OpenVZ is a virtualization platform which is often used for web hosting servers. Sometimes due to over-usage or a misconfiguration, the CPU can get overloaded.
Here are some steps on how to deal with CPU overload issues in OpenVZ:
1. Identify the Problem: To address the issue, first identify the resource or process causing the CPU overload. Use commands like “top” or “ps aux” to figure out the process that is overloading the CPU.
1. Limit resources per container: You can limit the amount of CPU resources for each OpenVZ container by modifying the configuration files. This can be done by updating the ‘cpuunits’ and ‘cpulimit’ parameters in the container configuration file located in /etc/vz/conf/
1. Optimize the Applications: If specific applications within the OpenVZ container are causing the CPU to overload, optimization of these applications may help reduce the CPU usage.
1. Upgrade your hardware: If the server is frequently running into CPU issues due to high resource demand, it might be better to upgrade the server with a better CPU or add more CPU cores if possible.
1. Adjust the kernel parameters: Sysctl parameters can be tweaked to improve CPU performance and manage the way Linux kernel handles processes. But be very careful before changing these parameters as improper settings can crash the system.
1. Monitor your system: Regular monitoring of CPU usage will help in early identification and resolution of the issues. Tools like Munin, Nagios, Zabbix can be used to monitor system resources.
1. Use software that minimises CPU usage: Some software applications have been designed to minimise CPU usage. By utilising these, you can reduce the demand on your CPU.
1. Restart the container: Sometimes, a simple restart of the container can fix the CPU overload issue.
If none of the steps work, you may need to contact OpenVZ support for further assistance.
