now): https://mandrivausers.org/index.php?s=&...st&p=182261 It would be useful to know what kind of processor your machine has got and what is the output of uname -a to see if the right kernel is being used. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AussieJohn Posted January 9, 2008 Report Share Posted January 9, 2008 Kask you certainly are not using the correct kernel. You only need to read the kernel titles and they TELL you what kernels are for up to 1Gb and what kernels are for up to 4Gb. It really is quite simple. The same goes for a poster in another thread that had 5Gb of memory but the system said only 4Gb existed. Cheers. John. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
imr Posted January 9, 2008 Report Share Posted January 9, 2008 (edited) Things and kernels have changed but the problem is the same. It probably comes from a ONE installation, the ONE kernel needing to support a wide range of hardware some optimisation are disabled like high memory support. So a kernel-desktop or kernel-laptop will support high mem (from 1 Go up), but kernel-desktop586 will not. $ urpmq kernel-desktop586-2.6.24-0.rc6.2mdv -i Name : kernel-desktop586-2.6.24-0.rc6.2mdv Version : 1 Release : 1mdv2008.1 Group : System/Kernel and hardware Size : 25395033 Architecture: i586 Source RPM : kernel-2.6.24-0.rc6.2mdv2008.1.src.rpm Build Host: build1.conectiva URL : [url="http://www.kernel.org/"]http://www.kernel.org/[/url] Summary : Linux kernel for desktop use with i586 & 1GB RAM Description : The kernel package contains the Linux kernel (vmlinuz), the core of your Mandriva Linux operating system. The kernel handles the basic functions of the operating system: memory allocation, process allocation, device input and output, etc. This kernel is compiled for desktop use, single or multiple i586 processor(s)/core(s) and less than 1GB RAM (usually 870-900MB detected)[/, using voluntary preempt, CFS cpu scheduler and cfq i/o scheduler. This kernel relies on in-kernel smp alternatives to switch between up & smp mode depending on detected hardware. To force the kernel to boot in single processor mode, use the "nosmp" boot parameter. For instructions for update, see: [url="http://www.mandriva.com/en/security/kernelupdate"]http://www.mandriva.com/en/security/kernelupdate[/url] $ urpmq kernel-desktop-2.6.24-0.rc6.2mdv -i Name : kernel-desktop-2.6.24-0.rc6.2mdv Version : 1 Release : 1mdv2008.1 Group : System/Kernel and hardware Size : 25390244 Architecture: i586 Source RPM : kernel-2.6.24-0.rc6.2mdv2008.1.src.rpm Build Host: build1.conectiva URL : [url="http://www.kernel.org/"]http://www.kernel.org/[/url] Summary : Linux Kernel for desktop use with i686 & 4GB RAM Description : The kernel package contains the Linux kernel (vmlinuz), the core of your Mandriva Linux operating system. The kernel handles the basic functions of the operating system: memory allocation, process allocation, device input and output, etc. This kernel is compiled for desktop use, single or multiple i686 processor(s)/core(s) and less than 4GB RAM[/, using HZ_1000, voluntary preempt, CFS cpu scheduler and cfq i/o scheduler. This kernel relies on in-kernel smp alternatives to switch between up & smp mode depending on detected hardware. To force the kernel to boot in single processor mode, use the "nosmp" boot parameter. For instructions for update, see: [url="http://www.mandriva.com/en/security/kernelupdate"]http://www.mandriva.com/en/security/kernelupdate[/url] $ urpmq kernel-laptop-2.6.24-0.rc6.2mdv -i Name : kernel-laptop-2.6.24-0.rc6.2mdv Version : 1 Release : 1mdv2008.1 Group : System/Kernel and hardware Size : 23951586 Architecture: i586 Source RPM : kernel-2.6.24-0.rc6.2mdv2008.1.src.rpm Build Host: build1.conectiva URL : [url="http://www.kernel.org/"]http://www.kernel.org/[/url] Summary : Linux kernel for improved laptop battery runtime with i686 & 4GB RAM Description : The kernel package contains the Linux kernel (vmlinuz), the core of your Mandriva Linux operating system. The kernel handles the basic functions of the operating system: memory allocation, process allocation, device input and output, etc. This kernel is compiled for laptop use, targeting users that wants prolonged battery life. If you want to sacrifice battery life for performance / responsiveness, you better use the kernel-desktop. It supports single or multiple i686 processor(s)/core(s) and less than 4GB RAM[/, using HZ_300 instead of HZ_1000 as a compromise to save battery, no preempt, CFS cpu scheduler, cfq i/o scheduler and some other laptop-specific optimizations. This kernel relies on in-kernel smp alternatives to switch between up & smp mode depending on detected hardware. To force the kernel to boot in single processor mode, use the "nosmp" boot parameter. Edited January 9, 2008 by imr Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
