Higher loads during certain cPanel/WHM operations

[WK-Anthony]

I can't wrap my head around this one. While performing the following operations on the server :

-Account transfers to the server (using WHM account transfer)
-Account termination (WHM)
-Users backing up data via cPanel

The load spikes. On the old dual 246, the load never went above 2-3, but on this new Woodcrest, it jumped as high as 70.

While serving pages, mysql queries (basically, any normal operation) the server's load is below 0.5.

The odd thing is that the old server is a dual opteron 246, 7200 Sata drives, non RAID.

The new server is the 4x2.0 Woodcrest, 7200 SataII drives, RAID5 configuration.

The only difference is the old server had CentOS 4.3, while the new server has Redhat.

2.6.9-42.ELsmp Is the kernel version

Any ideas on this one?

[brianoz]

What processes are running on the server when the load spikes to 70? Would help a little if we weren't having to guess!

[kgh]

I did believe he said...

-Account transfers to the server (using WHM account transfer)
-Account termination (WHM)
-Users backing up data via cPanel

[Echelon17]

Which OS are you using?

If you're using CentOS 4.3, please update your Kernel to the latest beta - as there is a known IO/Paging issue with the latest release Kernel. This will cause your server load to go through the root, just watch the I/O waits.

[kgh]

I believe he said this too...

The only difference is the old server had CentOS 4.3, while the new server has Redhat.

Isn't Redhat and CentOS pretty much the same thing -- if so... I'm assuming a RH server should be updated too? (let me know if I'm wrong!)

[Echelon17]

I believe he said this too...

Sorry, didn't realise you were forum moderator? :P

Isn't Redhat and CentOS pretty much the same thing -- if so... I'm assuming a RH server should be updated too? (let me know if I'm wrong!)

Fundamentally yes, but in other ways no, they're different.
Updating the Kernel may or may not help. Check the Redhat bug list for potential issues.