screen freeze in mid-session

[Meir Levi]

This is a repeat problem to which I attribute to AMD display driver. The problem mostly occur using Firefox with 4 or more tabs open.
It's really frustrating to face the prospect of losing data while surfing the net.

Thanks
Levi

ProblemType: Bug
DistroRelease: Ubuntu 20.10
Package: linux-image-5.8.0-26-generic 5.8.0-26.27
ProcVersionSignature: Ubuntu 5.8.0-26.27-generic 5.8.14
Uname: Linux 5.8.0-26-generic x86_64
ApportVersion: 2.20.11-0ubuntu50
Architecture: amd64
AudioDevicesInUse:
 USER PID ACCESS COMMAND
 /dev/snd/controlC1: admin-meir 7349 F.... pulseaudio
 /dev/snd/controlC0: admin-meir 7349 F.... pulseaudio
CasperMD5CheckResult: skip
CurrentDesktop: X-Cinnamon
Date: Sun Nov 8 15:00:55 2020
InstallationDate: Installed on 2020-09-03 (66 days ago)
InstallationMedia: Ubuntu 20.04 LTS "Focal Fossa" - Release amd64 (20200423)
MachineType: Dell Inc. Inspiron 3180
ProcEnviron:
 TERM=xterm-256color
 PATH=(custom, no user)
 XDG_RUNTIME_DIR=<set>
 LANG=en_US.UTF-8
 SHELL=/bin/bash
ProcFB: 0 amdgpudrmfb
ProcKernelCmdLine: BOOT_IMAGE=/boot/vmlinuz-5.8.0-26-generic root=UUID=a76d7df4-e22a-430d-8de3-9b5c2661d64e ro quiet splash vt.handoff=7
RelatedPackageVersions:
 linux-restricted-modules-5.8.0-26-generic N/A
 linux-backports-modules-5.8.0-26-generic N/A
 linux-firmware 1.190.1
SourcePackage: linux
UpgradeStatus: Upgraded to groovy on 2020-11-04 (4 days ago)
dmi.bios.date: 03/09/2018
dmi.bios.release: 5.3
dmi.bios.vendor: Dell Inc.
dmi.bios.version: 1.3.0
dmi.board.name: 0918N8
dmi.board.vendor: Dell Inc.
dmi.board.version: A00
dmi.chassis.type: 10
dmi.chassis.vendor: Dell Inc.
dmi.chassis.version: 1.3.0
dmi.modalias: dmi:bvnDellInc.:bvr1.3.0:bd03/09/2018:br5.3:svnDellInc.:pnInspiron3180:pvr1.3.0:rvnDellInc.:rn0918N8:rvrA00:cvnDellInc.:ct10:cvr1.3.0:
dmi.product.family: Inspiron
dmi.product.name: Inspiron 3180
dmi.product.sku: 087E
dmi.product.version: 1.3.0
dmi.sys.vendor: Dell Inc.

[Ubuntu Kernel Bot (ubuntu-kernel-bot)]

This change was made by a bot.

[Kai-Heng Feng (kaihengfeng)]

Could be caused by 4G ram... it's not enough for modern browsers...

[Meir Levi (ubuntu-meir)]

 thanks for the reply kai-heng.This laptop (Dell Inspiron 3180 w/ AMD processor & graphic driver) originally came with Windows 10 OS. I simply replaced it with ubuntu OS.If 4G is suffeciante for Windows - it should also be suffeciante for ubuntu. Besides, the motherboard does not have additional slot for memory expansion.In my view, the AMD driver needs to be upgraded to accomoted a btter memory mangement. Because as far as I know the same laptop with Intel processors does not seem to have the same issues.
Otherwise I have to close more apps running in the background - until hopefuly AMD willfix this problem.

Levi

    On Sunday, November 8, 2020, 11:35:40 PM PST, Kai-Heng Feng <email address hidden> wrote:

 Could be caused by 4G ram... it's not enough for modern browsers...

