I can't seem to use the search fuction

So we've looked at the differences between the Steam forum and BladeForum.

As we thought, mysql configuration appears to be, at least initially, very similar. For example the Steam forum uses the following changes to the my.cnf (mysql configuration) file:

set-variable = thread_stack=128K
set-variable = max_connections=400
set-variable = key_buffer=128M
set-variable = max_allowed_packet=1M
set-variable = table_cache=128
set-variable = sort_buffer=1M
set-variable = record_buffer=1M
set-variable = myisam_sort_buffer_size=64M
set-variable = max_connect_errors=10000

This is almost exactly how Jacob has BladeForums mysql set up.

The biggest difference was that the Steam forums have enough memory to fit the entire working set of the database into memory.

So, as a first step, we are going to increase the memory in the database server from 1 GB to 4 GB. This is a relatively brute force approach that has the attractive characteristics of 1) being relatively cheap, 2) if it doesn't solve the performance problems it will tell us a lot more about where the real problems lie, and 3) more memory in a server never hurt anybody.

Kevin, do you know what kind of memory is in the servers? If not, then either what motherboard is installed, or from whom did you buy the servers?

Jacob said he'd be happy to install the memory for us, and, in general, has been very responsive and helpful.
 
Texian, you are absolutely right, seems it will have benefited the operation of the forums as a whole due to the offers of experts in the field, but surely you see my point/position that I will not be too happy about deciding today to pay for a feature I enjoy using,while others may get that for free (like I too used to have ) very soon it seems. Maybe I should have just waited a few days before I decided to support the forums financially?
 
As a side-effect of the performance analysis, Jacob ran a myisamchk and found some problems with the searchindex table. So, using his words, we are "on the slow 'myisamchk -o' boat to recovery."
 
As a basic member who would like to search, I'd like to thank those working on it. Of all the functions of a board like this, being able to "search" for old threads or just a review of a knife I'm daydreaming about is possibly the most important. That being said, I think that just shutting it off with no warning was probably not the best idea, but it did certainly get the attention of everyone. I spend most of my time online debating creationists, but should I find myself spending more time here, I'll definitely be ponying up for a membership.

Gabe, thanks much for bringing your comapany's expertise to bear on the technical side of this problem. I'm eagerly awaiting the (sadly delayed) next big release from you guys.

Oh, and if that 3 gigs of RAM doesn't work, can I have it?
 
With Spark incommunicado at the show, we're stalled on getting the memory upgrade. We're going to try him on his cell to find out what we need to know to upgrade the memory in the database server.

Also, could an admin look at the average load numbers and post them in this thread?
 
The motherboards in the two servers are Tyan Thunder LE-Ts.

Th_let.gif


Thunder LE-T datasheet

These motherboards take PC133 registered ECC 168-pin DIMMs.

The load data sent by a BladeForum administrator reinforce the likelihood that adding memory will mititgate the performance problems.
 
4 1GB memory modules have been ordered. They will go out on Monday and Jacob should have them on Tuesday.

In theory, once they are installed, there should be no performance issues with the current user base and database size. There's headroom for subscriber and database growth at least until the forum switches to vBulletin 3.0 which should have a dramatic impact on database size and presumably performance.

In reality, we'll find out on Tuesday ...
 
Here are some load numbers:

0.52, 0.34, 0.34

Hope that is what you are looking for, Gabe.

Let me know if that isn't it, and I'll go look again.


EDIT: Here are more load numbers:

0.81, 0.86, 0.56
 
The memory modules supposedly shipped to Jacob, although I don't have a FedEx confirmation number. I am still expecting them to arrive tomorrow.
 
Gabe - I got back from the show this afternoon. I don't know if you tried to call as my cell developed battery issues this weekend. I will call you tomorrow regarding this.

--------------------------------

Folks, I cannot emphasize enough how generous Gabe has been with this offer or how much it means to both me and this site as a whole. Gabe stepped up to the plate in a big way and has more than delivered. It's nice to see people give freely to make sure the community as a whole can benefit.
 
Originally posted by Spark
Folks, I cannot emphasize enough how generous Gabe has been
Click to expand...
Thanks Gabe,
looks like a significant amount of time contributed.

And thanks Spark;
know you run a retail business on the side.

(:D --"on the side"-- that's a joke btw.)
 
Normally I wouldn't be commenting on this, but since some questions have arisen and I've been out of touch for some time, I thought I would speak up.

I was the one who built the new servers last year for Spark. I have the complete spec list on the machines here at the shop, and if you have any questions regarding them, please feel free to drop me a line. I'm pretty much available whenever.

I had no part in the software end of the builds though, as Spark had the folks at the datacenter handle that for him.

My own life has been very busy over the last year, and I unfortunately haven't been able to spend much time here. Hopefully that will soon change, but life in the tech industry is not known for slowing down. :rolleyes:

Spark, I hope that you won't hesitate to contact me in the future if you do need something for the servers, as I'll try to do my best to help where I can. My appologies if I've let you down in some way.

Gabe, I actually had a good little chuckle myself whilst reading over this thread, as I'd been wondering what had been keeping the release of Half-Life 2...now I know...you're over here playing with the servers!! Funny how small this virtual world really is. I still remember chatting with Alfred, back in the development days of the Firearms Mod for Half-Life.

Anyway, if you guys need me for anything, don't hesitate to give me a ring!
 
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