Software⏱️ 4 min read📅 2026-06-15

How to Fix: GRUB 2 boot error: "out of memory"

GRUB 2 boot error: out of memory fix

Quick Answer: Try increasing the RAM allocation for GRUB 2 by editing the /etc/default/grub file and running grub2-mkconfig again.

The GRUB 2 boot error 'out of memory' occurs when the bootloader is unable to allocate sufficient memory to load the operating system. This issue affects users who have installed a SAS/SATA controller and are experiencing problems with booting their system using GRUB 2. The frustration lies in the fact that the user has taken steps to reinstall GRUB 2, but the error persists. In this guide, we will explore the root causes of this issue and provide two primary methods for fixing it.

Resolving the 'out of memory' error can be challenging, especially when dealing with complex hardware configurations. However, by following these steps, users should be able to identify and address the underlying cause of the issue, allowing them to successfully boot their system using GRUB 2.

🔍 Why This Happens

  • The primary reason for the 'out of memory' error is that the SAS/SATA controller is not properly configured or recognized by the system. The IBM M1015 controller may be causing issues with memory allocation, leading to this error. To resolve this issue, it's essential to ensure that the controller is correctly installed and configured.
  • An alternative cause for the 'out of memory' error could be a problem with the system's RAM or the GRUB 2 bootloader itself. In some cases, the bootloader may not be optimized for the specific hardware configuration, leading to memory allocation issues.

🔧 Proven Troubleshooting Steps

Optimizing the SAS/SATA Controller Configuration

  1. Step 1: Check the system's BIOS settings to ensure that the SAS/SATA controller is enabled and properly configured. Verify that the controller is set as the primary storage device and that the boot order is set to prioritize the controller.
  2. Step 2: Update the system's UEFI firmware to the latest version, as this may resolve any issues with the controller configuration. Additionally, check for any firmware updates specific to the IBM M1015 controller.
  3. Step 3: Run a diagnostic test on the SAS/SATA controller to identify any hardware-related issues that may be causing the 'out of memory' error.

Adjusting GRUB 2 Boot Options

  1. Step 1: Add the `vmalloc=256m` option to the GRUB default command-line to increase the amount of memory allocated to the bootloader. This may help resolve issues with memory allocation.
  2. Step 2: Update the GRUB 2 configuration file by running `grub2-mkconfig -o /boot/grub2`. This will ensure that the changes are reflected in the bootloader's behavior.

🎯 Final Words

By following these steps, users should be able to identify and address the root cause of the 'out of memory' error. Optimizing the SAS/SATA controller configuration and adjusting GRUB 2 boot options may resolve the issue and allow the system to successfully boot using GRUB 2.

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