System Hang with 2GB RAM, 1.91GB swap

[Khoa Ton]

Sam Varshavchik wrote:
> Khoa Ton writes:
> 
>> This could be the new RAM DIMMs being not quite compatible with my
>> ASUS M2NPV-VM motherboard, but I wanted to check with the group to
>> see whether it may be because the swap is only 1.91GB and not more
>> than 2GB, the amount of physical RAM?
> 
> Nope, not unless you're running into a kernel bug due to your new memory 
> configuration.  It's very likely that the RAM is bad, but there's a 
> small chance of a kernel bug, that's worth exploring.
> 
> The only good way to test for that would be by setting up a serial 
> console. You'll need another PC.  Connect both of them via the serial 
> port, using a null-modem adapter.  See the boot prompt howto for 
> instructions on setting up a serial console.  Run minicom on the other 
> PC, make sure that your ASUS PC's boot messages are getting captured, 
> then leave everything running.  When the screensaver locks up, see if 
> you captured an OOPS or a BUG.
> 
>> PS: I'm running XGL/Compiz (very sexy 3D GUI) which is not
>> production quality, but it's not hanging with my 1GB RAM in place.
> 
> You can also ping the machine, off the network, to see if it's just X 
> that's locked up, but the machine itself is funny.  Once a month 
> something gets screwed up when I boot my laptop, and X won't come up.  
> The keyboard is dead, but the kernel itself is up.  I log in from 
> another machine, over the network, kill and restart X, then everything's 
> fine.

Thanks for the instructions on tracking down hangs, Sam.  As it
turns out, the RAM was the problem.  However, I will keep your email
for future system hang diagnosis.  I am certain I will be using it.

Best regards,
Khoa