Topic: Kernel Panics in 6.5RC1

[jdc0730]

I am looking for so advice here.  I am trying to build a  brand new server to replace my old SME server.  The new server is running a 3-ware 8602 (2 x 80g) card for hardware raid.    All other components are fairly standard.  ASUS motherboard.  250g hard drive on Primary IDE.  Understanding that this is not a production release, I thought I would take a stab.  So far, it has not been good.  I routinely get kernel panics when doing  disc operations.  Right now, when I try to write a new partitian table to the hard drive on the IDE controller, fdisk hangs on "Calling ioctl to re-read partition table".

What are the thoughts out there?  Is this hardware related or software related.  I haven't don't much with the new server yet, just moved the mail over there (manually).  I could fairly easily rebuild in 6.01 if it would make a difference.  Any opinions?

[MSmith]

Me:  confused.  You have three drives in the new server, one 250 GB and two 80 GB in hardware RAID?  Are these new or recycled drives?  Have you already set up the RAID array on the 3Ware?

Also, grab a good RAM tester (several are available on the Ultimate Boot CD which has many other great freeware utilities) and check out those sticks!

[jdc0730]

Me:  confused.  You have three drives in the new server, one 250 GB and two 80 GB in hardware RAID?  Are these new or recycled drives?  Have you already set up the RAID array on the 3Ware?

Also, grab a good RAM tester (several are available on the Ultimate Boot CD which has many other great freeware utilities) and check out those sticks!

Great suggestions on checking the memory.  I will give that a whirl tonight and see if anything comes up.  My drive situation is this.  I have 2 80G brand new SATA drives connected to a 3ware 8006-2 card in RAID1 configuration.  These house the root partition.   The additional 250G drive is connected (temporarily) to the primary IDE slot on the motherboard.  This drive is also brand new.  Once the system was stable my intent was to do the following:

I have an existing RAID5 in my old box connected to a Promise SX6000 consisting of 3 250G hard drives.  The plan is to move everything off of the Promise RAID on to the single 250G drive, then rebuild the RAID with 5 250G drives (the promise does not allow you to add drives to an existing array).  Once the new array is built, I will move the stuff off the single 250g drive and onto the new RAID5.  The single 250g will then be added to the array as a hot spare.

With regards to the 3ware card...   Is it necessary to update the driver from the one that is stock with the kernel?

For the curious out there who might be wondering what the heck a 2-user home server needs with a terrabyte of disk space.  I have a bit of a problem with buying CDs.  My collection is over 1600 right now.  I had previously ripped all my CDs to MP3s to play on various networked devices, but I am in the process of re-ripping them to FLAC format, those requiring more space.

MSmith:  Thanks for the response.

[jdc0730]

MSmith you were spot on, it's either the memory or the mobo.  Both sticks are failing every test I throw at it, I am surprised it is running at all.  Thanks again for the help.