--
You received this bug notification because you are subscribed to the bug
report.
https://bugs.launchpad.net/bugs/1903467

Title:
  screen freeze in mid-session

Status in linux package in Ubuntu:
  Confirmed

Bug description:
  This is a repeat problem to which I attribute to AMD display driver. The problem mostly occur using Firefox with 4 or more tabs open.
  It's really frustrating to face the prospect of losing data while surfing the net.

  Thanks
  Levi

  ProblemType: Bug
  DistroRelease: Ubuntu 20.10
  Package: linux-image-5.8.0-26-generic 5.8.0-26.27
  ProcVersionSignature: Ubuntu 5.8.0-26.27-generic 5.8.14
  Uname: Linux 5.8.0-26-generic x86_64
  ApportVersion: 2.20.11-0ubuntu50
  Architecture: amd64
  AudioDevicesInUse:
  USER        PID ACCESS COMMAND
  /dev/snd/controlC1:  admin-meir  7349 F.... pulseaudio
  /dev/snd/controlC0:  admin-meir  7349 F.... pulseaudio
  CasperMD5CheckResult: skip
  CurrentDesktop: X-Cinnamon
  Date: Sun Nov  8 15:00:55 2020
  InstallationDate: Installed on 2020-09-03 (66 days ago)
  InstallationMedia: Ubuntu 20.04 LTS "Focal Fossa" - Release amd64 (20200423)
  MachineType: Dell Inc. Inspiron 3180
  ProcEnviron:
  TERM=xterm-256color
  PATH=(custom, no user)
  XDG_RUNTIME_DIR=<set>
  LANG=en_US.UTF-8
  SHELL=/bin/bash
  ProcFB: 0 amdgpudrmfb
  ProcKernelCmdLine: BOOT_IMAGE=/boot/vmlinuz-5.8.0-26-generic root=UUID=a76d7df4-e22a-430d-8de3-9b5c2661d64e ro quiet splash vt.handoff=7
  RelatedPackageVersions:
  linux-restricted-modules-5.8.0-26-generic N/A
  linux-backports-modules-5.8.0-26-generic  N/A
  linux-firmware                            1.190.1
  SourcePackage: linux
  UpgradeStatus: Upgraded to groovy on 2020-11-04 (4 days ago)
  dmi.bios.date: 03/09/2018
  dmi.bios.release: 5.3
  dmi.bios.vendor: Dell Inc.
  dmi.bios.version: 1.3.0
  dmi.board.name: 0918N8
  dmi.board.vendor: Dell Inc.
  dmi.board.version: A00
  dmi.chassis.type: 10
  dmi.chassis.vendor: Dell Inc.
  dmi.chassis.version: 1.3.0
  dmi.modalias: dmi:bvnDellInc.:bvr1.3.0:bd03/09/2018:br5.3:svnDellInc.:pnInspiron3180:pvr1.3.0:rvnDellInc.:rn0918N8:rvrA00:cvnDellInc.:ct10:cvr1.3.0:
  dmi.product.family: Inspiron
  dmi.product.name: Inspiron 3180
  dmi.product.sku: 087E
  dmi.product.version: 1.3.0
  dmi.sys.vendor: Dell Inc.

To manage notifications about this bug go to:
https://bugs.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+source/linux/+bug/1903467/+subscriptions

[Kai-Heng Feng (kaihengfeng)]

One way is to add more swap space and tune swappiness to help the situation.

