Unusual load averages?

beanaroo · 2015-05-14 13:01:04

I've been studying Linux, getting ready to do some certifications, and I would appreciate some help understanding differences in load averages...

On my desktop, an 8-core i7-2600k, load will be between 0.01 to 0.70 for idle to moderate usage. This coincides with all I've learnt so far.
On my laptop, an 8-core i7-3612QM, load will be between 1.00 to 60.00 for idle to light usage, now and then randomly peaking to around 130.00.

Why the huge difference?
How important is load average in the professional world?

By moderate, I mean: 10 browser tabs; music playing; a virtual machine; a text editor and three terminal windows.
By light, I mean: 2 browser tabs and three terminal windows.
Figures were shown by both htop and i3status bar.

Thanks for listening.

Alad · 2015-05-14 13:05:34

What browser do you use? I've seen Firefox use high loads while seemingly doing nothing... there's a few bug reports on this. Also see if you can reproduce it with certain sites (bad javascript, flash, e.a)

But really, don't just look at the averages, but at which applications cause them.

Last edited by Alad (2015-05-14 13:06:57)

WorMzy · 2015-05-14 13:12:30

I would check the hardware -- in particular make sure the disk isn't failing/doesn't have a loose data cable.

Are there any hints in the journal?

Scimmia · 2015-05-14 14:24:42

https://bbs.archlinux.org/viewtopic.php?id=195202 ?

Arch Linux

#1 2015-05-14 13:01:04

Unusual load averages?

#2 2015-05-14 13:05:34

Re: Unusual load averages?

#3 2015-05-14 13:12:30

Re: Unusual load averages?

#4 2015-05-14 14:24:42

Re: Unusual load averages?

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