4 ms·
zram isn't default because it adds additonal CPU overhead and can't always compress data efficiently. Sometimes it is better for a program to just run out of me
by cowtools 4y ago
zram isn't default because it adds additonal CPU overhead and can't always compress data efficiently. Sometimes it is better for a program to just run out of memory and crash than go to swap
I suppose it's similar to "download more crypto" mining in the sense that there is a CPU tradeoff.
- gpm 4y agoMy experience without zram has been that running out of ram almost always crashes (without a swap partition) or locks up (with a swap partition) my entire computer. My experience with it has been that running out of ram almost always slowly degrades performance, but keeps the system responsive. I haven't noticed any noticeable CPU overhead when not running out of ram - nor should there be any. It is the default on windows and mac for good reason. I'm a pretty strong believer that nearly all desktop linux users, and most server users, would benefit from it as well.