SQL server RAID configuration? 1

[pinkpanther56]

We will soon be setting up a new Windows 2003 server with SQL 2005 for our MIS system. Our current box has 2 x 2.8 GHz Intel processors and 1.5 Gig of RAM it seems to cope ok but is getting on so we'll be replacing it.

Concidering the OS and SQL 2005 is it benificial to go for quad core processors or stick with dual core does quad provide a performance boost with this software?

I'm also wondering what is a good RAID setup for SQL server performance wise?

Any input appreciated.

Thanks.

 

[ptheriault]

You should configure your disks as follows.

C: (OS\SQL programs files)
D: RAID5 (Data files for your databases. .mdf)
E: RAID10 (Log files for your databases .ldf)
F: RAID10 (Tempdb)
G: RAID5 (for backups)

Dual core processors will be fine.

Which version of SQL are you going to install?
Workgroup, Standard or Enterprise?

- Paul

- If at first you don't succeed, find out if the loser gets anything.

 

[ptheriault]

Take a look here too for some advise.

http://www.microsoft.com/technet/prodtechnol/sql/bestpractice/storage-top-10.mspx

- Paul

- If at first you don't succeed, find out if the loser gets anything.

 

[MDXer]

I had an indepth tech call with Intel in regards to the new processors, these were 64 bit systems. The difference between the Dual Socket Quad core versus Dual Socket Dual core is significant. Were the difference became fuzzy and came down to "You need to test it and see which is best" is Dual Socket Quad Cores versus Dual Socket Dual Cores.

The last server I speced the difference in cost between Quad and Dual core servers was minimal.

Paul
---------------------------------------
Shoot Me! Shoot Me NOW!!!
- Daffy Duck

 

[pinkpanther56]

Hi all thanks for the input.

We will probably be going with SQL standard. Paul that disk setup looks like it's going to be a bit out of our budget range, we are a college and will be limited to about $4000 for the hardware. With that budget in mind do you have an alternative suggestion or could we acheive that within this budget?

We'll probably be limited to a couple of dual core processors as well.

Thanks.

 

[ptheriault]

For 4,000.00 you may be stuck with a mirror C: and a RAID 5 D: for everything else. That's not you best option for performance but it will get the job done.

- Paul

- If at first you don't succeed, find out if the loser gets anything.

 

[pinkpanther56]

Ok i'll look into that cheers.

 

[mrdenny]

You should also review this FAQ for setting up your disk arrays faq962-5747.

Denny
MCSA (2003) / MCDBA (SQL 2000)
MCTS (SQL 2005 / Microsoft Windows SharePoint Services 3.0: Configuration / Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007: Configuration)
MCITP Database Administrator (SQL 2005) / Database Developer (SQL 2005)

--Anything is possible. All it takes is a little research. (Me)

http://www.mrdenny.com