Hello, I the current i386 numa the numa_kva (the area used to remap node local data in lowmem) space is acquired by adjusting the end of low memroy during boot. (from setup_memory) reserve_pages = calculate_numa_remap_pages(); (then) system_max_low_pfn = max_low_pfn = find_max_low_pfn() - reserve_pages; The problem this is that initrds can be trampled over (the kva can adjust system_max_low_pfn into the initrd area) This results in kernel throwing away the intird and a failed boot. This is a long standing issue. (It has been like this at least for the last few years). This patch keeps the numa kva code from adjusting the end of memory and coverts it is just use the reserve_bootmem call to reserve the large amount of space needed for the numa_kva. It is mindful of initrds when present. This patch was built against 2.6.17-rc1 originally but applies and boots against 2.6.17 just fine. I have only test this against the summit subarch (I don't have other i386 numa hw). all feedback welcome! Signed-off-by: Keith Mannthey