[Meir Levi (ubuntu-meir)]

I did consider it. However I read on ubuntu blog that, with DDR drives it is not a good idea bcz it may damage it over time - otherwise ubuntu itself would automatically create such swap partition during installation
Meanwhile I try to minimize opening too many apps at same time
I still thing the AMDgpu needs to be upgraded to meet the heavy load of latest ubuntu
Levi

> On Nov 9, 2020, at 22:11, Kai-Heng Feng <email address hidden> wrote:
>
> One way is to add more swap space and tune swappiness to help the
> situation.
>
> --
> You received this bug notification because you are subscribed to the bug
> report.
> https://bugs.launchpad.net/bugs/1903467
>
> Title:
> screen freeze in mid-session
>
> Status in linux package in Ubuntu:
> Confirmed
>
> Bug description:
> This is a repeat problem to which I attribute to AMD display driver. The problem mostly occur using Firefox with 4 or more tabs open.
> It's really frustrating to face the prospect of losing data while surfing the net.
>
> Thanks
> Levi
>
> ProblemType: Bug
> DistroRelease: Ubuntu 20.10
> Package: linux-image-5.8.0-26-generic 5.8.0-26.27
> ProcVersionSignature: Ubuntu 5.8.0-26.27-generic 5.8.14
> Uname: Linux 5.8.0-26-generic x86_64
> ApportVersion: 2.20.11-0ubuntu50
> Architecture: amd64
> AudioDevicesInUse:
> USER PID ACCESS COMMAND
> /dev/snd/controlC1: admin-meir 7349 F.... pulseaudio
> /dev/snd/controlC0: admin-meir 7349 F.... pulseaudio
> CasperMD5CheckResult: skip
> CurrentDesktop: X-Cinnamon
> Date: Sun Nov 8 15:00:55 2020
> InstallationDate: Installed on 2020-09-03 (66 days ago)
> InstallationMedia: Ubuntu 20.04 LTS "Focal Fossa" - Release amd64 (20200423)
> MachineType: Dell Inc. Inspiron 3180
> ProcEnviron:
> TERM=xterm-256color
> PATH=(custom, no user)
> XDG_RUNTIME_DIR=<set>
> LANG=en_US.UTF-8
> SHELL=/bin/bash
> ProcFB: 0 amdgpudrmfb
> ProcKernelCmdLine: BOOT_IMAGE=/boot/vmlinuz-5.8.0-26-generic root=UUID=a76d7df4-e22a-430d-8de3-9b5c2661d64e ro quiet splash vt.handoff=7
> RelatedPackageVersions:
> linux-restricted-modules-5.8.0-26-generic N/A
> linux-backports-modules-5.8.0-26-generic N/A
> linux-firmware 1.190.1
> SourcePackage: linux
> UpgradeStatus: Upgraded to groovy on 2020-11-04 (4 days ago)
> dmi.bios.date: 03/09/2018
> dmi.bios.release: 5.3
> dmi.bios.vendor: Dell Inc.
> dmi.bios.version: 1.3.0
> dmi.board.name: 0918N8
> dmi.board.vendor: Dell Inc.
> dmi.board.version: A00
> dmi.chassis.type: 10
> dmi.chassis.vendor: Dell Inc.
> dmi.chassis.version: 1.3.0
> dmi.modalias: dmi:bvnDellInc.:bvr1.3.0:bd03/09/2018:br5.3:svnDellInc.:pnInspiron3180:pvr1.3.0:rvnDellInc.:rn0918N8:rvrA00:cvnDellInc.:ct10:cvr1.3.0:
> dmi.product.family: Inspiron
> dmi.product.name: Inspiron 3180
> dmi.product.sku: 087E
> dmi.product.version: 1.3.0
> dmi.sys.vendor: Dell Inc.
>
> To manage notifications about this bug go to:
> https://bugs.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+source/linux/+bug/1903467/+subscriptions

[d0bby (d0bby)]

Hello,

I have the same problem with random freezes. My Ubuntu 20.04.2 LTS (kernel: 5.8.0-44-generic) enjoys crashing randomly without any apparent reason.

I have 8 GB of RAM and started with 2 GB of swap when I installed it parallel to my Win 10 (dual boot, they share a harddrive). Recently, I added another hard drive, and today, I have managed to upgrade my swap to 21 GB in total (I "cut off" a part of my second hard drive (which is used as storage) and turned it into a swap partition with priority 1 that is automatically mounted at system start).