imr Posted January 9, 2008 Report Share Posted January 9, 2008 (edited) Kask you certainly are not using the correct kernel. You only need to read[/ the kernel titles and they TELL[/ you what kernels are for up to 1Gb and what kernels are for up to 4Gb.It really is quite simple. Nope, they don't anymore and things werent that simple with that old naming either. The same goes for a poster in another thread that had 5Gb of memory but the system said only 4Gb existed. He would need the kernel-server then, now. Not terribly explicit either. $ urpmq kernel-server-2.6.24-0.rc6.2mdv -i Name : kernel-server-2.6.24-0.rc6.2mdv Version : 1 Release : 1mdv2008.1 Group : System/Kernel and hardware Size : 25476179 Architecture: i586 Source RPM : kernel-2.6.24-0.rc6.2mdv2008.1.src.rpm Build Host: build1.conectiva URL : http://www.kernel.org/ Summary : Linux Kernel for server use with i686 & 64GB RAM Description : The kernel package contains the Linux kernel (vmlinuz), the core of your Mandriva Linux operating system. The kernel handles the basic functions[ of the operating system: memory allocation, process allocation, device input and output, etc. This kernel is compiled for server use, single or multiple i686 processor(s)/core(s) and up to 64GB RAM[/ using PAE, using no preempt, HZ_100, CFS cpu scheduler and cfq i/o scheduler. This kernel relies on in-kernel smp alternatives to switch between up & smp mode depending on detected hardware. To force the kernel to boot in single processor mode, use the "nosmp" boot parameter. Edited January 9, 2008 by imr Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest kask Posted January 9, 2008 Report Share Posted January 9, 2008 Thank you for all your replies... the problem was indeed the kernel (like you all say). I found the guide at this place useful. I used the kernel-desktop kernel and everything is how it should be. It is a shame that the installer can't choose the appropriate kernel form me! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scarecrow Posted January 9, 2008 Report Share Posted January 9, 2008 You can't demand the installer having a high degree of artificial intelligence... For me, the main problem is that the new kernel nomenclature is not written IN CAPITALS somewhere, so everybody would take notice. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AussieJohn Posted January 10, 2008 Report Share Posted January 10, 2008 (edited) Imr, please have a look at the attached snapshot and tell me again that I didn't know what I was talking about. Cheers. John. Could a Mod. or Admin. please help by removing the second unnecessary second snapshot added in error. I can't find a way to remove it. JB I thanks you a lot. JB. Edited January 10, 2008 by AussieJohn Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
imr Posted January 10, 2008 Report Share Posted January 10, 2008 (edited) Imr, please have a look at the attached snapshot and tell me again that I didn't know what I was talking about. I didnt say that you don't know what you're talking about, I said the title don't say anymore what kernel is for 1Go and what kernel is for more. You never said to look into the Software Manager, so I assumed you were talking about the kernel names since that was what Adam's post cited in reference was talking about, because before that there was a kernel whose name was -i686-up-4GB . So you were right and you know what you're talking about, you just forgot to tell where were those infos you were talking about. :P To summarise this whole thread: infos about the kernels are available -on the release notes which should be read before installing, along with the erratas -in the packages where they can be accessed through the Software Manager and through the command line (urpmq -i ) -on the mandriva community wiki There is not a sophisticated AI that takes care of kernel needs, usage and possible problems for you, so people need to rely on one of those tools to learn to manage them. :P Edited January 10, 2008 by imr Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ianw1974 Posted January 11, 2008 Report Share Posted January 11, 2008 On 32 bit systems, i686-up-4GB wouldn't be enough, since it would only allow up to 4GB. If it's up to 64GB, then it will allow you to see the full 4GB of ram. Of course, if you have 3GB of ram, then the 4GB will be OK. I have 4GB and using a 4GB kernel, only allows me to see 3GB. If I use a 64bit distro, then I see the full 4GB. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest d4v1dv00 Posted March 15, 2008 Report Share Posted March 15, 2008 I am facing this problem also. Already installed MandrivaOne 2008.0 using kernel-server but still sees 3.5GB of my physical 4GB RAMs. If I were to UPGRADE to x64 using FreeCD, does it possible? My hardware also includes nVidia GeForce 8600 graphic card and Intel Pro/Wireless 3945ABG card, support of these 2 cars possible using Mandriva Free distro? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dark Posted March 16, 2008 Report Share Posted March 16, 2008 AFAIK You can't upgrade from 32 bit to 64 bit. Would need to do a fresh install Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DaveinSpain Posted March 16, 2008 Report Share Posted March 16, 2008 Didn even realise I wasn't addressing 2 meg until I read this board, but fixed it easily thanks to info here. Is there any point in installing a 64-bit version? I think my old P3 866 is technically a 64 bit but only has 256M of RAM and is running 2007 Spring Free. My other machine is a core 2 duo 4300 1.8Mhz with 2Gb running 2008 Free, joined by a wired LAN and switch box. Any advice (including where to get the 64-bit version)? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scarecrow Posted March 16, 2008 Report Share Posted March 16, 2008 No, your PIII isn't a 64-bit CPU, or a CPU complying to the EM64T standard. Compatible are Itaniums, second generation P IV's, Prescotts and newer Intel desktop CPU's. Even if it were and you were able to install, going 64-bit with old hardware, designed with 32-bit in mind, and just 256M RAM would completely cripple the system performance. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DaveinSpain Posted March 17, 2008 Report Share Posted March 17, 2008 Thought it might be something like that. Always best to ask, I think. Many thanks. Going to do a new post now on the messages I receive when booting the new himem kernel. :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.