memory report problem

manojg · 04-25-2011, 06:07 PM

Hi everybody,

I have few 64bit multi-core computers with 32GB RAM (actual RAM and also shown by BIOS)running 32bit FC8. All computers are identical. However, gnome-system-monitor, top, free -m tools show only 2GB physical memory. Any clues? My program crashes because of less memory.

Thanks.

spankbot · 04-25-2011, 07:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by manojg

Hi everybody,

I have few 64bit multi-core computers with 32GB RAM (actual RAM and also shown by BIOS)running 32bit FC8. All computers are identical. However, gnome-system-monitor, top, free -m tools show only 2GB physical memory. Any clues? My program crashes because of less memory.

Thanks.

32bit OS's can only see 4gigs. You need to use a 64bit OS to see more than that. Also, if these are production machines, consider using a distribution with a longer life cycle, like RH, CentOS, Ubuntu LTS, etc.

TobiSGD · 04-25-2011, 07:22 PM

If you change to a 64 bit OS take the chance and update to Fedora 14. Fedora 8 is way outdated and gets no updates and security fixes. Fedora has only a support cycle of 13 months. If you want an OS with longer support cycle you may be interested in CentOS, it is also based on Red Hat.

manojg · 04-25-2011, 07:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spankbot

32bit OS's can only see 2gigs. You need to use a 64bit OS to see more than that.

Thanks guys for your reply. Doesn't 32bit processor take max 4GB memory (or may be less) per process? However, OS should see all memory, isn't it?

TobiSGD · 04-25-2011, 07:42 PM

A 32 bit OS can see 4 GB at maximum and can give 2GB per process at standard. If you use a kernel compiled with PAE enabled the OS can see up to 64 GB, but the per process limit is the same. I would strongly recommend to use a 64 bit OS (and to upgrade to a supported version of your OS).

manojg · 04-25-2011, 07:47 PM

Thanks TobiSGD. I will upgrade it soon. I have see on google about hugemem option in kernel. Do I need to consider this while installing 64bit?