Why is SWAP being used instead of available physical memory?

(Doc ID 2404462.1)

Last updated on JUNE 05, 2018

Applies to:

Linux OS - Version Oracle Linux 6.0 and later
Information in this document applies to any platform.

Goal

It is sometimes observed in a system with a large portion of RAM free memory available and SWAP heavily in use. It can show SWAP reaching 90% with free RAM memory space large than SWAP used.

Why is SWAP being used instead of available physical memory?

 

Solution

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