Re: IDE and write cache

Mark Lubratt <mark.lubratt@indeq.com> writes:
> You mentioned that you'd see the problem during a large number of
> concurrent transactions.  My question is, is this a necessary condition
> for the database crashing when the plug was pulled, or did you need use
> a large number of concurrent transactions to "guarantee" that when you
> pulled the plug, that it would be at an inopportune time?  In other
> words, is an IDE drive still "more" susceptible to a power outage
> problem even under light load?

A heavy load makes it more likely that you'd see the problem, but only
because it improves the odds that there will be data "in flight" at the
instant the power drops.  You can still lose on a lightly loaded system
if your luck is bad.

            regards, tom lane