However, since I have my 21 GB of swap (it is working and shows up in the system monitor window and with swapon -show), the system froze twice: The first time when my machine was simply being idle (I had some firefox windows and an R session open but was AFK, I just realized that it was frozen when I came back) and the second time while I was starting to write another comment about this problem (nothing big was running, just a few firefox windows).

So I don't think that swap will solve this problem (at least it obviously didn't solve it for me). I've also got an AMD processor and the same problems, so maybe it is due to the processor?

I have always blamed the updates because there was often a note about new updates or a really long start-up time with the "Ubuntu-is-loading"-screen during the restart).
Since I suspected LivePatch to cause these freezes, I have already disabled LivePatch and check for updates manually on a regular basis. Just before the freeze, I had installed the current update (via the built-in software updater program), and it seemed as if everything was OK with the update.

Is there anything to log whatever happens when the system freezes? Because whenever the system freezes, all I can do is move the mouse, but clicking and the keyboard don't work. Sometimes I was lucky enough to be able to see the System monitor window, but that didn't indicate any problems (e.g., only 12% of CPU used and less than 1.6 GB of memory).

And, more importantly, is there any fix yet?

[Meir Levi (ubuntu-meir)]

 21 GB for swap alone is way too much. Normally the size should be twice the size of the memory - or in your case 2x8 =16GB. If you can replace your hard drive to SSD one the system will run much faster,
Finally. I used to run my laptops with dual-boot. No longer. I simply replaced the Win10 on my new DELL Insiron 3180 with ubuntu-only laptop. (With backup / Restore capabilities - you can restore it back to Win10 anytime)

As for the freeze. I religiously update my ubuntu - particularly for security updates. Also, try to change the suspend time to a longer period (30min) and say if helps.
good luck
    On Wednesday, March 10, 2021, 1:40:55 PM PST, d0bby <email address hidden> wrote:

 Hello,

I have the same problem with random freezes. My Ubuntu 20.04.2 LTS
(kernel: 5.8.0-44-generic) enjoys crashing randomly without any apparent
reason.

I have 8 GB of RAM and started with 2 GB of swap when I installed it
parallel to my Win 10 (dual boot, they share a harddrive). Recently, I
added another hard drive, and today, I have managed to upgrade my swap
to 21 GB in total (I "cut off" a part of my second hard drive (which is
used as storage) and turned it into a swap partition with priority 1
that is automatically mounted at system start).

However, since I have my 21 GB of swap (it is working and shows up in
the system monitor window and with swapon -show), the system froze
twice: The first time when my machine was simply being idle (I had some
firefox windows and an R session open but was AFK, I just realized that
it was frozen when I came back) and the second time while I was starting
to write another comment about this problem (nothing big was running,
just a few firefox windows).

So I don't think that swap will solve this problem (at least it
obviously didn't solve it for me).  I've also got an AMD processor and
the same problems, so maybe it is due to the processor?

I have always blamed the updates because there was often a note about new updates or a really long start-up time with the "Ubuntu-is-loading"-screen during the restart).
Since I suspected LivePatch to cause these freezes, I have already disabled LivePatch and check for updates manually on a regular basis. Just before the freeze, I had installed the current update (via the built-in software updater program), and it seemed as if everything was OK with the update.

Is there anything to log whatever happens when the system freezes?
Because whenever the system freezes, all I can do is move the mouse, but
clicking and the keyboard don't work. Sometimes I was lucky enough to be
able to see the System monitor window, but that didn't indicate any
problems (e.g., only 12% of CPU used and less than 1.6 GB of memory).

And, more importantly, is there any fix yet?

--
You received this bug notification because you are subscribed to the bug
report.
https://bugs.launchpad.net/bugs/1903467

Title:
  screen freeze in mid-session

Status in linux package in Ubuntu:
  Confirmed

Bug description:
  This is a repeat problem to which I attribute to AMD display driver. The problem mostly occur using Firefox with 4 or more tabs open.
  It's really frustrating to face the prospect of losing data ...