I have the same number of max_connections, and it works fine. You can check the current processlist to see what is currently connected to mysql, like:mysqladmin processlist or echo "show processlist" | mysqlLong running or nefarious processes should be resolved ASAP. Look to your firewall!We had a case similar where a particular desktop app wouldn't release connections, opening about 20 per user, so only root could login under the emergency provisions. The app had closed, but never closed the connections.. rubbish. I use a wee cron command to keep it under control by simply killing anything that has been idle for too long:mysqladmin processlist | awk '$12 ~ / && $12 > 3600 { print "KILL " $2 "; -- Idle: " $12 }' | mysqlRun without the "| mysql" to see what commands it would be piping, can be run directly from cron.