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hardware configuration

  • September 19, 2006 at 6:35 am

    #170278

    Hi folks!

    I need a little advice.

    Our company is planning to buy a new database server.

    The hardware configuration would be:

    HP Proliant series server with 2 Intel Xeon Dual core 64 bit processors (upgradable up to 4), 8 GB Ram:

    4 x 2GB 667Mhz DDR2 PC2-5300 Registered FB DIMMs,

    2 x 36.4GB Pluggable SAS SFF 10,000 rpm Universal Hard Drive for OS (RAID1),

    3 x 72.8GB Pluggable SAS SFF 10,000 rpm Universal Hard Drive for sql database(RAID5).

    I have one little dilemma with OS and SQL server product alternative. Should we buy windows 2003 server x86 or 64-bit ? And the same question for SQL server - MSSQL Server 2005 x86 or 64-bit ?

    What would be the best configuration ?

    1. W2K3 Standart with MSSQL 2005 both x86 versions

    2. W2K3 Standart x64 with MSSQL 2005 x64-bit, or

    3. W2K3 Standart x86 with MSSQL 2005 x64-bit version ?

    Please help !

  • September 19, 2006 at 7:18 am

    #661258

    I dont think option 3 is possible. I think you require a 64 bit OS to run 64 bit SQL. if you mean option 3 is 64 bit OS with 32 bit SQL

    I would go for option 2 then 3 then 1.

  • September 20, 2006 at 3:31 am

    #661434

    If you wanr to use more than 2 GB RAM with x86 you need the /3GB option and/or AWE support.

    I think the best configuration is 2

  • September 20, 2006 at 5:43 am

    #661456

    Always go full 64bit if you have that option. I've seen postings that suggest running 32bit SQL on 64bit o/s has a few performance issues ( why you'd want to go this route I can't understand but... )

    The memory management is flat in 64bit so the whole sql server benefits, I'm not sure what the memory/proc support is for w2003 std, I assume you'd go R2 ? You might want to check that first. SQL std 64bit has no memory limits.

    [font="Comic Sans MS"]The GrumpyOldDBA[/font]
    www.grumpyolddba.co.uk
    http://sqlblogcasts.com/blogs/grumpyolddba/

  • September 20, 2006 at 6:55 am

    #661471

    Thanx,

    I read something on microsoft page about system requirements, and I found something.

    SQL 2005 standart x86 is limited up to 4 GB Ram, the x64 version has no limitation.

    For a little imagination, server has this hardware config:

    - Rack ProLiant ML570 G4 Xeon 7130M (3200-8MB/800) Dual Core (2P, HP Backplane, 4GB)

    - Slimline DVD R/RW Drive (8x) Option Kit

    - 2 x 36.4GB Pluggable SAS SFF 10,000 rpm Universal Hard Drive (RAID1 - system)

    - 3 x 72.8GB Pluggable SAS SFF 10,000 rpm Universal Hard Drive (RAID5 - database)

    - UPS T1500 G2 (Intl)

    - PX849AA HP L1706 17" LCD Monitor

    - SERVER KEYBOARD INTL(Carbon) UK

    OEM MS Windows Srv Std 2003 R2a 64Bit x64 EngCD 1-4CPU+5 Clt

    MOL NL MS SQL Svr Standard Edtn 2005 x64 English

  • September 21, 2006 at 7:27 am

    #661722

    I would have to suggest also to check with the software vendors (if any) who are utilizing the databases that will be running on this server.  I may be way out in left field here and everything you run is proprietary but if not and you have 5 or 6 different databases with 5 or 6 different pieces of software running in your company then check with them to make sure thier databases will run in a 64-bit environment.  99% of the time its fine, but i would rather be safe and check with the software vendors first.

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