system is really slow...SCSI hd is grinding

[dbpiv]

I have one of the Symbios 53C875 SCSI controllers and my system will periodically get unusable. The hd is grinding and nothing seems to have an effect. Where do I start tracking down this problem?

Total noob question, but had to ask Google and these forums have not coughed up any answers (yet?).

dp

[sa]

not sure if I can help.

here are some ideas:

check out how much free memory you have? (see the `free`command)
(mabey get some more ram?)
there might be some info for you somewhere in /proc/scsi?
check if 'hdparm' might help you.

also If you are feeling brave you could enable/add debug output, by hacking the
scsi driver in the kernel (or wherever you got it).

hth,
sa