We are currently having problems doing a database dump on a high load server. It is a Dual Xeon server with 2GB ram, but during peak periods has an average load of 2-6. When trying to dump a 2GB database, it brings the server to a stand still and the load shoots from 0.5 to 20 within a few minutes. We have tried using nice and setting it to the lowest priority, doing the dump during the least busy period of the day, and even disabling services such as mail during the dump. We have not had any success. We cannot completely shut down all services as the server runs about 500 sites. Any suggestions are greatly appreciated.
