[gentoo-user] System freezes during compiles

[Carlos Hendson]

Hello,

For last few weeks or so, I've been getting intermittent hard lock-ups
during the emerge of various packages.  It appears the more compile
intensive the package, the more likely the lock-up.  These lock-ups have
occurred under kernels 3.4.9 and 3.7.10 with gcc 4.5.4 and 4.6.3.

Once the machine is in a frozen state, the only thing that responds is
the soft power reset button.  Some times the machine lock-ups again
after the button is pressed (this is because the compile resumes once
the system comes out of it's frozen state).

If the system subsequently lock-ups because I wasn't able to cancel the
compile fast enough only a only option left is a hard power reset (10sec
+ hold power button).  If I cancel the compile, the system is perfectly
responsive and functions normally.

There are kernel stack traces in /var/log/messages which I'm unable to
decipher and diagnose as to what caused the lock-up.

If I had to guess, I'd blame an incorrect setting in the .config, but
since I'm stuck in the diagnostic of what part of the kernel might be
experiencing the problem, I need a bit of help to pin point the issue.  

I believe it to be a kernel configuration issue because when I booted
the machine using a system rescue Live CD, I was able to chroot into the
system and emerge packages like gcc without the lock-up problem
occurring.  

That's by no means conclusive, however, I've also run a complete pass of
memcheck for over an hour without any issues reported.

I'd like to completely rule out hardware failure, what diagnostic tools
tools are recommend to try identify potential hardware issue of this
type?

The various kernel stack traces are attached in case someone wants to
take a look.  I can provide more information should it be needed.

Any help or advice would be appreciated.

Regards,
Carlos