Computer for SQL Server 2008 R2
I have a normal computer running SQL Server 2008 R2. 3 other computers in the office access the server.
Would I benefit from actually putting this on a real "server" instead of a normal computer?
Would I benefit from actually putting this on a real "server" instead of a normal computer?
I would say unless you are seeing performance issues that you are not happy with leave it as it is.
That depends on the components in your 'normal' computer.
What usually helps boost performance with sql is if the database files are moved to another harddrive than the one the OS is installed on and by increasing the RAM memory.
Now whether or not you should change the hardware of your existing 'normal' computer or investing in a separate server class computer is up to you. Usually the cost of increasing the RAM and buying another harddrive for your 'normal' computer is less than buying a completely new server.
Also worth noting is that three people accessing a SQL database shouldn't require very heavy hardware.
What usually helps boost performance with sql is if the database files are moved to another harddrive than the one the OS is installed on and by increasing the RAM memory.
Now whether or not you should change the hardware of your existing 'normal' computer or investing in a separate server class computer is up to you. Usually the cost of increasing the RAM and buying another harddrive for your 'normal' computer is less than buying a completely new server.
Also worth noting is that three people accessing a SQL database shouldn't require very heavy hardware.
Some thigs to consider:
1.Does your sql server PC have RAID?
If not,if the harddisk crashes,all your sql server data will get lost.
You may be having backups in another drive in anticipation of this -But still,there will be downtime in time used in re-installing windows and sql and restoring the databases.
Really the question is -is your data critical?
Can you risk data loss or risk downtime?
A server typically comes configured with RAID in swappable hard disks...if one fails,you just remove it ,but another one and replace -no downtime or dataloss.
2.Performance:A high end PC ,say core 2 duo 2.5 GHz with 4GB RAM can be used as SQL Server PC and will handle the load for medium sized databases with a few dozen users.
As long as you Do not make it a domain controller or a sharepoint server,it will handle the load pretty well.
1.Does your sql server PC have RAID?
If not,if the harddisk crashes,all your sql server data will get lost.
You may be having backups in another drive in anticipation of this -But still,there will be downtime in time used in re-installing windows and sql and restoring the databases.
Really the question is -is your data critical?
Can you risk data loss or risk downtime?
A server typically comes configured with RAID in swappable hard disks...if one fails,you just remove it ,but another one and replace -no downtime or dataloss.
2.Performance:A high end PC ,say core 2 duo 2.5 GHz with 4GB RAM can be used as SQL Server PC and will handle the load for medium sized databases with a few dozen users.
As long as you Do not make it a domain controller or a sharepoint server,it will handle the load pretty well.
ASKER
I do have performance issues, but I think they might be more related to the software (eBay Blackthorne), rather than the server.
I do not have RAID, but do have backups available and downtime would not be critical.
I do not have RAID, but do have backups available and downtime would not be critical.
Post the specs of the machine, processor type and speed memory type and size of hard drives etc... we could probably give some suggestions.
ASKER
HP Pavilion P6000 Series
AMD Athlon II X4 640 Processor 3.00 GHz
8.00 GB RAM
- not sure of speed. Any way to check this w/o opening the machine?
64 bit Windows 7
AMD Athlon II X4 640 Processor 3.00 GHz
8.00 GB RAM
- not sure of speed. Any way to check this w/o opening the machine?
64 bit Windows 7
ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION
membership
This solution is only available to members.
To access this solution, you must be a member of Experts Exchange.
If you database is below 50GB, you may add a SSD (Example: OCZ Vertex 2 120GB $175) in your P6000 case and move all database files on it.
Although, did you follow the minimum Win2008 tuning suggested in the below Microsoft article ?
Performance Tuning Guidelines for Windows Server 2008 R2
Although, did you follow the minimum Win2008 tuning suggested in the below Microsoft article ?
Performance Tuning Guidelines for Windows Server 2008 R2