[Soekris] 4501 + OpenBSD -STABLE: fast installs, slowwwwwww upgrades

[C. Bensend]

> That's because openbsd mounts the filesystem in asychronous mode on
> install
> (like linux ext2fs runs all the time) but does not on upgrade (so that
> you don't potentially lose significant amounts of data in a crash)
>
> If you aren't using asychronous mounts, a lot more data gets written when
> the filesystem changes.  Combine this with the Elan SC420's PIO mode for
> data transfers and you experience 3 hours of suffering, like you describe.
>
> If you can create a complete disk image that you write to the flash on
> upgrade, you will have a better experience.  If you must use your flash
> like
> a hard disk, try and upgrade to a 4801 or 5501 where you can use DMA modes
> with the CF (and find a suitable high-speed flash that implements it,
> which
> yours might alreay do.)  By the way, older 4801s don't have DMA wired to
> the
> CF port.

Ah, OK.  Thanks much, Chris!

That explains it.  :)  I can deal with it, it's not a huge thing.
I just just very, very curious.

Thanks for enlightening me.

Benny


-- 
"It makes me want to crawl back up the line and hit them in the
face with a spade."            -- Loren Wilton