hw requirements for new cluster

[FJK77]

We currently have a 2-node cluster - each node has 60 DBs spread over three SQL Server instances running on 2GB RAM, 2 Pentium III 700Mhz CPUs and 100GB storage. We are experiencing performances problems and the servers are too old to reinvest in, so we are looking to buy new replacements. I have seen good advice given in here about hardware needs so I was hoping you all could advise.

The big problem is RAM - always running at at least 85% - sits at 95+% several times a day. CPU runs around 60% most of the time but can flatline around 100% a few times a day. There's an average of at least 50 (so 150 on each node) processes running on each instance simultaneously. When things get really bad there are delays and timeouts. Storage is also about to become a problem.

We were thinking along the lines of each new node having 8GB RAM, 300GB storage and 2 Pentium 4 2.0Ghz CPUs. Do you think that is enough to keep us covered for the next 3 years at 20% growth each year and failover considerations? Thanks!

 

[MDXer]

I would look at ging to 4 CPUs using HT Technology which will allow sql to address 8 cpus or if you can't get the funds for a 4cpu machine go for a 2cpu with HT Techology giving you almost the equivilant of 4 procs.

You may also want to look at storage requirements as bad drive configurations can lead to system bottlenecks.

"Shoot Me! Shoot Me NOW!!!"
- Daffy Duck

 

[Corran007]

I would go with xeon over the p4, preferably the high end ones, with boxes capable of 4 cpu, but just start with 2.

Ram is proably fine. not sure about harddrives since you dont say how much you have now. Im guessing your backups are on a different system? If not you may need more drive space.