RAM > 1GB Questions

[undeadska]

I have seen a couple of posts here at JL about people having trouble with machines with more than 1 GB of RAM. From what I read you have to use an enterprise version of the kernel for some Distros.

Recently I updated my MDK9.1 box from 512 to 1GB but haven't had any problems. The machine still boots fine. Is this only a problem when installing? How can I check to ensure my system is actually recognizing the new 512 chip. It shows up in the BIOS.

:confused:

Thanks
Brian

[Hayl]

free

[ root@linuxbox /proc ] # free
total used free shared buffers cached
Mem: 1290172 622952 667220 0 106324 271456
-/+ buffers/cache: 245172 1045000
Swap: 979956 0 979956

there is also a kernel option you can pass at boot that works if not all is recognized - can't remember what one it is. if you search here you are bound to find it.

[X_shadow_X]

Originally posted by undeadska
How can I check to ensure my system is actually recognizing the new 512 chip.
Brian

Try this in CL dmesg
dont know, perhaps this will help.

[dalek]

I plan to upgrade mine to 1Gb. I'm glad yours worked. I'll cross my fingers and toes during the boot.

:D :D :D

[mdwatts]

My default kernel always recognizes the 1gb of memory I have.


free
total used free shared buffers cached
Mem: 1030632 210880 819752 0 11328 89280
-/+ buffers/cache: 110272 920360
Swap: 1052220 0 1052220


and I enable (from the kernel documentation - Configure.help)


If the machine has between 1 and 4 Gigabytes physical RAM, then
answer "4GB" here.

4GB
CONFIG_HIGHMEM4G
Select this if you have a 32-bit processor and between 1 and 4
gigabytes of physical RAM.


CONFIG_HIGHMEM4G=y when compiling my own custom kernel.

[mdwatts]

Originally posted by Hayl

there is also a kernel option you can pass at boot that works if not all is recognized - can't remember what one it is. if you search here you are bound to find it.

mem=###M - for Grub

append="mem=###M" - for Lilo

[Raoul_Duke]

Yep, another 1GB Linuix user here.......as mdwatts said, there's a high mem option in the kernel. Be careful though, some 'patched' kernels like the 'ck' series have a habit of making the kernel unbootable. I had to google a bit before i found out what patch was b0rking mine ;)

[phlipant]

Originally posted by mdwatts
My default kernel always recognizes the 1gb of memory I have.


free
total used free shared buffers cached
Mem: 1030632 210880 819752 0 11328 89280
-/+ buffers/cache: 110272 920360
Swap: 1052220 0 1052220


MD, you even use a little bit of it.:D


free
total used free shared buffers cached
Mem: 772328 765044 7284 0 50708 432584
-/+ buffers/cache: 281752 490576
Swap: 1172740 248584 924156

[DerekKraan]

Simply enable high memory in your kernel next time you build one. It's really that simple. I have 1GB, and it won't use it all til you do that.

[phlipant]

alas, i have an old bx board, that only has three 256 meg slots.

[undeadska]

Thanks for all the replies. All the notes you folks have posted are appreciated.

I just wanted to know what all the madness was about regarding the 1GB or more.

I am using the default MDK 9.1 kernel and I didn't have to change anything. Linux is developing quite nicely. Makes me really wonder where it will be by the end of next year....?

[mdwatts]

Originally posted by undeadska

I just wanted to know what all the madness was about regarding the 1GB or more.


I also wondered why you asked as I have never had a problem with any of my default kernels detecting whatever memory I have installed in any of the Linux pc's I have.

[dalek]

If you go into the control center, the KDE one, and expand on system then click 'Linux Kernal'. There's a option to enable 1Gb or more memory. I have not done it yet but when mem prices drop again, I will try it.

It's under 'processor type and features' then 'high memory support'. It says up to 64GB too. WWWOOOOOOOOOOWWWWWWWW. That's godly. Who need's a hard drive. Just leave it on.


:cool: :D :D :D :D :D :D :D