the current documentation doesn't mention anything about configuring hdparm to turn on DMA when the system boots. it was a while before i realized why my system performed so poorly. many new gentooers aren't aware of DMA or how to set it up. the documentation mentions setting DMA as a "tweak", so most newbies skip over it. Reproducible: Always Steps to Reproduce: 1. n/a 2. 3. Actual Results: n/a Expected Results: n/a
considering default option in the kernel is: [*] Use PCI DMA by default when available hdparm usually isnt needed ...
I have to agree, the default kernel uses DMA by default and it is not vital for a functioning system. I'd rather not start mentioning possible updates for a system in the installation instructions (otherwise people will start asking for prelink, ccache, ... docs to be integrated in the installation instructions).
then maybe it should be in "7. Configuring the Kernel" -> "7.c. Default: Manual Configuration" -> "Activating Required Options". something needs to be done. at least once every other day, i answer a "my system is so slow and freezes" question on the forums. i'll ask someone to add it to a faq if it can't be added to the install docs.
That I can do...
Added in CVS.
