This actually seems to be a compiz issue. I noticed that while compiling a complex GWT project, I'd encounter a load average of 15 or so, and my system would freeze up with similar symptoms as I originally described. Running htop the resource using processes were all java, although I saw compiz in there at about 1% CPU.
As an experiment I switched to ubuntu 2d. Instant fix. The same compile leaves my UI completely responsive, even though the load average is the same. ** Package changed: nvidia-graphics-drivers (Ubuntu) => compiz (Ubuntu) -- You received this bug notification because you are a member of Ubuntu-X, which is subscribed to nvidia-graphics-drivers in Ubuntu. https://bugs.launchpad.net/bugs/926042 Title: Graphical environment becomes laggy and then freezes under high load To manage notifications about this bug go to: https://bugs.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+source/compiz/+bug/926042/+subscriptions _______________________________________________ Mailing list: https://launchpad.net/~ubuntu-x-swat Post to : ubuntu-x-swat@lists.launchpad.net Unsubscribe : https://launchpad.net/~ubuntu-x-swat More help : https://help.launchpad.net/ListHelp
